2006 Mercedes B-Class Preview

As with so many brands competing for the young family market, the seats fold in more ways than a contortionist getting

The B-Class is strictly 21st-century Mercedes without looking like anything seen before on this side of the Atlantic. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

into a suitcase. This variety of configurations means you can fit everything from long, skinny objects to wide and tall appliances, although I wouldn't recommend hauling your Sub-Zero fridge back from Sears.

What I find truly impressive is its design, which is strictly 21st-century Mercedes without looking like anything seen before on this side of the Atlantic, or at least anything driven. Its purposeful utility is almost overshadowed by its distinctive creases, flares and bulges, all tidily tucked into a very fluid, yet pointed design. Despite being taller and

The B-Class is a very European design, a theme which many carmakers seem afraid to bring to North America. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

shorter (lengthwise) than most cars we're used to seeing here, the teardrop shape does not come across as bulbous and ungainly, thanks in part to a very dramatic and defining crease running from the front fender flare all the way back to the top of the taillights.

This is a very European design, which many carmakers seem very afraid to bring to North America. Still, we will soon be seeing more of such shapes in the future, what, with the next generation of VW Golf, which will match the Jetta now, and upcoming Saturn products (which will soon come to be known as "SaVauxhOpelturn", but that's definitely a story for a different column).