Benz B200 minivan almost alone in class

JIM KENZIE/FOR THE TORONTO STAR

Mercedes-Benz's B-class minivan starts off at an affordable $29,900 for the 2 L equipped model. A 193 hp turbo 2 L model starts at $34,400.

JIM KENZIE

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

“I need more road tests!” said Mr. Editor.

“And not high-end cars like Mercedes-Benz or Porsche — unless you can get one of your kids to crash them; that always increases readership.

“But where are the Dodges?” he moaned. “Where are the affordable cars?” probably reflecting the wishes of at least some of said readership.

Well, I can’t help him out with crashes — call me old-fashioned, but when my kids were under-age, they never so much as sat in the test cars unattended, let alone were given the keys.

As to the rest of his request, how about an affordable Mercedes-Benz?

Understand that “affordable” is a relative term because the compact B-class, a mini-er minivan, has a base MSRP of $29,900, which means you can get behind the three-pointed star for less than the average transaction price for a new car in Canada these days.

I think that qualifies as “affordable.”

Now, the one I tested listed at over $37,000. That would be your turbo model — some people just aren’t prepared to arrive at their destination a few seconds later.

The B-class is what’s known as a two-box car: one box for engine, one for people and stuff.

This configuration makes the most of the vehicle’s footprint by maximizing the free dimension, which is height.

The B-class’s closest competitor is probably the Mazda5. Park them side-by-each, pry off the