On sale now with deliveries starting in November, the new model offers three diesel models including the B180 CDI, which in ECO form offers CO2 emissions of 94g/km and official combined fuel consumption of 78.5mpg.

There are also two petrol engines with emissions from 125g/km and official combined fuel consumption up to 52.3mpg.

The new model is also marked out for including an alternative drive version. Based on the B-Class's modular ENERGY SPACE body concept, which uses the underbody to house the lithium-ion battery, the Electric Drive model offers the same level of boot space.

Developed in partnership with Tesla, the electric motor offers 177bhp and 251lb.ft of torque, with a claimed 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 99mph.

The model also offers a more extensive version of the Mercedes connect me services via "connect.mercedes.me". This enables the driver to remotely check on the current charging level of the lithium-ion battery and current vehicle range as well as preheat or precool the vehicle ready for a specified departure time.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system will now be sold on more models, with emissions for the B200 CDI 4MATIC starting at around 130g CO2/km instead of over 150g CO2/km for the B220 4MATIC as previously.

The latest B-Class also receives an updated design, with a new bumper, revised grille and integrated daytime running lamps in the headlamps. Inside, changes include a larger, free-standing head unit display as well as new options such as Keyless-Go along with new driver assistance systems, such as Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which extends the functionality of Collision Prevention Assist with autonomous partial braking to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

Prices start from £22,575.00 OTR for the B180 manual.