Mercedes B-Class vs Citroen C4 Picasso & VW Golf SV

Buyers of family cars have never had it so good. Whether you’re after a hatchback, estate, crossover or SUV, there’s something for every taste and budget. Yet, versatile MPVs are still the kings of spacious family transport.

The latest model to join the fray is the freshly facelifted Mercedes B-Class. Featuring sharper looks, an upgraded interior and lower running costs, the upmarket five-seater has its sights firmly set on the top of the class.

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It’s tested here in B 220 CDI Sport 4MATIC guise, but it’s got to be something truly special to rival our reigning MPV champ, the boldly styled Citroen C4 Picasso. The French car is spacious, refined, comfortable, hugely desirable – particularly in flagship 2.0 HDi Exclusive+ guise – and loaded with intelligent kit.

Completing the line-up is the Volkswagen Golf SV, which promises to match the Mercedes for upmarket appeal and deliver the same slick driving experience and desirable image as the smaller Golf hatch. So, which of our versatile trio wins this space race?

• Mercedes B-Class review

• Citroen C4 Picasso review

• Volkswagen Golf SV review

Follow the links above to read individual reviews, and scroll down to find out which family-friendly MPV comes out on top...

Head-to-head

Seating

When it comes to cabin versatility, the Picasso takes some beating. Unlike its rivals here, it has three individual rear seats that can slide and recline independently.

Used - available now

2022 BMW

i3

37,150 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £10,295

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2020 Peugeot

2008

37,220 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,999

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2026 Renault

Symbioz

5,814 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £21,950

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2018 Volvo

V40 Cross Country

87,490 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £7,495

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More importantly for growing families, each features an Isofix mounting (above) – which means the C4’s bench will accommodate a trio of baby seats. The seats can also be folded flat in a single movement, creating a smooth and cavernous 1,851-litre load area.

Practical touches

Our cars have a number of family friendly touches. The Merc comes with a collapsible plastic crate stored under the boot floor, while the VW’s flock-lined door bins stop items rattling around. The C4 leads the way with a conversation mirror, rechargeable torch and hidden storage in the footwells.

Gearboxes

The Merc and VW have seven and six-speed twin-clutch gearboxes respectively. A torque-convertor auto option for the C4 2.0 HDi has recently been introduced, too.

The Citroen’s six-speed unit costs an extra £1,000 and hikes the CO2 emissions of Exclusive+ models from 105g/km to 120g/km.

Verdict

1st place: Citroen C4 Picasso

Once again, the Picasso emerges as our winner. Not only is it daringly designed, lavishly equipped and solidly built, it’s more spacious than its rivals here and bursting with family friendly features. It’s also comfortable, refined and hugely relaxing to be behind the wheel of. Plus, the 2.0-litre HDi serves up a strong blend of great real-world performance and low running costs. 

2nd place: VW Golf SV

If you want a Golf with a little more space, then you won’t go wrong with the SV. Featuring impeccable build quality, composed driving dynamics and a roomy interior, it’ll suit most growing families down to the ground. However, we can’t help feeling that Volkswagen has been a little conservative with the SV, as it could have added more versatile touches.  

3rd place: Mercedes B-Class

The revised B-Class is a premium choice, but its spacious cabin and boot make it more practical than standard hatchbacks. Yet the Merc doesn’t pack enough clever touches to stand out from the MPV crowd. Also counting against its are the clattery diesel and clunky twin-clutch transmission. And while the two-wheel-drive version is close to the SV on price, it’s not as well equipped.

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