The trouble with being wealthy is that it’s so danged expensive.

But there are options for customers determined to grasp the bottom rungs of the climb up to prosperity.

Namely, the entry-level models of the premium brands, offering a little prestige for a more affordable price.

Take the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, for example.

Initially launched in Canada in 2005, despite concerns from the canapÈ crowd that Mercedes was somehow “diminishing the brand” by allowing the hoi-polloi entry, the B-Class has sold over 8,400 models in this country, 350,000 vehicles world-wide.

The B-Class starts at $29,900, about $6,000 less than the next level up in the lineup, the C-Class sedans. On this continent, the B-Class is only available in Canada and Mexico. This is supposedly due to the fact that Americans, historically having more spending money than us, “didn’t need” a cheaper Mercedes. Well, that might have changed over the past year but, for whatever reason, I think they are missing out.

Because the B-Class brings a unique blend of attributes and attitude - sporty coupe-like styling in a compact car-sized package, along with the combined passenger and payload spaciousness of a tall wagon or small SUV.

I don’t know whether to call it a crossover, or tall wagon hatchback, a really mini minivan or an MPV. But Mercedes labels it a Compact Sport Tourer, actually an enlarged evolution of Europe’s A-Class and sort of a smaller version of the Benz R-Series.

Regardless of its name or category, its mix of panache and practicality has been bolstered for 2009 with a refreshed attention to detail, inside and out. Up front, the facelift begins with a new grille, a new hood and a new bumper that emphasizes the larger air intake below.

The rear also features a new rear bumper with a load sill guard, a revised tailgate handle and a broader back window that is curved around the edges.

The B-Class comes in a two trim level selection - B200 and B200 Turbo - based on the two choices of powertrains.

The base B200 offers a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder that makes 134 hp at 5750 rpm and 136 ft/lb of torque at 3500-4000 rpm. It can be mated to the standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional AUTOTRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). I’ve driven this engine in the past and it makes respectable power with a relatively thrifty fuel economy rating of 9.2/6.7L/100km (city/hwy) (manual).

But my tester this time was a 2009 B200 Turbo. Its turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four boasts an impressive 193 hp at 5000 rpm and 206 ft/lb of torque anywhere in between 1800 - 4850 rpm. There’s a very nice, linear surge of power when you plant the pedal and the B200 Turbo issues forth with little fanfare - a firm press into the seat back, a bit of a power moan, not much turbo whine or drama, but with invigorating energy.

Whether that boost in power is worth the boost in cost (an extra $5,500 over the normally aspirated B200) will depend solely on the driver’s priorities - performance or price practicality.

The B200 Turbo feels spirited and nimble.

Its 1395 kg (3075 lbs) curb weight is not too porky, comparing favourably with tall wagons like the Mazda5 and Vibe/Matrix. I had the added benefit of an optional $1,500 B200 Turbo Sport Package and the included sport suspension and AMG 17-inch, five-spoke alloy rims certainly didn’t hurt the dynamic performance.

A six-speed manual transmission comes standard but this test vehicle featured the $1,500 optional AUTOTRONIC continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Flat out acceleration will raise the tachometer to around 5,000 rpms, not quite up to the 6000 rpm redline, and the engine will hold that level until the vehicle catches up, so to speak.

Drivers in a playful mood can nudge the transmission through programmed rev points, “virtual gears”, if you will. But the unique attributes of a CVT, constantly providing an altering and ideal gear ratio, also lends itself to fuel economy, the turbo engine paying very little in the way of a penalty for the extra power compared to the base vehicle. Fuel economy with the pairing of turbo engine and CVT earns a rating of 9.5/7.4L/100km (city/hwy). My personal combined average hovered around 9.5L/100km but it’s possible that I might have been bent more on fun than frugality.

Slip inside the B200 Turbo and you slide into a seating position that feels high with a good vantage point, the result of the patented sandwich principle pioneered in the A-Class and centre-piece of the roominess and safety concept in the B-Class. Almost 70 per cent of the B200’s body length is available for the occupants and their luggage. And by arranging the engine and transmission in an inclined position partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell, any crash deformation would force the drive unit downwards instead of into the cabin.

As you sit and look around the B200 interior, you come to the root of the reason to buy into the entry-level of a prestige brand like this - the ambiance and elegance, the tactile and visual pleasures, the aroma of a premium brand interior.

Again, my tester had been pushed a little above the norm with an optional panoramic lamella sunroof that, whether closed or louvered open, benefits the already airy and open cabin.

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz design team upgraded the interior of the B-Class with a new upholstery fabric and a new seat cushion design. The interior door linings are covered in a new fabric trim. Unique, although I’m curious how well it will wear over time. With the sports package, the side seat bolsters are trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather.

It’s a comfortable cabin with excellent room for the young family, 544 litres of cargo space expanding to 1530 litres with the second row folded, and I think the tall wagon architecture and rear room would especially lend itself to people with pets.

I haven’t even touched on all the available climate control, audio and infotainment features but those can easily be checked out at the Mercedes-Benz website.

Or, better yet, experienced first-hand with a test drive.

A good way to get a taste of Euro-styled luxury and premium appointments in an entry to a prestige brand.

And, with Mercedes-Benz holding the line at last year’s prices, at a comparatively affordable cost.

MERCEDES-BENZ B200 TURBO 2009 AT A GLANCE

BODY STYLE: five-door, compact sport tourer

DRIVE METHOD: front engine, front-wheel-drive

ENGINE: 2.0-litre four-cylinder inline turbocharged (193 hp, 206 lb/ft)

FUEL ECONOMY: 9.5/7.4L/100km (city/hwy).

PRICE: $34,400; as tested $39,375

WEB SITE: mercedes-benz.ca

Cutline - The 2009 Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo, offering entry-level luxury, spirited turbo-powered performance and surprising passenger and payload roominess in a nimble and tall compact package.

Cutline interior - Fit and finish, the combination of leather and fabric surfaces, chrome and aluminum highlights culminate in a revised-for-2009 ergonomic and handsome interior.

Cutline engine - The B200 Turbo harnesses a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder boasting an impressive 193 hp at 5000 rpm and 206 ft/lb of torque from anywhere in between 1800 - 4850 rpm.

Cutline panoramic - An optional panoramic lamella roof, available for $1,500, adds light to the interior and opens with the front louver tilting up for wind deflection, the rear four louvres sliding back into a stacked, tilted position.

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