It's blindingly obvious that Merc can make great cars. So why do they continue to pussy-foot about with these models? Some of the worst cars I've ever driven - and I've driven some rubbish in my time.

What Mercedes Benz really needs is a sleek, premium, 5 door RWD hatchback to take on the A3, 1er and Golf. Oh, and drop that daft cheese-wedge of a "sport coupe" too while you're at it.

My advice for the B-Class? Strip it out and turn it into a panel van, add low-emissions diesels, transfer it to Commercial Vehicles division and market it as a lightweight delivery vehicle aimed at florists and postal couriers and the like. Pitch it against the VW Caddys and Renault Kangoos and maybe there'll be some decent money in it still...

I should charge for such pearls of wisdom.