Although Mercedes’ B-Class is a relative newbie on the world stage, just three years after its debut, Stuttgart has already rolled out a facelifted version its compact MPV.For the facelifted B-Class, Mercedes’ engineers turned their attention to achieving a smaller carbon footprint – resulting in a focus on environmental compatibility and economic efficiency. Thanks to advances in engine technology, the four-cylinder engines burn up to seven percent less fuel than before, and undercuts the current EU emissions limit by as much as 90 percent.
The restyled front end lends the B-Class a more purposeful appearance, primarily due to the use of the broad tri-fin radiator grille, first used on the Avantgarde spec C-Class models. Other exterior improvements include a new front bumper that emphasises the large air intake, bi-xenon headlamps, a restyled bonnet and a chrome tailgate handle. The exterior mirror housings, door handles and side skirt panels are now colour-coded on all models.
The B-Class range still offers a choice of three four-cylinder powerplants, one direct-injection diesel unit and two petrol engines. The B170’s 1,7-litre petrol unit delivers 85 kW at 5 500 r/min and 155 N.m of torque at 3 500 r/min while the 2,0-litre turbocharged powerplant in the B 200 Turbo produces 142 kW at 5 000 r/min and 280 N.m of torque from 1800 r/min to 4 850 r/min. The B200 CDI features a two-litre oil-burner that develops 103 kW at 5 200 r/min and 300 N.m of torque from 1 600 r/min to 3 000 r/min.
The interior appointments include new upholstery fabric for the seat cushions and side bolsters are covered in Artico man-made leather (standard on the B 200 Turbo and B200 CDI). Brushed aluminium trim frames the centre console, gearshift lever and also appears in the door panelling. The use of recycled plastics and natural materials like flax, cotton, coconut fibre, wood veneer and fibres from the abaca banana again highlight the B-Class’s environmental focus.
Safety features comprise two-stage front airbags, head/thorax sidebags, seatbelt tensioners for the front and outer rear seats, Isofix child seat mountings, belt force limiters and active head restraints in front, and crash responsive emergency lighting to complement the standard fitment of flashing brake lights, ABS, EBD and ESP – resulting in a five star rating in the European NCAP test programme.
Motorists who despise parallel parking will be delighted to know that (as an option) the B-Class can also be fitted with the new active parking assist programme. At speeds below 35 km/h, ultrasonic sensors scan the zones to the immediate left and right of the car and recognises a potential parking space by measuring the length and depth of the available spot. When the driver engages reverse and presses the accelerator, the active parking assist takes care over all steering manoeuvres.
Infotainment systems include Audio 20 and the optional Comand APS, both incorporating a dual-tuner radio, colour display, Bluetooth interface, CD player, automatic volume adjustment and a connection for external audio devices in the glove compartment. The Audio 50 system features a DVD-based navigation system and DVD player, while the range-topping Comand APS offers an even faster HDD navigation system, a slot for SD memory cards as well as an enhanced version of the company’s Linguatronic voice control system.
Optional extras include a fixed panoramic glass roof with a grey tinted pane and Sports package which incorporates a radiator grille in matte silver with chrome trim strips and 17-inch “five-twin” spoke wheels wrapped in 215/45/17 tyres.
Pricing
Mercedes-Benz B170 R253 000
Mercedes-Benz B200 Turbo R303 000
Mercedes-Benz B200 CDI R308 000
The MobiloDrive 120 maintenance plan is standard on all Mercedes-Benz passenger car models.
