[toggle title_open=”Car specifications” title_closed=”Car specifications” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Price: $57,900
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder, 115kW, 250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel economy: 5.9 litres/100km
Emissions: 137g/km CO2 (Euro 5)
Equipment: A good suite of goodies in base model can be extended by a bunch of optional packages
Safety: Five-star crash rating
Factory warranty: Three year/unlimited kilometres[/toggle]
Here’s the thing about the new B-Class: although there are four models, a diesel and three petrols, starting at $49,900, there are also various equipment packages. If you let your ticking fingers run amok, you can soon add 10 grand or more to the price. There’s a Sports Package, a sexy looking Night Package, a Vision Package that includes a huge sunroof, a multimedia COMAND package, a Driving Assistance Package and a Night Assistance Package (that, ironically, contracts to “nap”). Dealers were happy to get this Generation-2 B-Class after years of living with the earlier version that was so anonymous even the salesmen seemed to fail to remember it. Mercedes said at its introduction in 2012 that no model change in the company’s history saw so many new developments introduced in one go. Everything was new, including sales expectations. New engines, new technology, new gizmos and most of all, a new gearbox as Mercedes swum against the tide, dumped the CVT and went with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. What a cracker the gearbox is, either left on its own or worked via paddles. The B’s a swift car, no matter which engine is chosen, and handles and rides well, although enthusiasts will want the Sport setup. The interior is nicely laid out and fitted. It will immediately appeal to those who carry a full complement of passengers, or lots of luggage. The designers have jumped through all sorts hoops to bring down fuel consumption. The petrol engines are the first of a new direct injection series; the new diesel a development of the OM651 in the C- Class and others.
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Good features
Roomy and well designed
Not so good
Less costs more
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[box type=”tick” size=”large” style=”rounded”]Rating 8/10[/box]