motoring

Improvement can only be a good thing,unless of course it’s a rocket thatexplodes on the launch pad or aspacesuit that leaks. It’s a directdichotomy of whether to do it or not…and if you’re going to do it, you need todo it right.Mercedes- Benz have taken a giant

leap of faith and gone for an all outimprovement with the new B Class. It’slight years ahead of the old B Class andbuilt around a new front-wheel driveplatform.This new premium compact MPV gets

off the ‘pad’ to a cracking start, as it’slower, sleeker, wider and moreaerodynamic.The new ‘Pagoda’ style roof makes a

significant contribution to the look andthe airflow. In fact Mercedes-Benz havehad a wee design nibble at the rear wheelarches too, which also helps with theaerodynamics. The interior layout isversatile and spacious, as well asmaintaining Mercedes-Benz reputationfor high-quality finishing.All the materials feel plush and the

dashboard vents get a neat SLS AMG-style touch. Although the wheelbase is atad shorter, they’ve countered this bymoving the rear seats back in the chassis

to maintain a feeling of space. It’s a quidpro quo moment as there has to betrade-off somewhere. Rear passengersare happily accommodated as thelegroom and overall space in the back isvery good. The seats are all very snugand comfy. The satellite navigation andother main functions are easilycontrolled through a rotating dial andthe Apple- iPad-style central screen.Wind and road noise is nicely muted

when you’re cruising the likes of the M5and the suspension soaks up the ‘bumpsand lumps’ which seem to colonise everyroad in the Cotswolds. All the SEmodels get 16-inch wheels as standardwhich does help with road handling. Theseven-speed automatic also comes withfast, smooth paddle shifters mounted onthe steering wheel and the Eco Stop-Start helps boost economy. The drivingposition in the new B Class is lower andsportier and with the dash dipping awayfrom you there’s a real sense of space inthe front. It’s a bit of a ‘Tardis’ effect(non-Dr Who fans are excused thisanalogy).In practical terms though you can slide

the rear bench back by up to 14cm tofree up more rear legroom or increasethe boot from 488 to 666 litres. The

front passenger seat also flattens.Handling is very good which is aided

by the new front wheel drive system.There’s not much in the way of body rolland the cornering is nicely precise. Allround a really good drive.The choice of power plants includes a

new 1.6-litre direct injection turbopetrol, which comes with 120bhp in theB180 or 154bhp in the B200. The petrolB180 version delivers 122 bhp with0-62mph reached in 10.4 and has a topspeed of 118mph. The mpg is 47.9combined.And being on the ‘hippy’ side of the

equation the CO2 gets as low as138gm/km in the diesel engine models.So the smart money is on the B 180 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY which returns awhopping 64.2 mpg combined. That’squality and value motoring in anybody’sbook.So you see a leap in the right direction

can deliver dreams. Ask any astronaut.Prices for the Mercedes-Benz B Classrange start at £21,290.

For more information please contact01452 698 061 or visit the websitewww. mercedes-benzofgloucester.co.uk

MARCH 2012 COTSWOLD STYLE � 1

one giant leap…

Eric Barton tests the all - new Mercedes-Benz B Class

CS

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