New B Class is freshened and improved

The Mercedes B Class original has been around for a number of years but has recently been freshened up with a redesign of the exterior and modifications to the interior, as well as an improved price/value ratio. The new generation B-Class is, according to Mercedes, a Compact Sports Tourer, which in terms of size and price is positioned between the A-class and the C-class. It's really just another form of the now familiar MPV. The test car was the diesel powered B180 CDI fitted with the optional automatic gearbox. The growth in the popularity of diesel engines continues, but our European neighbours buy many more diesel cars than petrol per head of population than we in Ireland, primarily because we seem to have associated diesel with agricultural machinery, vans and lorries but not luxury cars. Well two things have changed. Today's diesel technology is so advanced we now see super smooth diesel engines powering some of the top of the range luxury cars and where before you never saw diesel in a small car, today you do. Furthermore with tax changes, the low emission diesels such as this one are even more appealing. First Impressions They have done well on the style of the new B-Class. In a lot of ways it looks like a much larger version of the new A-Class, but closer examination reveals quite a different overall style that is smart indeed. Mercedes are after a young audience with this car and the style should appeal to that type of family buyer: it's sporty and trendy! Slip inside the new B-Class and it's immediately obvious that this is a true Mercedes and the driver of an E-Class would recognise most of the switchgear, audio and ventilation controls. In true Teutonic fashion the dashboard is a model of ergonomic excellence. Each switch and button is placed well for safety and ease of use. The driving position was just right and the little bit of extra height over a normal hatchback gives a commanding view of the road. The level of standard equipment on even the entry model is good: front, window and side airbags, active head restraints, ISOFIX, seatbelt pretensioners, ABS, BAS, ESP, ASR, multifunction steering controls, electric front windows, remote locking and immobiliser and a single slot, MP3 compatible CD player. Performance. The B180 CDI is powered by a four-cylinder 109bhp diesel engine mated to a six-speed gearbox or (as in the test car) the optional automatic transmission. Top speed is claimed at around 185kmh and the zero to 100kmh dash takes around 11 seconds. Overall performance is good. There's plenty of mid-range punch and as with all diesels, bags of low-end torque. Of more interest in a car such as this is the 158g/km emissions, which means the B-Class costs €430 per year to tax and on average burns just 6.7 litres of diesel per 100km. So all good news except for one thing. This diesel is rather coarse, and at idle even transmits quite a bit of vibration into the cabin, something that really is not acceptable nowadays. Its rivals don't suffer this vice. Road Behaviour The new B-Class handles well. It is surefooted and stable under all road conditions and corners better than most other hatchback rivals. The ride is generally good, though at times it can feel a little bit firm over some road imperfections. Noise levels are commendably low - the car is surprisingly refined, and there is minimal noise in all areas. Accommodation is impressive and provides plenty of room for four adults. The boot is of good proportions. A variety of seating configurations, including folding all the rear seats flat creates great loading flexibility. Verdict The new generation B-Class is a fine car but neither is it revolutionary in any way. It's a stylish MPV, that is well built, has sporting overtones and carries a prestigious badge. It offers great flexibility with all the benefits of a modern hatchback but with some of the added virtues of a mid-sized MPV. In addition it's nice to drive, looks well and carries the prestige associated with the three pointed star. The lack of refinement of the diesel engine is a disappointment though. It would make an enticing alternative to cars such as Renault Scenic or Opel Zafira. The diesel version is frugal and the new range starts at €28,980. The model tested, the B Class 180 CDI auto, costs €30,005.