Merc gets B for beauty

From the unique sportiness of the SLS, to the versatility of the ML or the practicality of the C-Class, they all elicit wishful glances.

The B-Class is not exactly at the top of a prospective buyer's list of hotties, but Mercedes-Benz hopes, with the launch of the new generation, that things will change.

As chief executive of the group in South Africa, Dr Martin Zimmermann put it at the launch in KwaZulu-Natal last week: "It's time to go on the offensive in the premium compact car segment."

What is it?

This is the second generation of the B-Class and will be available in four derivatives - the B180, B200 and two diesels in the B180 CDI and B200 CDI.

Mercedes-Benz is targeting a younger market, but whether the new looks of the vehicle will have the yuppies forking out upwards of R300k remains to be seen.

How does it look:

There is no doubt this is a good car. Actually a very good car.

But my question is: where does it really fit in?

It has different styles blended into one and, as we know, what works in Europe doesn't always work for the South African market.

There are elements of a sportscar with its lower centre of gravity (it is 5cm lower than its predecessor), spicy wheels and free-flowing contours. There is a hint of an Estate, with its sloping back starting from the middle pillars and reasonable enough boot space.

There is also a strong sedan influence when you consider how practical the vehicle is in accommodating five people comfortably.

It doesn't appear to have a strong identity - something that one would easily recognise at first glance.

Maybe for some prospective buyers, that is not a bad thing.

What cannot be questioned when it comes to the B-Class is quality and workmanship.

Mercedes-Benz has based its reputation on those traits - plus a few more - for more than 100 years, so the pedigree is there and it shines through proudly.

There are three equipment packages - Sports, Exclusive and Night .

How does it drive:

At the launch I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one petrol (B180) and one diesel (B200 CDI).

All the engines are four-cylinder with direct injection and turbocharging hooked up to either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed automatic.

It drives and handles as one would expect from a vehicle that carries the classic Merc emblem.

All of the controls are easily at hand and it takes no time to feel as if you've been behind the wheel of this vehicle for years.

Any special features:

It's worth noting the incredibly frugal fuel consumption figures Mercedes-Benz claims you will get with these vehicles.

Down by 21% from the previous models, you can expect 4.4 litres per 100km from the diesel and about 5.9 litres per 100km for the petrol.

Incredible figures, considering the engine performance and vehicle size.

A host of safety features came with the cars on launch, some standard, others optional extras. But often these don't come cheap. The radar-based collision warning system is standard, as are the attention assist, brake hold and hill hold functions. You obviously also get ABS brakes and a full house of airbags.

On the options list to add to your base price are blind spot assist and lane keeping assist, active parking assist and reverse camera.

The innovative collision warning system is designed to avoid crashes by means of visual and acoustic warnings to a possibly distracted driver.

It's worth noting that there is a run-flat instead of a full spare wheel.

This won't please everyone as you can't expect much more than 350km - and then it is consigned to the scrap heap.

Should you buy one?

There is no doubt this is a versatile vehicle and fact that one can fold the seats down flat - the front passenger seat too - opens up a number of possibilities.

The handling is great, the engine as smooth and efficient as we've come to expect from MB. But that lack of individuality in its design leaves a nagging doubt as to its desirability.

Maybe that's just me, but then again, when last did you take note of a B-Class on our roads?

Perhaps this new generation will unlock a new market with what has always been a sluggish seller in South Africa.

I just don't see it though.

The Specs:

Mercedes-Benz B 180

Engine: 1595cc four-cylinder

Power: 90kW at 5000rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 1250rpm

0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 190km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 5.91/100km (claimed/ combined)

CO2: 138g/km

Price: R299600

Mercedes-Benz B 200

Engine: 1595 four-cylinder

Power: 115kW at 5300rpm

Torque: 250Nm at 1250rpm

0-100km/h: 8.6 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 220km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 5.91/100km (claimed/ combined)

CO2: 116g/km

Price: R319600

Mercedes-Benz B 180 CDI

Engine: 1796cc four-cylinder

Power: 80kW at 3200rpm

Torque: 250Nm at 1400rpm

0-100km/h: 10.9 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 190km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 4.41/ 100km (claimed/ combined)

CO2: 116g/km

Price: R325000

Mercedes-Benz B 200 CDI

Engine: 1796cc four-cylinder

Power: 100kW at 3600rpm

Torque: 300Nm at 1600rpm

0-100km/h: 9.5 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 210km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 4.41/100km (claimed/ combined)

CO2: 116g/km

Price: R358000