It's difficult to say if the new Mercedes-Benz B-class is good value for money, as its rivals are not so clear-cut. As with
the Mazda5, the B-class is tagged a MAV (Multi-Activity Vehicle), yet it has just five seats. The MAV name comes from its tremendous flexibility over most regular five-door hatchbacks, and in effect it should compete directly with the likes of the Ford Focus C-Max.
There is an essential difference between the B-class and more mainstream cars such as the C-Max and Mazda5: the three-pointed star on the bonnet. The B-class is the first premium MAV on the market, still managing to have more cachet about it than the
VW Touran et al, which may explain the premium price.
The B-class range is extensive, and we suggest you use the official
Mercedes-Benz UK website to work through the various options and price points. In summary, the range starts with the B150 (1.5-litre, 95bhp) at £16,995 rising to £22,795 for the rather more promising B200 Turbo with its 2-litre turbocharged unit pushing out 136bhp through a six-speed manual gearbox. In between are the B170 and B200 petrol versions, which are fitted with a five-speed manual as standard. The diesel options are B180 CDI and B200 CDI, both fitted with six-speed manual gearboxes. The only automatic option appears to be a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as a £1,390 option on all models.
Equipment levels are actually quite generous throughout the range, with all models gaining air conditioning and a wealth of safety equipment, including what Mercedes terms 'Steer Control.' In the event of a slide, the power steering system reduces the resistance in the direction the driver should steer to recover the slide, and increases resistance in the other direction. We look forward to trying this innovative system out for ourselves when we get behind the wheel of a B-class later this year. Keep an eye on the
Mercedes-Benz section of the main Road Tests page for our review.
Shane O' Donoghue - 15 Jul 2005