The little German people-mover gets
some updates for its anniversary
Among the smaller Mercedes cars you can
buy, the A-Class hatchback gets all the press, being the heralder of what is
becoming the German auto maker’s new ouvre. Comparatively speaking, it’s more
conventional-looking twin, the B-Class gets no love at all. Sure, you do see
them occasionally on the roads, but far less than the A, and quite
understandably. With modest engines and specifications, stand-out looks are
what’s left to attract buyers. The B doesn’t have them.
The
Mercedes-Benz B-Class B 180 CDI Edition 1 is a visual standout from every
angle, inside and out
Nevertheless, for the one year anniversary since
the A and B went on sale, Mercedes India have announced “Edition 1” variants
for both cars with a few added bits and bobs and two decals on the side skirts.
The Edition 1 is only available with a diesel engine. Let’s face it, you’d have
to be a bit silly to buy the more expensive petrol when the diesel has more
torque, similar real world performance and equipment.
Solidly
built cabin feels rich and premium
The B 180 CDI Edition 1 retains the
2.2-litre diesel engine of the usual ‘Style’ variant with its 107bhp peak power
and 250Nm of torque. The sedate performance of the engine, given that it’s over
two litres in capacity, is surprising. The VW Polo GT diesel engine delivers
the same figures from a 1.6. Consequently, highway performance A is acceptable
but not storming. The engine sounded noisy even inside the cabin, but it’s not
a deal-breaker. Interestingly, the B-Class comes with a 7G-DCT dual-clutch
gearbox. Shifts are quick on the upshift, but less so coming down. Sport mode
quickens the shifts and holds revs, making progress sprightly.
Blacked-out
ORVMs and discreet badging on door sills separate the Edition 1 from the
regular B-Class
The B-Class is a small people-mover, so one
wouldn’t expect dynamic handling. However, it proved to be an able handler on
the highway with enough poke to overtake most vehicles and planted enough for
multiple quick lane changes. Mercedes have tweaked the suspension package on
the Edition 1 vehicles to raise ride height slightly. The tyres are quite high
in profile, making for a comfy ride. Additions to this new variant are mostly
on the inside, with a sunroof, rear parking camera, rear seat entertainment
system, front passenger electric seat adjustment and a rear centre arm rest
among other cosmetic touches outside. One would expect trivial items such as
the parking camera to be standard, but evidently they weren’t, making the
Edition 1 a much nicer package overall.
The
2.2-litre engine makes 107bhp and 250Nm of torque, which is about the same as a
1.6-litre VW Polo GT
The B-Class is small, solid, practical and
comfortable, but ultimately lacks the pizzazz of it’s sibling, the A-Class. The
Edition 1 adds a few creature comforts that round out the package.
