Insurance Group: 13
MPG: 39.8
CO2: 173
0-62 Mph: 14.2 secs
BHP: 94 BHP
Range: 473 miles
PROS: The engine is refined, you get bags of space inside and the build quality is high.
CONS: The ride is firm, the automatic gearbox is dimwitted and the interior styling lacks innovation.
The B 160 Sport Autotronic has a 1.6 litre engine producing 95bhp. This means 0-62mph in 14.2 seconds and a top speed of 104mph. The automatic gearbox lets the car down as it is slow to shift and indecisive. The six speed manual version is a much better option.
This B-Class has come on leaps and bounds from its predecessor. Despite its size it feels agile through bends and corners, reaming very stable, with little body roll. The power steering offers lots of driver feedback. The B-Class is very refined, to the extent that there is very little wind noise and only a little tyre noise. However, the suspension is firm, making the ride a little uncomfortable.
Mercedes have built a car that rivals models such as the Ford C-MAX and the Renault Scenic. From the outside it looks very striking and upmarket, yet it still has a sporty edge. The styling, which includes lines along the sides, shows this car has flair and is a feature rarely seen on a normal people carrier. The B-Class has been sculpted into the most aerodynamic car in this class. It has also been lowered by 5cm compared to its predecessor, but without a reduction in interior space.
Inside the car, it isn’t as out there and innovative as the Ford C-MAX. The B-Class is elegant and understated in its styling, making it rather classy. There are a number of trims available, but it is advised to steer well clear of the wood effect. Its looks cheap and nasty, cheapening the elegance of the B-Class.
Kit wise you get USB connectivity, active park assistance, air-con and front and rear electric windows, 18-inch wheels with run flat tyres, sport suspension, Artico man-made leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlights, reversing camera and tinted glass. There are a number of option packs available in addition to individual options, including internet connectivity through a compatible smartphone.
The Mercedes B-Class may lack the flexibility of the Vauxhall Meriva or the Zafira, but it offers a lot of space. There is the option for an EASY-VARIO-PLUS system allowing the rear seats to slide by 140mm, increasing boot space. The boot can hold 550 litres with the seats up and 1530 litres with the seats down. Space is good in both the front and rear.
The B-Class has a new engine and gearbox so there are no facts and figures to say whether or not they are built to last. However, Mercedes' reputation for build quality continually improves across the board.
The B-Class has received a full five star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests. Safety kit includes: Collision Prevention Assist and driver, passenger, front pelvis, curtain and driver's knee airbags. There is a range of additional Equipment available for an extra cost such as blind spot detection and lane departure warning. PRE-SAFE tensions the seatbelts and closes the windows and sunroof if a crash is detected.
At £21,510, the B 160 Sport Autotronic is not the cheapest car in its class but offers relatively good value for money.
This petrol engine emits 173g/km of CO2, putting it in car tax band H, and you'll get 39.8mpg on the combined cycle. The diesel models make more sense financially, despite being more expensive, and if your budget can stretch to a diesel, you'll save money on running costs.
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