This is the lowest emission version of the new B-class, putting out
115g/km of CO2 in six-speed manual form. With this new four-cylinder
109bhp 1.8 litre turbodiesel it offers stoutly practical performance to
go with it.
The B-class now rides on a new platform intended to provide
much-improved dynamics, while a generous complement of safety features –
including radar-controlled collision avoidance – and a fresh interior
of noticeably higher quality improve its appeal. An impressively low
drag coefficient of 0.26 endows it with a higher-than-average top speed
too, besides helping its economy
See all the test pictures of the Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI SE
What’s it like?
The new 108bhp turbodiesel is an agreeable engine, revving
uncomplainingly to well beyond 4000rpm while providing its best efforts
much lower down scale from 1400rpm. It’s a brisk lugger, and works well
with the new, slick-shifting manual transmission whose ultra-compact
casing affords the B-class a tighter than average turning circle. The
clutch can be a bit sudden if you aren’t deft with it, however.
Deft is a word that you can just about use to describe the B’s
handling now, the new chassis much more understeer resistant and even
allowing you to tighten your line should with some mid-bend throttle
trimming. The brakes are strong too, and this coupled with a far more
pliant ride (if the car is on standard 17in rubber) makes the B-class a
more satisfactory long-distance machine than it was before, even if it’s
hardly sporting.
A more appealingly sculpted cabin (the new air-vents are particularly
pleasing) and impressive room for four further burnish this car’s
long-distance credentials, although it drops points when it comes to
versatility with a barely adequate seat for a fifth occupant, a boot
smaller than before and nowhere near the versatility of some rivals,
especially as the rear seat’s sliding facility is optional.
Should I buy one?
This B-class is the pick of the bunch if you do big mileages – it
mixes good economy with adequate performance that suits the quietly
refined and rather unexciting nature of this car. This B-class is a more
complete and more accomplished car than the previous version,
particularly in terms of dynamics, but it is not as versatile as several
of the offering from non-premium rivals, all of which cost less. But if
it’s a B-class that you want, this is likely to be the version that
makes most sense.
Richard Bremner
Mercedes B180 CDI SE
Price as tested: £22,060; Top speed: 118mph; 0-62mph: 10.4sec;
Economy: 64.0mpg; Co2: 115g/km; Kerbweight: 1475kg; Engine type: in-line
turbodiesel four, 1796cc; Power: 108bhp at 3200-4600rpm; Torque: 184lb
ft from 1400-2800rpm; Gearbox: six-speed manual
source: www.autocar.co.uk
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