Road Test: Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI SE

Review

Mercedes-Benz’s people carrier has had a pained from the oddball Vaneo the practical first-generation B-Class to the second-generation model now available.

it might look a little alongside mainstream rivals, the B-Class illustrates the benefit of beyond the initial purchase to work out the most cost-effective

Based on P11D value, the CDI is almost £1,400 more than the Ford C-Max 1.6 Titanium. However, when it to residual values over years/80,000 miles, the B-Class has an RV of while the C-Max is valued at In this instance, fleet could save money by for the dearer car over the volume

The model we tested was a manual. It another £1,450 to have the seven-speed automatic.

The B-Class the start of a range of next-generation Mercedes has developed new engines, and a new platform to be shared with models.

The new A-Class due on sale later year, rivalling the 1 Series and A3, is built from the same set.

The B-Class features a of safety innovations. Standard includes ‘attention assist’ detects driver fatigue by behaviour, ‘collision prevention which warns if the car is getting too to the vehicle in front and ESP with skid control.

A lane tracking package costing £785 includes spot assist and lane-keeping (alerts via vibration through the wheel).

While I was impressed this safety technology, the collision prevention assist reminded me that I am sometimes of not leaving an adequate gap, I too keen on the audible ‘please the speed limit’ blasting the sat-nav.

Nothing wrong with drivers not to speed, of course, but it irritating when it chimed up on old data on a new stretch of road at in a 70mph speed limit. a simple update would this.

From the outside, the is nothing special to look at, but it offers the kind of luxury you expect from Mercedes. The we tested was fitted with the package (at £1,535), which leather upholstery, heated seat with four-way support, black roof a choice of trim and velour mats. The media system impressed.

The B180 CDI has an official combined of 64.2mpg and I achieved close to during the test.

The 109bhp engine provides adequate and while the B-Class doesn’t as responsive as Ford’s C-Max, neat and safe handling appeal to many.

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