2009 Mercedes-Benz B200 refreshed

PETER BLEAKNEY FOR THE TORONTO STAR

The Mercedes-Benz B200 combines a roomy interior with a small footprint and satisfying performance.

Peter Bleakney

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

CHARLOTTETOWN–Tall hatchback? Short crossover? Mini minivan? Try premium MPV.

In 2005, Mercedes-Benz Canada brought the European B-Class (a Multi-Purpose Vehicle in Euro-speak) to our shores in hopes that we pragmatic Canadians would embrace the idea of a wedgy, 2.0 L four-cylinder five-seater hatch with a small footprint, big interior – and a price tag that quickly got north of $30,000.

If you wanted to get into a Mercedes-Benz, this was, and is, the first rung of the ladder.

For 2009, the B-Class gets a mid-life freshening, just in time to welcome all the young families and active life-stylers who are reeling from their gas bills. Or so Mercedes-Benz hopes.

The 2009 five-speed manual 134 hp base model holds the price line at $29,900, while the six-speed manual 193 hp Turbo sees an increase of $500, to $34,400. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven "virtual" gears and manumatic function is a $1,500 option for both models. The B-Class is front-wheel-drive only.

Exterior changes are subtle – a mildly freshened face, revised rump and standard 17-inch wheels for the Turbo model. The interior gets upgraded seat cushions and fabrics, smoke-grey aluminum trim plus standard Bluetooth connectivity and colour LCD.

It certainly is a cleverly packaged vehicle. The sandwich floor construction – wherein the engine is angled 45 degrees and will slide under the occupants in a frontal collision – enables the B-Class to claim 70 per cent of its footprint as floor space. This means ample legroom front and back, a high crossover-like seat point, plus 1,530-litre cargo capacity when the split rear seats are folded. A cool feature is the height-adjustable rear floor that can be raised to match the level of the folded seats, providing a flat load floor. Luggage space behind the seat is 544 L.

The front chairs are very comfortable, and the view around is panoramic, thanks to the sloping beltline and high roofline.

First impressions of the cabin are favourable. It may be the least expensive Merc, but they didn't cheap out on the materials and construction. The dash design is simple and elegant. Nice touches include padded fabric on the upper doors, auxiliary input in the glovebox, auto-dimming mirror and rain-sensing wipers that performed admirably on a very wet first day. A $2,200 Premium package adds heated seats, myrtle wood trim, panoramic sunroof and electronic compass. Navigation is not offered.

My first drive was a base model with the CVT transmission. Our route took us over both smooth and rough roads, and I have to commend Mercedes in giving this short wheel-base MPV some grown-up road manners. Dynamically, it's one of the most satisfying Benzes I've driven.

No, it's not a rocket, and no, it won't rearrange your innards with lateral g forces, but the combination of ride quality, poise and sense of driver involvement is impressive. The steering is tactile and nicely weighted, and body control excellent.

It has a refined, buttoned-down European demeanour that is sporting but never harsh. Well, almost never. (More on that later.)

With a modest 136 lb.-ft. of torque, the little 2.0 L four-banger has its work cut out. At least it doesn't sound too pained when caned. The CVT assists here by keeping the engine in its optimum rev range while accelerating. Laterally tapping the shifter has the transmission quickly running down its programmed "gears," which seemed the best method when looking for passing power.

The turbo handily solves the thrust issue with 59 more horses and 206 lb.-ft. of twist available from 1,800 to 4,850 rpm. It's a lively unit, and pairs nicely with the chassis setup.

For those who want sharper handing, the $1,500 Sport Package (Turbo only) adds AMG style wheels, sport seats, a stiffened suspension and lowered ride height. Yes, it does look cooler and makes for brisker cornering, but buyer beware, the trade-off is a ride that serves up a tiresome repertoire of jostling and pitching that essentially sabotages this car's basic goodness. Save your money.

The five-speed manual in the base car has longish throws and a slightly spongy clutch, but it does make the car feel a little more eager. On the highway, however, the CVT is the winner. At 120 km/h, the engine spins at a relaxed 2200 rpm, versus 3100 rpm with the manual.

As with any Mercedes, the B-Class comes with a full complement of safety features – front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control with steer control, traction control, brake assist, active head restraints and, new for 2009, crash response emergency lighting.

The B200 is a unique animal in our market. Conceptually, it's similar to the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo, although they live at a lower price point.

I'd say Mercedes should be most worried about the VW Tiguan – premium Euro construction and feel, standard 200 hp turbo power and a starting price of $27,575.

Travel was provided to freelance writer Peter Bleakney by the automaker. pebleakney@sympatico.ca

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