Mercedes B-Class unveiled

to arrivenext March, the new B-Class is claimed to be much more agile, ikeeping with the factory’s description of it as asports tourerwhile still matching existing standards of comfort and accommodation.Design features include a smoothed out side profile to increase aerodynamic efficiency – reducing the drag to the lowest level in its clas. Other exterior features include a revised front grill, valance, eye-brow headlights and a large access tailgate with low loader sill.The car has had its height reduced by five centimetres and the passenger seat height lowered in relation to the road by 8.6 centimetres to help accessThese changes have helped to lower the B-Class’s centre of gravity and, with newsuspension and upgraded electronic stability control, are expected to make the car more agile. An optional sports package standard on the Sport modellowering the car by 20mm and providing sports suspension and a Direct-Steer systemshould sharpen thecar’s handling still furtherThe new B-Class features a new series of petrol and diesel engines as well as newmanual and automatic transmissionsstart function will be standard on all B-Class models.1.6-litre motors producing 119 and 153bhp, while diesels with have a 1.8-litre displacement supplying 106 and 133bhpMercedes-Benz incorporates a world first in the compact people carrier segment in the shape of a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist as standard. Visual and acoustic alerts will warn the driver to identified obstacles and prepares Brake Assist for optimum braking response. which automatically activates in an accident or under emergency braking and crash avoidance manoeuvres, is also added to the new B-Class.The system includes safety features including are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat with memory function to an ideal position for maximum restraint.