Mercedes-Benz B-Class B200 CDI Sport

Mercedes-Benz B-Class B200 CDI Sport is only diesel variant in its model lineup. The company has designed its internal cabin with all new three spoke steering wheel, illuminated instrument cluster that renders a refreshing look to the cabin and an advanced multimedia system featuring a high resolution 17.8 cms touchscreen display that eventually adds to the customer excitement. There are a number of comfort features provided inside the cabin including an automatic climate control unit, rear center armrest with two cup holders and seat comfort package. This variant is integrated with three different drive modes, which include 'Sport', 'Economy' and 'Manual', which works in conjunction with the advanced 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission gear box that optimizes the overall performance of its engine. In addition to this, it is also bestowed with an ECO Start/Stop function, which automatically switches off the engine, when the vehicle is at a standstill. Thus, it helps to improve the fuel economy by reducing the consumption. The exteriors are designed with LED headlamps along with a restyled front bumper, a slightly modified radiator grille, luminous taillight cluster and chrome accentuated rear bumper. In terms of safety features, it is integrated with an engine immobilizer, airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounting and a few other occupant restraint systems. This model series also gets active safety functions including ESP with ASR, anti lock braking system with brake assist system, and hill start assist with hold function that enhances the on road stability and agility. Like any other vehicle, this luxury tourer too is available with an attractive 3-year warranty without any limitations regarding mileage.

Exteriors:

To begin with the frontage, its radiator grille has been designed in a matte iridium silver garnish. It is surrounded by a sculptured headlight cluster, which is equipped with powerful LED headlamps along with daytime running lights that gives a dynamic appeal. Besides this, its front bumper is fitted with a couple of fog lamps along with a metallic lower cladding. Coming to the sides, it has a lustrous structure thanks to its expressive shoulder line and neatly carved fenders. The flared up wheel arches are fitted with a sturdy set of 16-inch, 10-spoke design lightweight alloy wheels, which are covered with high performance radial tyres. Coming to the rear, it has a very attractive design owing to its neatly carved taillight cluster, which is powered by LED inspired lighting pattern featuring courtesy lamps, turn indicators and brake lights. The tailgate is accompanied by a large windscreen along with a spoiler and wiper. The rear bumper gets a masculine structure as fitted with a chrome accentuated strip. The company has designed this tourer with an overall length of 4393mm along with a total height of 1557mm and decent width of 2010mm (including ORVMs). Its wheelbase is quite long and measures about 2699mm.

Interiors:

The internal section comes in black (ARTICO Larochette) colored internal cabin that has a diamond pattern look. It is further complimented by ambient lighting and wood inserts, especially on dashboard and center console. The presence of star shaped AC vents, which are fitted on both ends of the dashboard for better air circulation gives the cockpit a decent appearance. The seats are ergonomically designed, wherein its front seats have 4-way lumbar support function. It also has an electrically adjustable driver's seat with memory function. The dashboard is neatly designed and is equipped with an instrument cluster, which has a number of functions, air conditioning system, music system and an advanced touchscreen infotainment unit. It is also fitted with a three spoke steering wheel, which is mounted with several multi-functional switches for convenience of its driver. Furthermore, there is a provision for incorporating gearshift paddles, which contributes towards desired driving experience. It is wrapped with leather upholstery and decorated with company's badge in the center. The front doors also have switches for adjusting seats and windows. It also has a boot space of 341 litres, which can be further increased up to 1157 litres by folding the rear seat back in any desired split ratio. In addition to this, the company has given it a 50 litre fuel tank that has a fuel reserve capacity of approximately 6 litres.

Engine and Performance:

In terms of technical specifications, the company has bestowed this variant with a 2.1-litre in-line diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2143cc. It is incorporated with a fourth generation common rail based direct fuel injection supply system that enhances the on-road performance. This motor also has a turbocharger with variable nozzle turbine that enables the motor to pump out a maximum power of 134.1bhp in the range of 3600 to 4400rpm and generates a commanding torque output of 300Nm between 1600 to 3000rpm. This engine has been mated with a sophisticated 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission gearbox, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. It works in conjunction with three different modes like ‘Sport', ‘Economy' and ‘Manual' to deduce optimal performance from the engine.

Braking and Handling:

Its rear axle is paired with a four link suspension, while the front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, which provides excellent drive comfort. On the other hand, its front and rear wheels are fitted with a set of internally vented disc brakes and conventional disc brakes respectively. This variant is integrated with an electronic stability program and curve dynamic assist, which makes it simple to glide through sharp curves. The car maker has also incorporated the cabin with a sophisticated rack and pinion based steering featuring an integral STEER CONTROL assist system, which provides excellent support in critical driving situation. It also features a speed dependent control, which reduces the delivery of power as speed increases.

Comfort Features:

Its cabin is fitted with a proficient air conditioning system with dust filter, which regulates air temperature and keeps the ambiance pleasant. The cabin is incorporated with an advanced instrument cluster featuring 11.4cm color display. It provides informatics like outside temperature, trip computer, fuel consumption, fuel gauge, distance traveled, vehicle speed, gearshift position, tachometer and driver's seat belt warning. Beside all these, it is also integrated with a reversing camera featuring dynamic guidelines, which provides excellent assistance to the driver while parking. In addition to these, it is blessed with an advanced Audio 20 CD multimedia system featuring a high resolution display. It has an integrated CD player that supports files like MP3, WMA and AAC.

Safety Features:

It has adaptive brake lights that flash and are activated in case of sharp braking from a speed of above 50 kmph. It also features hazard warning lights, which are activated automatically, when the vehicle slows from a speed of 70 kmph to a standstill. It has a sophisticated ATTENTION ASSIST function, which detects the drowsiness of driver in the speed range between 80 kmph to 180 Kmph. Its sensors analyses the driving behavior and detects the signs of increased inattention and warns the driver. It also has a total of seven airbags, which safeguards the occupants even in the critical driving situation. The car maker has also incorporated several other safety features including ISOFIX child seat anchorage with fastening points, crash responsive emergency lighting, lamp failure indicator, brake pad wear indicator for front wheels, auto dimming interior mirror, electric parking brake and driver side exterior mirror with automatic dimming function. It also has audible warning signals for front seat belts, parking brake left-on and for headlights on.

Pros:

1. Power packed engine performance with decent acceleration and pickup.

2. Safety and comfort features are at par with other competitors.

Cons:

1. Lack of navigation system is a big disappointment.

2. Cost of maintenance and service is quite expensive.