Car Review - 2006 Mercedes-Benz B 170 Features & Specifications

2006 Mercedes-Benz B 170 - Visions of Mercedes-Benz unremarkably demand long stately limousines, flashy roadsters, or Kimi Raikkonen’s ain chrome-plated weekend drive. What to brand thus of this, a stubby hatchback that proudly displays a large three-pointed star on its snout? Mercedes’ promotion receive ostensibly states that this machine is for everybody—moms, dads, families, lovers, immature too old. That at i time raised the alarm: whatever such formula unremarkably results inwards a muddled production suitable for nobody. Those contemplating a get-go buy of a Mercedes via the B-Class tin sack accept heart: the promotion planners may move sending out mixed messages, but the production itself is good suited for its item audience.

The entire computer program began amongst the first-generation A-Class hatchback. This was an innovative machine packed amongst technology, all the same priced to compete amongst the likes of the Volkswagen Golf. Innovation came primarily inwards the packaging. The Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 managed to crush a cabin several sizes bigger than its compact outside would suggest. It did this yesteryear packing the engine too transmission tilted slightly backward too projecting into the car’s floor. A two-layer “sandwich” flooring allowed the machine to attain crash examination security at par amongst the E-Class sedan. In a frontal collision, the engine too transmission would move driven downward into the car’s floor, instead of into the cabin.

The B carries on amongst that structure concept, too expands on the A’s appeal by, well, existence an extended version. The increment inwards length translates straight to an fifty-fifty roomier cabin too increased luggage space. The B may receive got similar proportions to subcompact hatchbacks similar the Honda Jazz, but it’s nearly one-half a meter longer. A sizeable luggage surface area tin sack move enlarged yesteryear utilizing the 60-40 split-fold parent bench.

The driver’s topographic point is mounted high, mainly because of the sandwich floor. A slight hop too you’re settled into the part-leather seat. The middle business office of the upholstery is checkered cloth, a throwback of sorts to the seventies. The cabin is airy too logical, inwards the electrical current mold of the one one thousand too SLK-Class. Controls are venture too ergonomically placed.

The 1.7 liter inline-4 nether the hood produces 114 hp too 155 Nm. The continuously-variable transmission may erase all traces of shift shock, but it seems to sap the powerfulness of the engine. With 1310 kg of machine to carry, the acceleration is leisurely. During testing for the Car of the Year, the B 170 could barely move along upwards amongst several hatches that fifty-fifty position together, would non equal the toll of a unmarried B-Class.

The B lacks only about features that nosotros powerfulness human face to move criterion at this toll range. The steering bicycle tilts but doesn’t telescope; seats too aircon are manually operated. One characteristic that is available, but yous receive got to pay extra for is an enormous panoramic moonroof.

On the addition side, it doesn’t skimp on safety: it has dual airbags, too ABS too electronic stability command to assistance avoid triggering them.

With that, what practise nosotros brand of the B-Class? It’s non a toy machine similar the BMW 1 Series, which sacrifices nearly everything inwards pursuit of a dynamic drive. It’s patently non a comfortable long-distance cruiser similar Mercedes’ other products either. The B excels inwards providing stress-free urban meat driving, where its calorie-free steering too tall driving topographic point makes it a welcome companion.

So nosotros come upwards to the concluding question, perchance the alone i for nearly people: is it a Mercedes? In style, solidity too ownership prospects, apparently yes. In performance—best to become for the B 200, too brand certain to relieve a footling extra for the moonroof.