2006 Mercedes-Benz B200
Short review of Mercedes-Benz B200
==========================
Price as tested: CDN$32930
In our previous review, we were smitten by B200 turbo’s powerplant and interior flexability. With this normally aspirated 2.0L 8-valver 4-cylinder powerplant that has 130 hp and 136 lb/ft of torque, its performance is a pleasant surprise. Thanks to the excellent work ethnics of CVT transmission, this little mill drives surprisingly responsively when pushed. It doesn’t have the sluggish feel as I first expected. There are plenty of get-up-and-go. Although maximum torque won’t arrive at 3500 rpm, I found there is plenty of bottom-end torque when driver needed.
Handling wise, it remains safe and secure. There aren’t much fun when pushing the B-Class. Its dynamic qualities remain of an “appliance” quality than for driving fun.
However, for a Mercedes-Benz starts a 30 grand. I found it unacceptable to have plastic steering wheel. You have to upgrade to leather/cloth seating in order to get leather steering. Although you still have decent feature lists from air conditioning, CD stereo and power everything. When a base Matrix has a nicely wrapped leather steering, its totally unforgivable for B-Class not to have one.
Overall rating: 4/5