The new B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY

By Kim Tae-jong

Mercedes Benz has launched the new B-Class here, the second generation of the family car range, which was first introduced here in 2007.

At a glance, it looks like a simple evolution of its predecessor, but it is more like a whole new breed of compact models, due to its advanced features.

There are two B-Class models available here ㅡ the new B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the new B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sports Package, which are available at 37.9 million won and 42.5 million won, respectively, including additional taxes.

They are the first models with a diesel engine in the range, which offer more power and torque than the previous B-class variants they have replaced with greater fuel efficiency. BlueEFFICIENCY is a term coined by the silver arrow brand to encompass various steps that improve overall fuel efficiency and also reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Their fuel efficiency stands at 15.7 kilometers per liter with a comparatively low carbon dioxide emission of 125 grams per kilometer.

But their engine still promises outstanding performances with 136 horse power and the maximum torque of 30.6 kilogram-meters. It only takes 9.3 seconds to reach 100 kilometers per hour from zero.

Based on Mercedes-Benz’s new compact platform, the new B-Class is larger than the previous model. Apart from the obvious styling benefits, aerodynamic performance has been significantly enhanced to a level close to that of the E-Class sedan.

Inside, interior presentation and quality is also vastly improved on the previous B-Class.

The B-Class gains much of its comparatively large interior volume through its height, a configuration that makes the most of the vehicle’s footprint. The front seats are well designed to accommodate a variety of body shapes and provide high levels of comfort and support.

The multifunction steering wheel allows the driver to use his or her thumbs to control the radio, telephone and other systems. Other advanced features include active parking assist, front and rear parking sensors and electric parking brake.

The new B-class is equipped with innovative Attention Assist system, which can detect when drivers start to become drowsy and prompt them to take a break before it's too late. It also has Adaptive Brake Light safety function, in which the brake lights flash instead of just lighting up continuously during an emergency stop.

Thanks to Active Parking Assist, once the car detects a parking space, drivers can engage reverse gear and confirm that they want to park. Then all they need to do is control the car's speed with the accelerator and the brake pedal. The system turns the steering wheel automatically, and in next to no time the car is parked parallel to the direction of travel.