Fuel-sipping Mercedes-Benz
04/11/08 20:37 Filed in: Road
tests
For just £20,850 this Mercedes-Benz brings you the image of driving a
car with the three-pointed star. But, while that might suggest a
degree of opulence, on this particular Mercedes-Benz that image is
combined with remarkably parsimonious drinking habits and low
emissions. My daily commute was despatched with a shrug and an
average of over 40 mpg.
The accommodation is also three-star, possibly four-star. Like the A-class the floor is quite high so you step up into this particular Mercedes-Benz. It is a comfortable and spacious interior that greets you, with good space round the back for two or three adults. In the back the boot is quite cavernous.
If that sounds like your sort of car, then head round to your local Mercedes-Benz dealer, order your B180 CDI SE and hand over your cash.
But, if you are interested in the quality of the driving experience, you may want to read on.
There is little chance of you starting up this Mercedes-Benz without being well aware that the two-litre turbocharged engine burns oil, not petrol. Even when it warms up, the driving sound track is backed by the continuous drone of the diesel engine. At tickover, some of the diesel vibration finds its way through the pedals to your feet.
Adding to the disappointment for any enthusiast, let alone budding Lewis Hamiltons, must be the dull performance. You have to work hard with the pedals if you want to keep up a reasonable pace. With that effort, the Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI SE will sprint from 0-62 mph in 11.3 seconds.
For you these caveats may be a small price to pay for the undoubted economy. For me, I expect a Mercedes-Benz to deliver the accustomed high levels of refinement and effortless performance. So I would be prepared to take a small hit on the fuel consumption by choosing another engine in my B-Class.
The accommodation is also three-star, possibly four-star. Like the A-class the floor is quite high so you step up into this particular Mercedes-Benz. It is a comfortable and spacious interior that greets you, with good space round the back for two or three adults. In the back the boot is quite cavernous.
If that sounds like your sort of car, then head round to your local Mercedes-Benz dealer, order your B180 CDI SE and hand over your cash.
But, if you are interested in the quality of the driving experience, you may want to read on.
There is little chance of you starting up this Mercedes-Benz without being well aware that the two-litre turbocharged engine burns oil, not petrol. Even when it warms up, the driving sound track is backed by the continuous drone of the diesel engine. At tickover, some of the diesel vibration finds its way through the pedals to your feet.
Adding to the disappointment for any enthusiast, let alone budding Lewis Hamiltons, must be the dull performance. You have to work hard with the pedals if you want to keep up a reasonable pace. With that effort, the Mercedes-Benz B180 CDI SE will sprint from 0-62 mph in 11.3 seconds.
For you these caveats may be a small price to pay for the undoubted economy. For me, I expect a Mercedes-Benz to deliver the accustomed high levels of refinement and effortless performance. So I would be prepared to take a small hit on the fuel consumption by choosing another engine in my B-Class.