Written by: Martin Ward
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 

Mercedes Benz has launched two cars with similar facelifts at the same time. The A Class receives re-designed headlamps, front bumper, the lower air intake is now much larger and the radiator grille also has a new design. The rear has a modified bumper and new rear light clusters.

 

The B Class also has a new front end with the most distinctive features being a new look front bumper and a larger air intake, whilst the rear also has modified rear lights. The changes really are minor and not really evident unless the current car and the new ones are parked alongside each other.

 

The A Class was originally launched in 1997 with the second generation being introduced in 2004. Over 500,000 have now been sold worldwide. The B Class was launched three years ago and has proved to be a success throughout the world with over 350,000 being sold worldwide. It has been regarded as an up-market version of the Ford C-Max, Renault Scenic, Citroen Picasso, Seat Altea and Nissan Qashqai. It is a five seater but it has a high driving position similar to either a 4x4 or Mini MPV. It is a very comfortable car, it is quiet and refined and does offer something a bit different which is also versatile, roomy but with a prestige badge. The A Class will also appeal to customers who want a small car that is built by a quality manufacturer. The three pointed star will help when making a decision but at a price - some would say it is expensive whilst others would say your quality comes at a price.

 

We drove both cars on a variety of country roads around Berlin and on the de-restricted Autobahns. We found all the cars to be very responsive, quiet and comfortable but the handling did not have a stable feeling. This maybe due to its high centre of gravity and the high floor. You felt as though you had to go lightly around tight corners.

 

We drove an A Class fitted with the ‘BlueEFFICIENCY’ ECO package which produces lower Co2 and reduced fuel consumption through a number of modifications and the introduction of a stop-start function, similar to BMW’s efficient dynamics. When the car comes to a stop at traffic lights or in a motorway traffic jam, the engine stops when it is in neutral then as soon as the clutch is pressed, the engine re-starts. This can save up to 9% in fuel. A Class prices start at £14,365 on the road for a A150 Classic SE 3 door and B Class start from £18,840 on the road for a B150 SE 5dr.

 

Mercedes-Benz have been brave with the design and concept of both these cars and are not recognized as traditional Mercedes products but the light facelift has given it a boost and it will still appeal to a certain customer who will want a small Mercedes without compromising the quality.

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