The drive

Of course, safety features are wonderful and all that, and I'd highly recommend that you take them seriously into consideration when pondering a purchase, but if the vehicle is as boring as watching paint dry, then there's not much point is there?

Well no problems there, the B200 Turbo is actually quite an exciting machine to drive. In fact, speed creeps up on you quite unexpectedly if you don't keep an eye on the gauge, especially at highway speeds.

Power comes from a 2.0L Turbocharged inline 4 cylinder, which produces 193hp/206 lb-ft of torque. Now whilst the 0-100kph time of 7.6 seconds might not exactly get your pulses racing, believe me, once the vehicle is moving it picks up much better. Also, the smooth suspension tends to make you unaware of the speed you are doing, hence the need to watch the little needle in front of you.

Now I should mention that suspension once more because as comfortable as it is, I would have liked a little more firmness to it in the corners, especially on the sportier Turbo version. Mind you, having said that, my tester came with what Mercedes terms its Premium Package, and that there is actually a Sport Package available also, which I would possibly recommend if you're considering the Turbo version. Believe me, it's not really a criticism of the vehicle, it's simply that I feel that I would have enjoyed the Turbo version more with a little sportier setup.


Premium interior space

We now come to perhaps the best feature of the B200, and that has to be the interior. As with all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the inside is very business-like, yet a pleasant place in which to reside. As my tester sported the Premium package, it was further enhanced with some wisely placed pieces of wood trim which certainly added to the up market feel of the vehicle.

Of course, this is all very nice, but truly no more than you would expect from the company who brought us the fabulous S Class. Now obviously, that particular model is way bigger and much grander than the B Class. Well naturally, considering that it sells for several times the price of the B200! (Price as tested, $38,300).

However, there is one point on which they almost compete, and that's rear passenger legroom. In fact, if you were to measure the space in the rear of the B200 and compare it to that on a base S Class, you'd be pleasantly surprised.

Then of course, if one needed to carry larger items, the B200 would win again over the S Class because of its amazingly versatile design. Believe me, its compact 4.27 metre length is deceiving because it can actually accommodate a whopping 1530 Litres of cargo with the rear seats folded flat, and even 544 Litres, with them up and in use!

That is what truly amazes me about the B200. It has the style and elegance of a typical Mercedes product, yet it offers almost small minivan carrying capacity.


Conclusion

We've all heard the saying "Good things come in small packages", well this vehicle certainly proves that right! The B200 Turbo offers stylish good looks, with more than adequate performance, and plenty of safety features. For certain, it boasts one of the most versatile interiors that I have ever encountered, and from a price point, Mercedes have hit the nail right on the head.

I truly liked this vehicle. In fact, the B200 Turbo is one vehicle that I would actually consider purchasing myself. At least I would if I ever get that loan from Jeremy!