2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

NEW FOR 2009:

- Interior and exterior facelift

- Standard Bluetooth connectivity and MP3, optional iPod and MP3 interface

- New fabric design for all upholsteries

- B200 adds standard Audio 20 head unit with CD changer and Bluetooth, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers and 16-inch five-twin-spoke wheels

- B200 Turbo adds standard Audio 20 head unit with CD changer and Bluetooth, and 17-inch five-twin-spoke wheels with all-season tires

- Optional Premium Package adds panoramic sunroof, Myrtle Wood Trim, heated front seats and electronic compass

- Optional Entertainment Package now includes Sirius satellite radio and Harman/Kardon Logic7 Sound

- Exterior colours: Lotus Blue Metallic, Steppe Brown Metallic and Mountain Grey Metallic added

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class hatchback undergoes a facelift. Outside, there are new bumpers, grille and hood, rear load sill guard, new wheel designs, a shorter antenna, broader rear window, revised liftgate handle and new two-piece taillights. Inside, there are new seat cushion designs, and all aluminum trim accents are now smoke grey. In addition, the standard stereo features a colour LCD display, and a factory interface mounted in the glovebox allows for almost all types of music players.

The entry-level offering in the company's line-up, the B-Class four-door hatchback is available as the B200, with 2.0-litre four-cylinder and five-speed manual, or as the B200 Turbo, with turbocharged 2.0-litre and six-speed manual transmission. Both models can be optioned to a CVT.

Features on the B200 include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, six-CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, fog lamps, outside temperature gauge, auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, height-adjustable load cargo floor, cargo cover, power windows with one-touch up/down, cruise control, tire pressure monitor warning system, heated mirrors, cloth seats, driver and passenger manual height adjuster, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, tilt and telescopic wheel, leather-wrapped multifunction wheel, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer system and intermittent rear washer/wiper.

The B200 Turbo adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Artico leather and fabric upholstery, and heated front seats.

Depending on the model, available options include panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power seats, and active bi-Xenon headlamps.

Unavailable in the U.S., the B-Class has proven very popular with Canadian buyers. It features an innovative "sandwich" double floor, which places the running gear below the cabin, for added safety and a tall seating position, although long-legged passengers may find the floor a little too close. The B200's engine can get wheezy when the vehicle is loaded and the turbo is better for acceleration.

The optional CVT acts and sounds very much like a conventional transmission, although it's fun to row the manual's gears. The B200 is expensive when compared to most compact "tall wagons", but it's a relatively low buy-in for the brand.