Debut of stunning new B-Class The new Mercedes-Benz model, the B-Class, is a sporty head-turner, with performance to match. For a compact sports tourer, the newly-arrived Mercedes-Benz B-Class has an incredible amount of features, allowing it to be used for a wide range of purposes. Its sleek, sporty looks are stunning, yet give little hint of the roominess found within. The B-Class packs a dynamic performance punch, too, yet manages to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. It is also incredibly versatile. The B-Class would not look out of place dropping passengers off at the entrance of a posh five-star hotel; nor would it seem incongruous for it to be parked at a mountain-biking event, with the owner unpacking bicycles from the capacious rear-storage area. Busy life In short, it is a vehicle that holds appeal for younger drivers - or younger-minded drivers - who lead an active and busy life. During the course of a day, they might be driving the car to work through dense urban traffic, zipping along winding roads for a site appointment in an urban area and, in the early evening, loading up the rear with the kids' rollerblading gear, ready for some quality family sports time. The B-Class is intended for the urban professional who wants to maintain a degree of excitement when behind the wheel but, realistically, needs the family vehicle to perform many tasks during the course of a day, week or year. Whatever role it is fulfilling, the car is sure to attract envious looks. It is brand-new to Hong Kong, and people are certain to admire its smooth flowing bonnet, broad and distinctive wedge-shaped radiator grille and large air intakes in the bumper. It looks ready for sporty action - an impression reinforced by its slick headlights, sleek side contours and flared wheel arches. Roomy interior Inside, the car is no less remarkable. For a sports tourer, there is an astonishing amount of room. Owners can choose their own look, picking from different colors and fabrics; leather seats are an optional extra, as is a louvred sunroof. The driver's seat is adjustable for height, allowing a clear view of the road and easy reference to the chrome-ringed instrument panels. The uncluttered layout lets drivers keep a close watch on the dials, as the B-Class glides through traffic, performing with panache while at the same time giving an ultra-smooth ride. The B-Class, which comes with Autotronic continuously variable transmission, has a new suspension system, an unusually wide track and the longest wheel base in its class. Passengers will particularly appreciate the sofa-like ride that comes from having newly-designed shock absorbers, and a selective damping system that allows the suspension to react smoothly to minor bumps in the road. Handling is sporty and precise, even with a full load on board, and the Electronic Stability Program ensures the car glides along. Safety a priority Naturally, for a vehicle that carries the Mercedes-Benz badge, safety is given top priority. The B-Class is designed along the lines of a sandwich concept which, in the event of front impact, allows the engine and transmission to slide down along the angled pedal floor below the passenger compartment. Higher seating in the B-Class also gives a crucial advantage in the event of impact - as well as providing better all-round visibility. All this in a car that is just 4.27 meters long yet offers almost as much legroom and headroom as a luxury saloon. Even with the rear seats occupied, there is room in the back for almost six crates of drinks; with the seats collapsed, and using the option Easy-Vario system, the load capacity is 2,245 liters, the equivalent of 18 fully-laden Wellcome supermarket shopping trolleys. Likewise, there are many different passenger-seat configurations available, depending on how many people and how much luggage is going to be carried on a particular trip. Sports package The B-Class has a wide range of optional extras, or all-in packages, that allow customization of the car to suit individual needs. Drivers who like a bit of dynamics can go for the sports package that includes dark-tinted tail lights, a large oval stainless steel tailpipe, sports suspension and 10-spoke alloy wheels. The top of the line B200 Turbo model is easily recognized by its twin tailpipe and its zesty performance. Other extras such as bi-xenon headlights, a body-styling kit, sunroof and DVD navigation system, personalize the car to the individual's requirements and ensure the B-Class appeals to a wide range of users. click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge