"What is it? Is that really a Mercedes?"
It was something I heard many times during my week with the Mercedes Benz B 200 Turbo. To most people, the Mercedes-Benz name represents luxury and prestige; the three-pointed star a symbol of how well they've been able to reward themselves for their achievements.
Unlike us, Europeans don't necessarily equate size with quality. From Nice to Stuttgart, small compacts bearing premium German badges are a common sight in urban centres. In our market, an entry-level vehicle can be a gamble for a luxury brand, since the fragile egos of upwardly climbing status-seekers take comfort in exclusivity.
But judging by the sheer numbers of these compact Benzes coursing the roadways surrounding the GTA, the B 200 has found success in its attainability – without any apparent tarnishing of the three-pointed star's shine.
Swapping it for an SLS AMG gullwing coupe the following week, the unanimous public reaction I experienced was exactly the sort of adulation and admiration due a gloriously exclusive halo car. Having a small and reasonably priced baby sibling has apparently done nothing to dilute the desirability of Mercedes-Benz's more luxurious fare.
Outwardly, the B 200 is tall of frame and arched of back, similar in outline to a Mazda5 or Toyota Matrix. It's a car that should appeal to a demographic that… lunches and shops and will undoubtedly call it by some cute name to go along with its snub nose and rather endearing expression.
I drove the B 200 in base trim after its debut in 2005, and although highly appreciative of all its pampering Benz goodness, was a little underwhelmed by the rather lethargic performance and the lurching elasticity of the CVT transmission. It's evolved somewhat since then, with makeovers that include new technology, additional standard equipment and a more aggressive and sharply designed exterior.
It was something I heard many times during my week with the Mercedes Benz B 200 Turbo. To most people, the Mercedes-Benz name represents luxury and prestige; the three-pointed star a symbol of how well they've been able to reward themselves for their achievements.
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| The B 200 Turbo offers a premium alternative to those who want the utility and manoeuvrability of an urban runabout, but without sacrificing any luxury. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Unlike us, Europeans don't necessarily equate size with quality. From Nice to Stuttgart, small compacts bearing premium German badges are a common sight in urban centres. In our market, an entry-level vehicle can be a gamble for a luxury brand, since the fragile egos of upwardly climbing status-seekers take comfort in exclusivity.
But judging by the sheer numbers of these compact Benzes coursing the roadways surrounding the GTA, the B 200 has found success in its attainability – without any apparent tarnishing of the three-pointed star's shine.
Swapping it for an SLS AMG gullwing coupe the following week, the unanimous public reaction I experienced was exactly the sort of adulation and admiration due a gloriously exclusive halo car. Having a small and reasonably priced baby sibling has apparently done nothing to dilute the desirability of Mercedes-Benz's more luxurious fare.
Outwardly, the B 200 is tall of frame and arched of back, similar in outline to a Mazda5 or Toyota Matrix. It's a car that should appeal to a demographic that… lunches and shops and will undoubtedly call it by some cute name to go along with its snub nose and rather endearing expression.
I drove the B 200 in base trim after its debut in 2005, and although highly appreciative of all its pampering Benz goodness, was a little underwhelmed by the rather lethargic performance and the lurching elasticity of the CVT transmission. It's evolved somewhat since then, with makeovers that include new technology, additional standard equipment and a more aggressive and sharply designed exterior.
 |
| The B 200 is tall of frame and arched of back, similar in outline to a Mazda5 or Toyota Matrix. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |