2006 Mercedes B-Class Preview

The base engine, which will be the cheapest ticket to get into a new Mercedes in Canada, comes with the B200, using the same dual

Keep an eye open for diesel power sometime in the future as Mercedes is making a big push with its diesel engines globally. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

valve, inline 4-cylinder as the TURBO, but without the turbocharger. In its raw form it musters a respectable 134 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque, good enough for the trips to school and back or into town to the office and then up to the cottage without being too harsh on the wallet, though you will not earn much respect at stoplights if you're looking over at a Cooper S.

No official gas mileage numbers are available, but expect them to be quite good for the 200 and still respectable for the TURBO if driven modestly. Keep an eye open for diesel power sometime in the future as Mercedes is making a big

The B-Class won't waddle through the corners like the majority of minivans we're currently used to. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

push with its diesel engines globally, setting world records and being one of the few brands to already offer diesel power in North America.

Though only the TURBO gets a good dose of speed, both versions should be adept handlers, though it is still a Mercedes product, so don't expect adrenaline inducing athleticism and take into account that it's still a rather tall vehicle. The details are 205/55 R 16 radials on 16-inch alloys for starters, hooked up to a parabolic rear axle and coil springs and McPherson struts and wishbones in front. Both ends are kept in check by gas-pressure shock absorbers with a selective damping system and torsion stabilizer bars, so it won't waddle through the corners like the majority of minivans we're currently used to while still delivering a pretty plush Benz ride.