And compared to what it would cost you to get into a B200 in Germany, E24,766 (euros), the equivalent of $33,874 CAD, the
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| The Mercedes-Benz badge isn't honoured with the same reverence in Europe, where everyday subcompact models join minivans and midsize taxicabs. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Canadian-spec version seems like a good deal, that is until factoring in that a German C230 starts at E32,248, or $44,067 CAD, a model that starts at $38,450 CAD here in Canada. In other words, all cars cost more in Germany than here, a scenario that plays out the same throughout all of Europe for that matter. Making this point even clearer is the reality that the Mercedes-Benz badge isn't honoured with the same reverence in Europe, Africa or just about anywhere else as it is here in North America. It certainly is respected, but being that subcompact models join minivans and midsize taxicabs, pale yellow diesel-powered E-Class sedans being the most common cars for hire in the Fatherland, along with countless commercial vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz brand is more commonplace and therefore a little five-door hatchback fits in quite well. .
Here
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| Here in Canada the Mercedes-Benz brand is anything but commonplace, although the base B200 does a pretty good job of making it seem so. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
in Canada the Mercedes-Benz brand is anything but commonplace, although the base B200 does a pretty good job of making it seem so. Without all the trimmings it's a rather rudimentary vehicle, and as I've been trying to point out, a rather high priced one at that. I think the only B200 that makes sense, is one that is dolled out in many more features than my entry-level tester came equipped with. While the price can move skyward in a hurry, increasing by $1,481 when the dealer-installed Styling Package is added (price doesn't include the cost of installation by the way), which includes a front spoiler, rear apron, and roof spoiler lips. After that the Vision and Light Package is added at $1,270, which adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain sensor wipers, automatic exterior light activation, headlamp switch off delay, locator lighting, a bulb failure indicator, and fail safe lighting.
