What's more, the continuously variable transmission (optional) does absolutely nothing to spoil the party. On the contrary, the sequential sport mode is a good match for the engine, allowing drivers to get the most out of the latter.
A GTI... Mercedes-style?
A mere 7.4 seconds are what the B200 Turbo CVT takes to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (three full seconds faster than the base model with automatic transmission). Meanwhile, the 200-horsepower, Tiptronic-equipped VW GTI reaches the century mark in 6.9 seconds despite carrying some 50 additional kilos.
At the end of my road test, the little B200 Turbo had averaged a combined fuel economy rating of 10 liters per 100 kilometers (that's premium fuel, in case you've already forgotten). The GTI is capable of matching this result.
Obviously, the turbo increases torque steer under acceleration. That was expected. Moreover, my tester had a tendency to understeer in corners -- nothing too serious, though. The power steering is precise and nicely assisted to help balance things out, something most rivals can't brag about.
Triple disappointment
The B200 disappoints in three areas (is that what the three-pointed star represents?). First, unlike the Impreza WRX, no all-wheel drive system is available, even on the Turbo model. The car's "sandwich" chassis, with the engine designed to slide under the front occupants in the event of a head-on collision, makes it impossible to install AWD components.
Second, the electronic drive-by-wire throttle of the B200 Turbo creates a slight delay in power delivery. Even if you hammer the right pedal to the floor, you'll have to wait a fraction of a second before the 193 ponies start galloping. Therefore, the driver needs to readjust his or her habits in certain situations, like passing maneuvers.
Finally, the spongy feel of the throttle combined with the shocks imparted by bumpy roads result in minor jolts that can become irritating for passengers.
A versatile compact
In addition to great on-road dynamics, the B200 is a model of versatility. One could, but probably shouldn't (hello, Mr. Mercedes!), compare this hatchback to a small minivan. Truth is, there are striking similarities between this German compact and the Mazda5.
Most surprising is the fact that the B-Class offers almost twice as much cargo room as the Japanese with the rear seats folded... despite being 35-centimeter shorter overall!
A GTI... Mercedes-style?
A mere 7.4 seconds are what the B200 Turbo CVT takes to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (three full seconds faster than the base model with automatic transmission). Meanwhile, the 200-horsepower, Tiptronic-equipped VW GTI reaches the century mark in 6.9 seconds despite carrying some 50 additional kilos.
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| Compared to the base B200, the turbocharged model adds 59 horsepower. |
At the end of my road test, the little B200 Turbo had averaged a combined fuel economy rating of 10 liters per 100 kilometers (that's premium fuel, in case you've already forgotten). The GTI is capable of matching this result.
Obviously, the turbo increases torque steer under acceleration. That was expected. Moreover, my tester had a tendency to understeer in corners -- nothing too serious, though. The power steering is precise and nicely assisted to help balance things out, something most rivals can't brag about.
Triple disappointment
The B200 disappoints in three areas (is that what the three-pointed star represents?). First, unlike the Impreza WRX, no all-wheel drive system is available, even on the Turbo model. The car's "sandwich" chassis, with the engine designed to slide under the front occupants in the event of a head-on collision, makes it impossible to install AWD components.
Second, the electronic drive-by-wire throttle of the B200 Turbo creates a slight delay in power delivery. Even if you hammer the right pedal to the floor, you'll have to wait a fraction of a second before the 193 ponies start galloping. Therefore, the driver needs to readjust his or her habits in certain situations, like passing maneuvers.
Finally, the spongy feel of the throttle combined with the shocks imparted by bumpy roads result in minor jolts that can become irritating for passengers.
A versatile compact
In addition to great on-road dynamics, the B200 is a model of versatility. One could, but probably shouldn't (hello, Mr. Mercedes!), compare this hatchback to a small minivan. Truth is, there are striking similarities between this German compact and the Mazda5.
Most surprising is the fact that the B-Class offers almost twice as much cargo room as the Japanese with the rear seats folded... despite being 35-centimeter shorter overall!
 |
| With the rear seats folded, cargo room gets impressive. |