Self-parking Mercedes Gets A Makeover

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday October 25, 2008

Jaedene Hudson

MERCEDES-Benz has released a facelifted version of its B-Class small car that can, literally, park itself.

The model has an active parking system that finds the spot and then takes over the steering and automatically manoeuvres the car. All the driver does is operate the accelerator and the brake.

Active parking is optional on B180 diesel and B200 petrol models but standard on the flagship B200 Turbo.

Using 10 ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers, the car searches for a parking spot at the side of the road while in motion. Once found, the system flashes up a message in the display. When the driver engages reverse, confirms the display and presses the accelerator, the system starts. To use the parking feature, the driver must not go faster than 18kmh and the parking spot has to be 1.3 metres longer than the vehicle.

The B180 and B200 are priced from $46,200, the B200 Turbo from $52,800.

All models have a restyled front end with a new grille and bumper, as well as the modified bonnet. The rear has new tail-lights, a large tailgate and chrome handle strip.

The B-Class is available with three engine choices. The B180 has a 2.0-litre (80kW, 250Nm) four-cylinder turbo diesel engine and is available with a six-speed manual transmission. The B200 has a 2.0-litre (100kW, 185Nm) naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and a five-speed manual gearbox. The flagship B200 has a 2.0-litre (142kW, 280Nm) four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a continuously variable transmission.

Average fuel economy for the B180 is 5.8 litres/100km, the B200 uses 7.4L/100km and the B200 Turbo 8.1L/100km.

When it comes to safety, the B-Class has a comprehensive list including stability control, front, side and curtain airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, belt force-limiters plus active head restraints in the front and crash-responsive emergency lighting for passengers. Following an accident the lighting comes on automatically to allow occupants to get their bearings more easily in the dark.

The B-Class scored the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash rating.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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