ROAD ~ TEST 2010 MERCEDES-BENZ B200

When you're talking entry-level cars, you're not normally looking at something priced in the high twenties.
But when it's a Mercedes-Benz, their entry point in Canada (aside from the smart car) is the B200 Sports Tourer, starting at $29,900.
Add in a turbo package and the price jumps to $32,400, so it doesn't take long for the price to top the $37k mark as it did with my recent test car.
And while that's certainly not inexpensive transportation, the B200 is a pretty impressive vehicle for a starter car in any brand.
It combines the best of many worlds with good performance, decent fuel economy and a roomy interior along with attractive exterior and interior design. In short, the B-Class offers versatility and an upscale look all in a neat little package.
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, the B200 Turbo produces 193 hp and 206 lb/ft of torque. This compares with 134 hp and 136 lb/ft for the base level 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine. The B200 is front-wheel drive, the only front-driver in the Mercedes-Benz fleet.
On the road, the Turbo boasts impressive acceleration numbers, doing the 0-100 km/h run in 7.6 seconds. In contrast, the base 2.0-litre takes10.1 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz numbers. If it fits your budget, spend the extra $2,500 and go for the Turbo- I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Fuel economy doesn't suffer much with Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings of 9.5L/100 km (30 mpg) city and 7.4L/100 km (38 mpg) for the Turbo CVT compared with 9.2/7.2 with the non-turbo CVT model.
A five- or six-speed manual transmission is standard, but my tester had the Autotronic continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission. It shifts smoothly but as with all CVTs produces a bit of a whine when you wind it out.
For those not familiar with CVTs, they use pulleys and sliding discs instead of gears that you get in conventional transmissions. It means the transmission shifts smoothly with no lags in power and at the same time helps to conserve fuel because the engine always operates in the optimum engine-speed range.
The B-Series came to Canada in 2005 (it is not sold in the U.S.) and was refreshed in 2008.  Another redesign is planned for 2012 with the new model on the market in 2011, industry insiders suggest.
Mercedes calls the B200 a Sports Tourer, but it's really a small wagon or crossover. The closest competitor is probably the Mazda5, but it is not in the same luxury category. The Audi A3 and MINI Cooper Clubman would also be in the mix and both of these are premium compact hatchbacks.
While the price of fuel has stabilized in the short term, it's only a matter of time before the price of oil starts creeping up again. Then, we'll likely see the compact and sub-compact market with cars like the B200 heating up again and making up an even bigger slice of the automotive pie as drivers dump their SUVs and downsize.
The B200 is tall at 1,604 mm (63.1 in) for a vehicle with a wheelbase of only 2,778 mm (109.4 in), but it doesn't look out of proportion. In fact, it has a very sporty flair to it thanks to the front hood that flows down into the broad radiator grille with the distinctive Mercedes-Benz three-point logo front and centre. The side flanks also slope forward to the bulging front wheel arches.
Inside the cabin, the B200 has a rich look to it, accented by chrome and aluminum trim, aluminum pedals and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
It's not as luxurious as your typical Benz, but certainly far from bargain basement with lots of upscale features such as automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, MP3-compatible six-disc CD changer with AM/FM radio and Bluetooth and outside temperature display. Fit and finish is excellent, as one would expect in a Mercedes-Benz. The Turbo model has a leather/fabric combination interior or an optional full-leather interior.
 My tester came with the Premium Package ($1,500) that includes heated front seats and a neat panoramic sunroof that stretches from front to rear.
Interior space is generous in the B200 and for a small vehicle, getting in and out is a breeze. You have to step up a bit to get in and the seat height is higher than one would expect in a small car.
There's plenty of legroom both front and rear and of course, because of the height, headroom is more than adequate. In fact, Mercedes-Benz boasts that the B200 provides as much legroom, shoulder room and head room as a luxury sedan.
The 60/40 split rear seats fold down (the rear seat cushions flip forward) to provide up to 1,530 litres of cargo space. With the seats up, the cargo capacity is 544 litres. The rear cargo floor is also height adjustable.
Safety doesn't take a back seat in the B200 with the standard Mercedes-Benz features all included. Six air bags are standard, as is Electronic Stability Control and a feature called Steer Control, which helps the driver counter-steer in the correct direction in the event of a skid.
Anti-lock brakes are another standard feature along with Brake Assist that recognizes emergency braking by the speed at which the driver applies the brake pedal. When emergency braking is detected, BAS applies full brake pressure in a panic situation.
With its short wheelbase, the car is easy to manoeuvre, even in tight city parking lots. The speed-sensitive power steering offers decent driver feedback and the car rides smooth and firm at highway speeds.
So if you're looking to indulge yourself in a Mercedes that is both practical and sporty, the B-Class is the place to start.

BODY STYLE: four-door hatchback.
DRIVE METHOD: front engine, front-wheel drive.
ENGINE: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder (134 hp, 136 lb/ft of torque), 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (193 hp, 206 lb/ft of torque).
FUEL ECONOMY: 2.0-litre manual 9.2L/100 km/6.7L/100 km, automatic 9.2/7.2; 2.0-litre Turbo manual 10.2/6.9, automatic 9.5/7.4.
PRICE: $29,900 to $32,400. As tested $37,015.