2012 Mercedes B180 Blue Efficiency road test review, images, specs, price and details

Ride and handling

What rang a caution bell in our heads at the beginning of our drive explained itself well enough by the end of it. The B-class, we would love to announce here, is an exceptionally good handler before we talk of anything else. It simply surpassed our expectations, and around the twisties of Lonavala, dazzled us with its balance, power delivery and poise.

Back in the beginning, we found the suspension a tad too stiff, especially at low speeds. The thuds were audible within the cabin to an extent more than welcome. The road and wind noise too were a bit more than our expectations. However, the sounds somehow did not translate into any physical inconvenience at the back bench, with the disturbance being more aural than bodily. Part of the problem was that those 17 inch wheels run on thin, 45 profile tyres. We were given the B180 with the Sport package, which increases the wheel size and reduces the profile. The standard B180 should ride much better. However, the dividends you reap for the tradeoff are well worth the small inconvenience.

The B180, as we discovered around the inviting roads leading up to Aamby Valley, has an amazingly well weighted steering wheel for an Electric Power Steering. The feel at the hands is just right – neither too heavy, nor too light. In conjunction with its baffling balance and poise, the B-class takes you by shock – leaving you bamboozled with its manners which are almost incredible for a hatch that borders on being an MPV.

Even after being a front wheel drive car, the B 180 steers precisely to your command – with no signs of under or over steer. The steering remains delightfully neutral, inviting you to push the machine harder on the next corner. Those 225 / 45 tyres delivered generous volumes of grip. You really have to push this baby hard to make those tyres wail. We have seen far more expensive machines start screeching at half the effort.

And it’s not just about the grip, or the feedback at the steering wheel. The body of the car itself is beautifully balanced with minimal roll as you hurtle it around bends. The fact that the B 180 is powered by a small engine helps its cause. Not being propelled by a monster helps it keep poise, with lesser instances of traction breaking. The B-class, then, is an incredibly fun to drive car – more fun than some of those bigger monsters which, thanks to their big engines are marred by tremendous torque steer.

What was a small fry at the beginning of the drive, managed to bring a big smile on our face by the end of it. The B class is, indeed, one delightful car to drive.

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