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The managing director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia, Horst von Sanden, said that with the capabilities of a multi-purpose vehicle, the spaciousness of a small estate and the size of a compact car, the new diesel B 180 CDI would be an attractive alternative for customers looking for a compact diesel vehicle.

“The B 180 CDI is the first compact vehicle introduced by Mercedes-Benz with a diesel engine, and we are delighted to offer this technology to our customers in this class, particularly given the increasing popularity of diesel vehicles.

“The B-Class is appealing to customers who crave more space and versatility, however want the size of a compact car. With demand outselling supply we are currently in negotiations to try and secure more B-Class vehicles for Australia,” he said.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class was released in Australia in October last year with the B 200 and B 200 TURBO models, and is currently making its mark in the segment with customer demand outstripping supply. In just eight months Mercedes has delivered 646 units (end of May).

The new diesel entry is the first of five new diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz models to be introduced in Australia over the next twelve months. Once the current diesel offensive is complete Mercedes-Benz will offer diesel models in the B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class.

Seven decades ago Mercedes-Benz introduced the world’s first diesel passenger car. Last year the company delivered nearly 700 diesel cars in Australia and hopes to double this number by the time the current diesel offensive is over.

Fuel efficient: 960 kilometres on one full tank

The B 180 CDI has an output of 80 kW and 250 Newton metres of torque, with the high torque of this engine available over a wide engine speed range between 1600 and 3000 rpm, enabling the diesel model to execute overtaking manoeuvres rapidly and confidently.

Thanks to pioneering common-rail direct injection, the B-Class only seldom needs to visit the filling station. The B 180 CDI has a consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres (combined consumption) and is able to cover a distance of more than 960 kilometres on one full tank (54 litres).

The newly developed diesel engines have such low emission levels that they are able to meet the stringent EU 4 exhaust emission limits even without a particulate filter system. This is due to sophisticated in-engine measures and use of the latest common-rail technology. In addition the B-Class is equipped with two oxidation catalytic converters which reduce gaseous pollutants by combining them with oxygen.

The key data of the diesel engine for the new B-Class at a glance:

	B 180 CDI*
Cylinders/ valves per cylinder	4/4
Output kW	80 at 4200 rpm
Max. torque Nm	250 at 1600–2600 rpm
0-100 km/h* s	11.3
Max. speed km/h	183
Fuel consumption** l/100km	5.6 - 5.8

*with manual transmission; **combined

CDI technology: variable high-pressure pump and dual pre-injection

Common-rail injection allows very precise control of the solenoid valves on the injectors and demand-related regulation of the high-pressure pump. In previous CDI engines this pump always operated at maximum output, which required a high energy input at the expense of fuel consumption and also caused a large increase in fuel temperature, but it is now controlled according to demand by a vacuum throttle. Depending on the fuel pressure calculated by the engine management system, the delivery chambers of the pump are only partly filled and enable the delivery volume to be demand-related. This technology considerably reduces the energy input required by the pump, and therefore the fuel consumption.

Another important feature of this second-generation common-rail technology is the newly developed seven-hole injection nozzle, which replaces the previous six-hole nozzle. The new injector makes it possible to reduce the hole diameter by around 20 per cent, thereby reducing the flow rate. This means that the fuel is distributed more evenly in the cylinders, ignites more rapidly and burns more completely than before. The progress achieved thanks to this improved mixture formation is particularly noticeable when measuring the exhaust emissions.

The greater throttling effect of the smaller nozzle holes increases the injection time, however, which is particularly unfavourable when more performance is required. To compensate this effect the engineers at Mercedes have increased the injection pressure from the previous 1350 to 1600 bar, thereby shortening the injection time. As in all common-rail engines this high injection pressure is available at all times, i.e. also at low engine speeds.

Pilot injection system has always been a special feature of common-rail engines by Mercedes-Benz. This ensures a quieter combustion noise. In the new CDI engine for the B-Class the engineers at Mercedes have perfected this principle by means of dual pre-injection. The highly-efficient solenoid valves in the new 1600-bar injectors permit even shorter time delays between pilot and main injection, and now small pilot quantities flow into the combustion chambers twice in succession within less than a millisecond, ensuring even better pre-heating. The result is audible, as the combustion noises are once again significantly reduced.

The impressive increase in output and torque which clearly distinguishes the CDI engine of the new B-Class is also a result of increasing the ignition pressure to 180 bar, giving the engine a high torque in the lower engine speed range. Specifically this means that in the B 180 CDI, 198 Newton metres no less than 79 per cent of the maximum torque are already available from 1300 rpm.

Top-class technology for agile handling and outstanding safety

Innovations in the field of suspension technology have contributed greatly to a successful combination of agility, safety and comfort – with all these attributes enjoying equal importance.

The newly developed electromechanical power steering system generates its servo effect with an electric motor, varying it as a function of road speed. This means the servo action is greater at low speeds than at high speeds, which means that the steering is much lighter than a conventional system when parking or manoeuvring slowly. The parabolic rear axle is likewise a new development. It makes a major contribution to the stable, sporty and precise handling, as well as the excellent ride comfort of the new B-Class.

The improved Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) now has a new, additional function: the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system. This operates in tandem with the electromechanical power steering system, providing the appropriate servo assistance in critical handling situations to help the driver stabilise the vehicle. When braking on road surfaces offering less grip on one side than the other the new, additional ESP® function also helps with steering corrections and provides the driver with better road contact.

As a further special feature included as standard, the suspension of the B-Class has a new, selective damping system which adapts the shock absorber response to the current driving situation. A soft shock absorber configuration ensures a high level of ride comfort during normal driving, but switches to maximum damping force when taking bends at speed to give the B-Class maximum stability.

Typical Mercedes safety thanks to the sandwich concept

The unique sandwich concept, which achieves wonders where economy of space is concerned, is the centrepiece of the safety concept in the new B-Class. Intelligently arranging the engine and transmission in an inclined position partly in front of and partly beneath the passenger cell makes a greater effective front end length available for crash deformation. During a severe frontal impact the drive unit is not moved backwards towards the interior, but slides downwards along the likewise inclined pedal floor panel. Moreover, the sandwich concept has significant advantages in the event of a lateral collision because the occupants are seated approx. 200 millimetres higher – and therefore above the impact zone. This means that despite its compact exterior dimensions, the B-Class provides the level of occupant safety typically found in a Mercedes.

Adaptive, two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners in the front and on the outer rear seats, adaptive belt force limiters, active head restraints, sidebags in the front and windowbags round off the standard occupant protection system.

High-quality materials and extensive standard appointments

The interior appointments likewise correspond to the high standard set by Mercedes-Benz. The design and feel of the interior features complement each other, creating an atmosphere in which the occupants are immediately at ease to enjoy the high level of long-distance comfort. Standard specification includes air conditioning, 6-speed manual transmission, a four-spoke steering wheel with multifunction buttons, an armrest between the front seats, passenger seat table function, power windows and tinted glass, plus high-quality trim of brushed aluminium on the centre console, tunnel and door panels.

Mercedes-Benz has grouped further design features which accentuate the B-Class in the form of optionally available luxury, sports and touring packages

High technology from bi-xenon to THERMOTRONIC

High-tech systems from the Mercedes luxury class further enhance comfort and the driving experience in the B-Class. Optionally available features include THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, leather upholstery and the COMAND APS radio/navigation system.

A newly developed, panoramic louvred sunroof provides the occupants of the B-Class with an open-air feeling as an optional extra, and in its closed position it also contributes to the light, friendly atmosphere in the interior of the B-Class. The roof aperture is around two thirds larger than that of a conventional sliding roof. A fixed panoramic roof with a grey-tinted, 0.6-square-metre glass panel is optionally available as an alternative to the sliding roof. On request the standard projection-beam headlamps behind their clear lenses can be upgraded to bi-xenon headlights which includes Active Light System.