Merc B goes green

Green Car Centre

Biodiesel Cars & Hybrid Cars

The Mercedes B-Class has had a mild facelift, but the real changes are under the car's skin.

Biggest change is the introduction of start/stop technology for the petrol-powered B150 and B170 BlueEfficiency models.

This works by switching off the engine when the car is at a standstill, such as at traffic lights.

As soon as the clutch pedal is released or the driver takes his or her foot off the brake pedal, the engine immediately restarts.

Other improvements for the B-Class include emergency lighting, which flashes the brake lights in the event of heavy braking.

There's also emergency interior lighting to help occupants find their way out of the car in a hurry.

To help with parking, Mercedes will also offer active parking assist as an option.

Active parking assist measures spaces that will fit the car and works the steering automatically to see the car into the bay perfectly.

Mercedes is yet to confirm prices for the revised B-Class, which goes on sale in the UK in the autumn.

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