2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class range

Along with significant detail improvements, the four-cylinder engines now use up to 7 percent less fuel and produce even lower emissions which undercut the current EU limits by as much as 90 percent.

Design enhancements and updated specifications further differentiate the B-Class from its A-Class sibling.

The interior has been upgraded with a new upholstery fabric and pattern, whilst the sport package adds side seat bolsters which are trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather and the centre panels in fabric.

Mercedes will continue to offer three models in its B-Class line-up with the B 180 CDI, the B 200, and the range-leading B 200 Turbo.

For the B 180 CDI, it features a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine developing 80kW and 250Nm while fuel consumption remains at an impressively low 5.8 litres per 100kms.

A notable omission from the Australian line-up is the B 170 NGT (Natural Gas Technology) model, which has contributed to an Environmental Certificate awarded to the B-Class by Germany's TÜV Technical Inspection Authority.

The B-Class sports tourer also holds the distinction of being awarded EuroNCAP's highest safety rating of five stars.

The comprehensive list of safety features includes two-stage front airbags, belt tensioners for the front and outer rear seats, belt force limiters plus active head restraints in the front, ISOFIX child seat attachment points and head/thorax sidebags.

Since its crash test, Mercedes has also added crash-responsive emergency lighting in the passenger compartment which illuminates in the event of a collision to comfort passengers and assist the work of rescuers in the dark.

Along with ABS, Brake Assist and ESP, Mercedes engineers have also introduced a new active safety feature to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

Standard for the 2008 model year B-Class, it now incorporates a system which flashes the rear brake lights under emergency braking to gain the attention of other drivers, and also activates the hazard warning lights at speeds over 70km/h.

B-Class owners also have the option of an Active parking assist system which automatically steers the car into any parking space.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class range