A rough week for the B200, but is it any good?

As we reported earlier, The 2009 Mercedes Benz B200 was the center of controversy over a give away of 22 vehicles by Ontario Lottery and Gaming for its March License To Win campaign. In these troubling times for Canadian assembly workers, politicians and the public alike were up in arms that a government agency would buy foreign made cars to give away. More importantly, is the B200 a car you want to win?

The 2009 B200 is billed as a Sports Tourer by Mercedes. What that means, I don't know. It's a tall wagon with a premium feel and looks only a mother could love. This product screams of European design and some people might call its styling "funky". Available with 2 engines, a 2.0L 4cyl with 135hp and a 2.0 Turbo with nearly 200.

The base mill has a five speed stick and the hot model gets you six cogs, the available automatic is a CVT which delivers maximum efficiency by maintaining ideal ratios. You can have it with or without leather or vegetarian friendly Artico leather made from cheap vinyl jackets from the 80s. You can get a sport package with firmer ride and bigger wheels, but this car won't hold a candle to an entry level BMW.

Check the right option box and you get a beautiful articulating glass roof also. Competitors in this low $30ks fashion buggy category would be Volvo C30, Lexus IS250, Mini Cooper, etc. The Benz is the most practical of the group with great cargo space thanks to the hatchback and folding seats. However it is the least attractive and the most likely to plummet in value (maybe why the OLG thinks they got a great deal on them?) but it will surely please the kind of person with a blind obsession for the three pointed star and a need to haul more than the average person.

Comments

[Subzerohf]

I rather have an Audi A3 over the B200. There is nothing about the Merz that spells luxury or premium.

[AE92]

How about the 2009 Acura CSX, it starts at mid 20's and is built off a civic with more Acura styling. I would take the CSX over the B200 and for the price, over a Audi A3.

[AE92]

Plus the Acura CSX is built in Alliston Ontario

[Kevin]

The B200 is sloooooooowww. The turbo is where the fun really starts. I'd take a C30 or A3 any day.