Diesel B-class leads rash of oil-burners

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia has set a starting price of $44,900 for its forthcoming B180 CDI diesel model variant, which is the same point as the baseline B200 petrol model.

Due to arrive in May, the B-class oil-burner uses an 80kW/250Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that is claimed to return 5.6L/100km across the combined urban/extra-urban standard.

Torque is developed from a low 1600rpm right up to 3000rpm, enabling a broad range of performance.

The new diesel entry is the first of five new diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz models to be introduced in Australia over the next 12 months.

Once the current diesel offensive is complete Mercedes-Benz will offer oil-burners in seven different models, including the new GL-class.