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MIAMI BEACH, Fla - After more than a year's hiatus, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class returns with more power, better handling and improved fuel economy. But is it deserving of the 3-pointed star?

Those who put great stock in their status symbols value exclusivity above all else. The CEO who shells out one hundred-thousand large on an S-Class isn't looking for kinship with the underling who manages to swing the payments on a B 250. That's the risk that premium brands take with entry-level models -- the more attainable vehicle that attracts new buyers can also dilute the exclusivity that's made the brand so desirable.


B-Class has been upgraded in every conceivable way
First introduced in Europe in 2005, the B-Class arrived here in Canada later that fall. U.S. distributors took a pass on the tiny Benz, but the company took a chance that it would find favour with Canadian buyers -- a gamble that paid off as it has since become one of their best selling models in Canada.

Criticized in the past of being not quite worthy of the coveted badge, the B-Class has been upgraded in every conceivable way. In fact, according to Dr. Thomas Weber, of Daimler's development management board, no model change in the company's history has ever seen "so many developments introduced in one fell swoop".

The B-Class boasts over $7,000 in added value, yet the $29,900 MSRP remains the same.

More sports tourer than minivan
Outwardly, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 is sharper and more streamlined than the vehicle it replaces which, with its tall outline and arched roof, resembled a small minivan more than the hatch it was meant to be.

The outgoing model was notable for its "sandwich floor" an interesting piece of safety technology that nonetheless compromised its handling, leaving it tall and top-heavy. A more conventional unibody construction on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 results in a lower roofline and much improved stability thanks to a 46mm lower ride height. Seating has also been lowered by 86mm, leaving the occupants feeling less perched.

Outwardly, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 is sharper and more streamlined than the vehicle it replaces. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

Single, more powerful drivetrain
Instead of choosing between naturally aspirated and turbo-charged engines -- and a continuously variable transmission vs. manual -- the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 now sports a single drivetrain: a turbo-charged 2.0L 4-cylinder that puts out 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With no torque convertor and the ability to pre-select gears, the DCT offers better efficiency with no interruption in power.

Not only does this combination offer far more power than either of the outgoing powertrains, but there's an 18% improvement in fuel economy for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250.

The NRCan ratings for the new B-Class are 5.5L/100 km highway, 7.9 city and 6.8 combined -- which puts it ahead of some of the most economical cars on the market: Mazda3 (7.5L) Nissan Versa (7.5L), Toyota Matrix (7.4L); and equal to the Ford Focus (6.8L) with only 160 hp.

Cabin receives material and technology makeover
Inside, the cabin of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 receives a premium makeover: instead of cloth upholstery, there's standard Artico leather and soft-touch materials. There's a solid, leather-wrapped wheel with paddle shifters and a 5.8" standard infotainment screen -- an 8" upgrade is optional. Steel sill plates and pedals add a nice, premium touch. The shift lever has been moved to the steering column to free up console space.

While the base models make do with manual seat adjustment, moving up to the Exclusive trim package adds Mercedes' signature door-located power seat controls. With the rear seats folded flat, cargo space increases from 486 litres to 1,545 litres -- 15 litres over the outgoing model.

However, the big news is on the safety front: Mercedes-Benz has chosen the B-Class to launch the Collision Prevention Assist package; a suite of safety technology that was previously available only as a pricey option on premium models. Sensors determine the distance between the B-Class and other cars then trigger visual and audible warnings to the driver when too close; Adaptive Brake Assist measures the amount of braking force applied by the driver, and increases it if needed; Attention Assist measures deviations in steering inputs and cheekily presents you with a cup of coffee on the info display to suggest a rest break is in order.

To further accentuate the more elevated image of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250, it's now available with all the cosseting features previously limited to Mercedes' plush sedans: Distronic Plus, adaptive high beam assist, speed limit assist, lane keeping assist and blind spot assist -- which was an absolute godsend when navigating the oblivious, weaving Miami traffic.

5.8" standard infotainment screen -- an 8" upgrade is optional. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush)

No sports car, but manoeuverable and cheerful
There are three drive modes in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250: Economy, Sport and Manual. Selecting "Sport" tightens up the throttle and shift response, which is fine on the highway, but feels twitchy and abrupt in traffic. There's no way the B-Class is ever going to be considered a sports car, and the demographic that will embrace this interesting little hatch will probably never use this mode anyway. The steering is a bit numb, but the handling improvements are evident. Independent rear suspension replaces the old torsion beam setup resulting in better cornering stability. Overall, it's a comfortable, manoeuverable and cheerful car to zip through even congested traffic.

More power, a phalanx of safety systems, and terrific fuel economy in a much swankier package make the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B 250 a very compelling little tourer.

Stéphane Peterhansel (MINI) retained his first place in the Dakar overall standings, the eighth and most recent stage having been interrupted by heavy Argentinian rains.

Peterhansel lost several minutes in the stage following a navigational error, and would have lost even the lead to his main rival Nasser Al-Attiyah, had the rain not stopped the stage.

After Peterhansel reached the finish, the stage was cancelled, all the following cars being stuck at a river crossing impossible to negotiate because of the heavy rains.

Even Al-Attiyah's progress was cut short.

In the end, Guerlain Chicherit (SMS Buggy) was declared winner, even though only five cars reached the end of the stage. Organizers decided to allot to the following drivers the same time as Peterhansel, last to reach the finish.

The Frenchman could therefore hold on to his lead in overall classification, by 3.14 minutes ahead of Al-Attiyah.

Sunday, the drivers enjoyed a break before resuming competition today.

From GMM

That is the view of F1 experts and former drivers Martin Brundle and Sir Jackie Stewart, despite team boss Martin Whitmarsh's claim that Sergio Perez will enjoy full equality at the British team as he replaces Lewis Hamilton from 2013.

"That is the mentality in our team," the McLaren chief told British broadcaster Sky. "They will have equal treatment. I think that competition in the team is good."

Jenson Button. (Photo: McLaren)

But F1 legend and triple world champion Stewart is quoted by the Daily Express: "It's not a question of equal footing this year. You've someone in Jenson who knows the business and who has been there, seen it and done it. He has to see himself as number 1."

Former McLaren driver turned top television commentator Brundle agrees: "With Lewis' departure, Jenson takes the lead of the team.

"He can now concentrate on that role and I think he will grow into it," he is quoted by Speed Week.

From GMM

Heikki Kovalainen harmed his chances of staying in formula one beyond 2012 by demonstrating a lack of "respect" to Caterham.

That is the claim of Mike Gascoyne, the team's former technical boss who now oversees the technical operations of the entire Caterham Group.

After three years at the back of the grid with Caterham, Finn Kovalainen - now managed by IMG - attempted to secure a better seat for 2013 but ultimately now faces dropping out of formula one altogether.

Gascoyne confirmed speculation Caterham is considering replacing the 31-year-old with a so-called 'pay driver'.

Heikki Kovalainen, Caterham. (Photo: WRi2)

"We realise what the game is," Gascoyne told the motor sport news website crash.net. "People (teams) boom and bust easily. We have come in and done a very steady job compared to other new teams and have been professional, but we've taken a step back and said 'Ok, we are not going to get there straight away, we need to manage our budgets, manage investment and build up our resources so we are here for the long term'."

It is believed the favourites to become Frenchman Charles Pic's teammate this year are Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna.

"It is actually a great shame," Gascoyne said. "Heikki is a very talented driver but, last year, his management did not handle him very well and he has not done himself any favours. He has had three years with Caterham, was paid well, and he should have shown more respect about that."

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone thinks a forthcoming $100m trial will be "amusing".

The F1 chief executive and others, including convicted bribe recipient Gerhard Gribkowsky, are being sued by the sport's former co-owners Constantin Medien over the sale of F1's rights to CVC some years ago.

Constantin claims the manipulation of the sale cost it more than $100 million.

Bernie Ecclestone, who may also be prosecuted by German authorities for allegedly bribing Gribkowsky, told the Telegraph he is prepared to appear at the Constantin Medien case to testify.

"I wish they would bring it forward," he told leading F1 business journalist Christian Sylt. "It's going to be amusing. Sure I am looking forward to it."

Sylt said Ecclestone has been approached with an offer to settle.

"All this is about finding a way to get money," Ecclestone, 82, confirmed. "It is as simple as that."

"(Constantin shareholder) Dieter Hahn had some intermediary, who is a friend of ours, to talk to me about 'you know you should settle, you don't want to go to court'. I'm not settling," he insisted. "The judge will settle the case. I can't see that it could go any other way than in my favour."

So, every now and then I give into the uber girlie and pathetic world of reality TV (I can guarantee a majority of you just clicked off this blog, hopefully to return next week when I promise never to mention this fetish again). I know, horrible of me; but I promise you it's a good one.

I've been watching The Amazing Race for nearly a decade now. They're on season 11 and I've watched every single moment of every single episode. I'm obsessed because it's all about travel, the world and the dynamic relationship between two people stressed out of their brains as they race around the globe to win $1 million dollars. It's quite entertaining and I implore anyone who hasn't watched it to get over the reality-TV stigma and give it a go. You won't be disappointed.

After 11 seasons, I was sure I'd stop seeing a common trend amongst the travelling teams; because it never fails: someone always fails to complete a leg of the race (or at least come in dead last and, therefore, be eliminated) because they can't drive stick.

Yup. Out $1 million because you didn't think to learn how to put a vehicle into first gear before heading out to be on The Amazing Race. I would assume those who apply to be on the show are fans of the series and so have seen, season after season, teams stall, breakdown and basically bow out because they can't get their brand new Ford vehicles (which have been the show's only vehicles since the beginning) into that all-important first gear on the streets of Czechoslovakia.

As usual, the last episode I watched which featured the final four teams racing for the $1 million, showed a team of twin sisters who fell dangerously to last spot because the sister who'd promised to learn manual for the race only took one lesson at home and thought that was enough to get by. Lurching, stalling, and causing traffic in Barcelona, Spain only made the situation worse and their strong team spirit dissipated as quickly as their lead did.

While most of us will never be featured on a show like The Amazing Race, that's no excuse not to learn how to drive a manual vehicle. It's an invaluable lesson to learn, in my opinion, and one that will no doubt come in handy down the road (quite literally).

Whether you learn when you earn your license, or choose to take lessons with a friend or family member: Learn. Just do it.

Imagine you have to get a friend home from a party after he's had one too many and his car is manual, or you have to drive a family member to the hospital and they only have a stick-shift available, or you're on a race for $1 million dollars and in the lead...

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

From GMM

Toto Wolff, a shareholder and director of the Williams team, doubts he will continue his role of driver manager.

That is despite the Austrian's latest charge, Valtteri Bottas, having successfully risen through the ranks to make his formula one debut in 2013.

But Wolff told Switzerland's Motorsport Aktuell that 22-year-old Finn Bottas is more an exception than the rule.

Rather, "If you now need 100,000 for a national karting season, and 250,000 euros for international, then eventually the level (of the drivers) will drop."

But Wolff said he hopes drivers with little money but big talent will still be able to rise through the ranks in future.

A current example, he said, is Bottas.

"He never had much money, but he always had support, just because he was good," Wolff insisted.

Valtteri Bottas and Christian Wolff, Williams. (Photo: WRi2)

But actually, he said managing motor racing drivers is a "thankless job".

"If the target fails," said Wolff, "everything's the fault of the manager. If everything goes smoothly, you never know what happens -- some drivers are champions of short memory."

He said he has no plans to repeat the Valtteri Bottas project with another young talent.

"If you have to put two million on the table for GP2, then driver management makes little sense," said Wolff.

Mercedes-Benz is ready to go a little Scion, with a luxury twist. Mercedes-Benz' sleek and sculpted CLA sedan will go on sale in the United States in September as the first of three new front-wheel-drive vehicles from the luxury marque.

First Look: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

Retro name, modern sports car.

Four years ago, the Corvette team first weighed the idea of reviving the historic Stingray moniker for the C7 Corvette. They made the decision only six months ago. It took that long to come to a verdict because neither design VP Ed Welburn nor chief engineer Tadge Juechter nor marketing manager Harlan Charles would make the call until they could confidently say their car delivered the looks, the performance, and the character to live up to the 1963-67 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray.

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette - Automobile Magazine

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First Look: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

Benz launches a baby CLS

Since the "Baby Benz" 190E of 1982-93, Mercedes has been trying to get back into the small, relatively affordable segment -- call it entry-luxury or semi-premium -- in the United States. Now, the builder of everything from Western European taxicabs and semi-trucks to S-Classes and AMGs finally has the right product. It was saved for a pre-Detroit auto show reveal Sunday night, although Benz was not planning to display the car on the North American International Auto Show floor during press or public days following the reveal. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has neither the Bauhaus minimalism of the 190 nor the creased conservatism of the more expensive C-Class. It's a baby CLS.

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 - Automobile Magazine

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GM aims to capture a new generation of sports car lovers -- many raised on video games and extreme sports -- with a complete overhaul of the Chevrolet Corvette that promises additional power, a more refined and comfortable interior, and modern...

News 13 Jan, 2013

Jaguar Land Rover has announced the creation of 800 jobs at its plant in Solihull, Birmingham

When Tokuo Fukuichi was brought back to Toyota Motor to become head of design, he was given a simple directive from President Akio Toyoda: make Toyota cars simple and cool. He took a risk and objected.

First Look: Lincoln MKC Concept

Luxury brands face a Catch-22: they thrive on exclusivity but want to sell as many cars as possible.

Luxury brands face a Catch-22: they thrive on exclusivity but want to sell as many cars as possible. This challenge is especially acute at Lincoln, which has neither cachet nor lots of sales. The brand perceives its best and only option to be an all-out attack on high-volume segments with more exclusive-looking products. We saw the first fruit of this effort last year with the new and dramatically styled MKZ mid-size sedan. Phase two is a small crossover, a vehicle segment that, by Lincoln's estimation, accounts for some 25 percent of luxury sales. The MKC concept you see here is Lincoln's attempt to feast on this large slice of the luxury-sales pie.

Photo Gallery: First Look: Lincoln MKC Concept - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Look: Lincoln MKC Concept - Automobile Magazine

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News 13 Jan, 2013

The Infiniti Q50 has been leaked online, following a mistake by Infiniti’s official Canadian website

Jaguar Land Rover plans to create 800 new jobs at its Solihull factory in central England due to demand in China, Russia and the United States, a person familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

Daimler will extend CEO Dieter Zetsche's contract by five years, two years more than expected, a German magazine reported.

Opel's new CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann will take office on March 1, four months sooner than expected, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters, confirming a magazine report.

Opel's new CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann will take office on March 1, four months sooner than expected, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters, confirming a magazine report.

Opel's new CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann will take office on March 1, four months sooner than expected, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters, confirming a magazine report.