Mercedes and Honda put two debuts on the road

MICHAEL McALEER, Motoring Editor

BOTH THE new Mercedes B-Class and Honda Civic make their debuts this week in Irish showrooms, arriving later than expected but still hoping to catch the eye of January shoppers.

The Mercedes is the second generation of the B-Class and, according to the firm's executives, it's aimed at a younger market than its predecessor. With its five-seat high-roof format the intention is that some people who desire more family space will be tempted by the new car's practicality, while also won over by its premium build and badge.

The design is still very boxy, but the interior is substantially improved on the outgoing model, bearing a close relationship with larger siblings carrying the three-pointed star. The smaller Mercedes models have been criticised in the past for cheap interiors that didn't suit the brand's premium image, but that can't be said of the B-Class. In terms of space, both rear legroom and bootspace have been further improved on the outgoing model, offering impressive space for its size.

Standard features on all new B-Class versions include active collision assist that uses front-mounted radar to anticipate potential collissions, and a driver-fatigue detection system.

While a variety of engines will be offered, the mainstay of Irish sales is likely to be the 109bhp entry level B180 CDI at €29,330, which qualifies for the lowest motor tax band of €160 a year. The petrol-powered B180BlueEfficiency model is also worth considering at €29,980 and only incurs €225 motor tax a year. Both are offered with either six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmissions, the latter adding €2,850 to the B180 CDI version.

The B-Class is built on the firm's new small-car platform, which will underpin the upcoming new A-Class, due for launch at the Geneva Motor show next month and likely to be the brand's first real challenger to the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series.

Meanwhile at Honda, the new Civic (above has finally hit our shores. Originally due last autumn, the devastation of the Japanese tsunami damaged the firm's RD centre. Then the floods in Thailand destroyed premises of some key suppliers, so the car is only rolling off the production line in Swindon this year. Ireland is in fact the first country in Europe to launch the car to the public, starting off with the well-equipped ES 2.2-litre diesel version. This engine has emissions of 110g/km, incurring an annual motor tax bill of just €160 a year.

The 1.4-litre petrol is due to start arriving later this month, with the full range of equipment specifications and engines in showrooms by March. With emissions of 129g/km it falls into the second-lowest tax band, with motor tax of €225 a year.

While the look is very similar to the outgoing model, the firm has made improvements to the handling, particularly noticeable on Irish B-roads.

Pricing for the new Civic starts at €21,395 for the 1.4 litre SE petrol version and €24,445 for the entry-level SE iDTEC 2.2-litre diesel option.

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