Mercedes-Benz B-Class launched
Occupying the open spaces outside Takashimaya departmental store this weekend is the launch event of the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class. The second-generation B-Class hosts a range of upgraded technologies and design elements. For example, the entire programme is completely new with a four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection, dual clutch transmission and several new driver assistance systems.
"No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," said Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class."
You can get an opportunity to get close to the new B-Class at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, as well as participate in the series of activities to understand the B-Class better.
Boot Cram is a game where you try to fit a specified number of items into the boot of the new B-Class in the quickest time. You have to do it alone and do remember to put down the fold-flat seats!
B-tween The Lines sees the artist illustrate futuristic features of the new B-Class as you try to guess what they are.
B-Race is a remote-controlled B-Class race on a miniature track for the best time.
The overall winner of all the challenges will win a week's drive in the new B-Class.
At the outdoor demonstration area, professional racing drivers and qualified Mercedes-Benz instructors such as Peter Hackett and Nathan Pretty were specially flown in to show two specific features of the new B-Class.
The Collision Prevention Assist system is a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist as standard that helps to lower the risk of rear-end collisions. In times of identified obstacles, the system will give a visual and acoustic warning to alert the possibly distracted driver and prepare Brake Assist for the most precise possible braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver emphatically operates the brake pedal.
The Active Parking Assist system helps the driver to get his car parked, a tool particularly useful for parallel parking. Ultrasonic sensors are installed on the right and left of the front bumper to measure the length and depth of a potential parking space. If the parking space fits, an arrow will appear next to the "P" symbol in the instrument cluster.
The system assists the driver during the parking manoeuvre by controlling the electromechanical steering, while the driver still has to control the acceleration and braking. Speed is limited to 10 km/h during parking.
Unfortunately, no test drives are available at this event.
Passionate about cars and motorsports, Cheryl Tay is a familiar face in prominent local, regional as well as international automotive titles. More of her at www.cheryl-tay.com.
