A to B : Mercedes-Benz B170

Well my grand-folks have finally ditched their 15 year old 'classic' (seen in the background) in favour of something that is newer, elderly-friendly and easy to drive. We've always kind of relegated the Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class as somewhat second-tier vehicles, but badge aside, there's certainly no disputing their abilities as far as ferrying the older folk around is concerned.

Besides, at approx. $80k for a B170 that's seen less than 10 months, it certainly makes more sense than buying 'just another Golf 1.6L.' Moreover, the light steering wheel (that is not lacking in feel either, lest you think otherwise) makes it easy for grandma to manoeuvre the car around tighter confines without breaking out in sweat.



The B-Class styling is pumped up and its metal skin seems stretched tautly across its muscular shell. The proportions are compact, yet nicely balanced and the lofty driving position gives one an unobstructed view of the surroundings, yet makes it easy for taller occupants to slide comfortably into the front (or rear) seats.

Completing a package that would otherwise consist of rather blah 15inch standard rims is this set of gun-metal Prodrive 17-inch sports alloys.



The interior is sportily appointed with alloy pedals and an faux aluminium instrument garnish that also adorns other portions of the car. Despite its outward appearance, the interior is quite a fair bit more spacious than expected.



The interior is clad in a functional half-fabric material that we can really appreciate, especially if it is factory-fit. It's funny how so many people look only for leather when the reality is, many of the 'leather' seat offerings are sometimes only 'half-leather' to begin with. Apart from the in-dash CD player, there's a 6-CD shuttle in the glovebox, so the old folks can bop quite happily to CD after CD of Teresa Teng.



The rear seats have split-fold ability (70:30), which help elevate this classic to near MPV status.



The rear loading area has a low-sill, which also makes it easier now to chuck the wheelchair in.






It may not be a B200 Turbo, but the B170 is surprisingly nippy around town, probably thanks in part to the lightweight alloy rims, which help reduce unsprung weight for a more spritely move-off from standstill.

Morever, for an European car, the fuel consumption is fairly decent and won't be likely to break your wallet with multiple fill-ups a week. Based on a 50km distance in both highway and start-stop conditions, the 1.3-tonne kg kerbweight car clocked a rather reasonable 9.1L/100km.





Fast Facts : Mercedes-Benz B170 (A)
Engine: 1699cc, 16-valves, in-line 4
Maximum power: 116bhp at 5500rpm
Maximum torque: 155Nm at 3500-4000rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
0-100km/h: 12 seconds
Top speed: 180km/h
LxBxH: 4273 x 1777 x 1603mm
Wheelbase: 2778mm
Kerbweight: 1310kg
Agent: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

V for Vendetta : Nissan GT-R Spec V

Well, after the flurry of rumours and speculation, the Spec V finally made its appearance in the week of Tokyo Auto Salon 2009... BUT it did not make it to the Makuhari Messe, where TAS was held. Instead 2 cars sat rather quietly at Nissan's 2 Ginza showrooms (and another 2 in Nagoya and Fukuoka), while the GT-R Nismo Clubsport Package and the assortment of Z cars stole the limelight at the Auto Salon.

(Nismo Clubsport GT-R for comparison)

And for the R35, it's now referred to as Spec V, rather than V Spec, which would have been more familiar to devotees of Godzilla. Well you get lots of delicious dry carbon bits (higher rear wing, front grille and front brake ducts),

... as well as a Recaro OE reclinable c/f seat that is identical to the one in the Nismo Clubsport, albeit with an embossed 'GT-R' rather than 'Nismo' badge:

Here is a back-shot of the c/f reclinable seat (nissan press room):

One of the special colours for the new Spec V is Ultimate Black Pearl, which actually comes across more as Purple. However, it is dependent on the kind of light one views it in.

To save even more weight, the Spec V ditches its two rear seats,

... has two c/f reclinable Recaro OE front seats vs. the really heavy ones in the standard/black/premium editions. An Overboost function has been integrated into the steering wheel that 'boosts' mid-range torque for about 80 seconds when it's engaged (Photo from Nissan Press Room).

Great news for track-day enthusiasts are the carbon ceramic brakes (front 6-pot) that come on the Spec V, a first for a Nissan production car. Although brake-disc diameter has grown in size, it's actually lighter compared to the regular items.

Personally, I'm not so sure about the Spec V.

As much as i've been waiting for the Spec V to be launched, actually seeing it in person was quite an underwhelming experience. For starters, the tail-pipes, Ultimate Black Pearl 'special colour' and the seemingly hastily tacked-on 'Spec V' tag don't quite do it for me.

My ideal GT-R (from factory) would be a mix and match of parts and styling bits from the Spec V and the Nismo Clubsport package with the power hikes of a MY09 car. And another question, why wasnt the Spec V displayed at the Auto Salon where it could have basked in the adulation it deserves?

In any case, the GT-R Spec V is certainly back with a vengeance!

For more equipment details:

http://www2.nissan.co.jp/GT-R/SPECV/