Stuttgart - Mercedes has given the B-Class a design makeover with more economical engines and a special fuel-cell hydrogen drive version available in 2010, the car maker has announced.

The four-cylinder engines are up to 7 per cent more economical than the predecessor with exhaust emissions that undercut current European Union (EU) emission standards by as much as 90 per cent, Mercedes said.

A new start/stop function will be available for the B 150 and B 170 models. The engine switches off automatically at traffic lights. Additional new developments include a bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas drive in the B 170 NGT, along with active parking assist.

The B-Class continues to be available with a choice of six engines two direct-injection diesel units (80 kW/109 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) delivering up to 300 Newton metres of torque, as well as four petrol engines with a peak power output of up to
142 kW/193 hp and a maximum torque of 280 Newton metres.

Depending on the model and engine output, the four petrol variants of the B-Class return fuel consumption figures of between 6.6 and 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres. Consumption for the diesel models, the B 180 CDI and B 200 CDI has dropped to 5.2 - 5.4 and 5.4 - 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres, according to Mercedes figures.

Among the design modifications is the restyled radiator grille with its three chromed cross fins painted in metallic grey and the Mercedes star integrated into the centre. The bumper emphasizes the large air intake at the lower end.

In another development the car maker said a fuel-cell version of the current model would be available from 2010.

Combined with a lithium-ion battery and brake regeneration energy, power can be boosted from 70 kW/95 hp to 100 kW/136 hp. The vehicle has a range of 400 kilometres and technology has been improved to allow cold starts at minus 16 degrees Celsius, Mercedes engineers said. (dpa)