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Spyshots: 2012 Mercedes B-Klasse Undergoing Winter Testing

2012 Mercedes B-Klasse2012 Mercedes B-Klasse2012 Mercedes B-Klasse2012 Mercedes B-Klasse2012 Mercedes B-Klasse
The next generation of Mercedes Benz B-Klasse, which Daimler believes will become one of the core models in the Stuttgart carmaker’s arsenal, has been once again caught testing by our photographers.

In preparation for its autumn debut, German engineers are giving the new model a thorough workout to see if it can cope with hard winter conditions. Unfortunately, the vehicle is still wearing heavy camo, so we can’t tell you any novelties about the exterior of the car.

The next B-Klasse will be built on a new front-wheel drive platform, dubbed the MFA, and will be made using a more conventional unibody frame, making production less expensive than the current model's sandwich structure. For the MFA platform, Mercedes-Benz will source its powertrains from Renault. The platform will also spawn the next generation A-Klasse, as well as other derivatives including a compact SUV and a small sedan model.

The five-door hatchback will come with a range of engines that includes small turbocharged diesel and petrol packages, as well as a hybrid option further down the line. Those smaller plants will come to incorporate 1.2-liter, 1.4-liter and 1.8-liter turbocharged engines as well as a 1.6-liter diesel supplied by Renault. Mercedes-Benz will use its own 2.2-liter diesel for the top diesel variant.

Delivering the power to the front wheels will be either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch, as Mercedes has dropped the CVT variant. Improved fuel efficiency will be achieved thanks to the addition of top/start technology fitted as standard on both transmission models.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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