Known globally as a sport-tourer the Mercedes-Benz B-Class has been somewhat overlooked here in South Africa. Our obsession with SUV’s of all shapes and sizes has blinded us to other options. Some customers have however seen the light and are no doubt very happy with their B-Class models.
Offered with either a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel motor or a 1.3-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine, both return average fuel consumption figures below 6L / 100 km. With such frugality, it is certain that owners might want to take it on longer journeys. Here are our top three extras that should make those distances in the B-Class just a little better.
1. Bicycle Rack
Cycling has become extremely popular in recent years with a growing number of people joining in on the action. Cycling parks have also become very busy over the weekends with entire families peddling away. This could create a slight issue when it comes to transporting your pedal-powered items. The B-Class might offer impressive load capacity but when the family and all the kit is loaded their might not be space for the bicycle.
Thankfully Mercedes-Benz has recognized this problem and offers a rear-mounted bicycle rack. The rack has been designed for easy, safe and secure fitting. Tailored to your Mercedes-Benz, these foldable racks save space and can be conveniently packed away at a moment’s notice. The rack can support two bicycles up to 60kgs, it is lockable and offers compact dimensions of just 635 mm x 650 mm x 400 mm.
2. Roof Boxes and carrier bars
While the luggage compartment of the B-Class might offer between 455- and 705-litres depending on the configuration of the rear bench, there will owners that might require more space. Especially when you take into consideration the target audience for the car is small families. Mercedes-Benz has kept those who need more luggage capacity in mind with specially designed roof boxes.
To mitigate any luggage compartment shortages, Mercedes-Benz offers customers aerodynamically designed roof boxes. Fitted to the 2-piece carrier bars which attach to your vehicle’s roof rails the roof boxes looks the part. The roof boxes offer 350-litres or 450-litres in luggage space, depending on the size specified.
3. Folding table
While many vehicles offer ample entertainment for occupants up front, some rear passengers might feel left out. Many of us or our children tend to enjoy the digital escape offered by a laptop or tablet. It can however get uncomfortable holding said device on a long road trip. The Mercedes-Benz foldable table mounts securely to the headrest of the front seat.
Not only does it serve as a convenient platform for smart devices or even the traditional book but also as a tray on which you can place food. The folding table also incorporates an integrated cup holder for even more convenience.
