B-Class act at Sydney motor show

Mercedes-Benz had plenty to show off at Sydney, revealing a new E280 petrol saloon and estate and a new diesel E280 CDI variant for the saloon, new diesel engine for the M-Class, turbo model A-Class, new CLK-Class coupe and cabriolet models, and its Sydney star -- the all-new B-Class.

Mercedes calls the B-Class its "Compact Sports Tourer." Built on a modified version of the platform under the A-Class, it shares the smaller car's running gear but delivers more room and the flexibility to change it from people carry to a small van -- albeit a pretty flash small van!.

The new B-Class will appear in Benz showrooms across Australia in November. Pricing for the B 200 and B 200 TURBO will start from $44,900 and $48,900 respectively.

Also scheduled for launch in November, the ML 320 CDI features a third-generation diesel V6 engine rated at 165kW and 510Nm. Mercedes says the new V6 is evidence of a new chapter in its "tradition-steeped history in diesel engine development". CarPoint will also drive the new ML in the next few weeks.