The auto industry’s march toward small cars has been relentless. So much so that almost every automaker, from luxury to economy brands, now plays in the small car arena. Two of which are Germany’s Mercedes-Benz and Korea’s Kia. Both offer small-yet-tall front-wheel-drive, four-door wagons. Both are appealing in their own rights. Depending on your new car budget, though, one may be a “want” and one may be a “have to get”.
WANT THIS: 2014 Mercedes-Benz B250 Compact Sports Tourer
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz B250 starts at just $30,500 in Canada, but the compact hatch still feels upscale in its amenities and sporty drive.
Paul Choi, Driving
The redesigned, second-generation B-Class wagon arrived for 2013. As one of the smallest models Mercedes-Benz sells in Canada, the B shares a compact platform with the CLA-Class sedan and GLA-Class crossover.
Car Review: 2014 Mercedes-Benz B250
While the first-gen B-Class’s interior was not up to luxury car standards, not so with the latest version. The $32,350 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection fees) B250’s leather surfaces, meaty, multi-functional steering wheel, chrome “eye-ball” vents cribbed from the SLS AMG supercar, and prominent centre console infotainment screen (that looks like Mercedes’ designers have plunked down an iPad on top of its dash) go a long way in making the compact wagon feel a cut above similarly-sized mainstream offerings like the Kia Rondo.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the five-passenger B250 feels like a mid-size car inside. Mercedes says rear legroom is greater than an E- or S-Class sedan. To further aid in rear seat flexibility, an optional package on European models allows the back seats to slide back and forth whether you want more cargo or passenger room.
The interior of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B250 is well-appointed with a nice, beefy steering wheel, a 5.7-inch LCD screen, and nice materials throughout.
Paul Choi, Driving
The B-Class’s lone powertrain combines a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder gas engine with a sophisticated, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With a healthy 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the small ‘Benz takes only 6.8 seconds to go from zero to 100 kilometres per hour. It’s also an efficient power source, with 7.9 litres per 100 km city and 5.5 highway estimates.
Like bigger ‘Benzes, the B250 does an excellent job keeping the outside world at bay. Low levels of noise/vibration/harshness inside are immediately noticeable. When hustled, there’s always a solid, grown-up, comforting vibe that’s consistent with its bigger Mercedes’ siblings. And in addition to a phalanx of airbag and electronic stability and traction control systems, the B-Class comes standard with the latest in safety kit, including Collision Prevention Assist and Attention Assist, while Passive Blind Spot Assist, Passive Lane Keeping Assist and PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist are options.
And keep in mind: one feature you can’t cost out is the Mercedes-Benz’s exclusivity and prestige. As of now, no other luxury brand offers a premium small wagon like the 2015 B250.
GET THIS: 2015 Kia Rondo
2015 Kia Rondo
Handout, Kia
As much as you may want the exclusivity, refinement, performance, better fuel-efficiency and state-of-the-art safety technologies the small Mercedes-Benz wagon offers, buyers with thinner wallets can get the 2015 Kia Rondo. It may not sport a Tri-Star on its grille, but like all recent Kias, the small Rondo wagon looks upscale on the outside, is jammed with state-of-the-art infotainment and luxury features on the inside and strives for Mercedes-like levels of quality, comfort and refinement.
Two Takes: 2014 Kia Rondo EX Luxury
Like the B-Class, the Rondo’s cabin is remarkably space-efficient. Behind the Kia’s second-row seats you’ll find 912 litres of cargo room — much more than the 488 L the Mercedes-Benz offers. Fold down the Rondo’s 60/40-split/folding second-row seats (that also slide back and forth to maximize cargo room or increase third-row legroom) and the Kia offers a whopping 1,840 L of total room (the B250 can only hold 1,547 L).
And if you still need more room, the Kia’s front passenger seat also folds flat, allowing for lengthier items. And while the Mercedes is strictly a five-seater, the Kia has an optional seven-seat option. (Just remember: the Rondo’s third row seats are for occasional use only. Anyone over the age of 10 will protest back there).
2015 Kia Rondo
Handout, Kia
The five-passenger, manual transmission 2015 Rondos start at $22,960. However, the top-line, seven-seat $33,660 EX Luxury/Navigation comes standard with many of the features that are optional on the B-Class, including a panoramic sunroof, nav, heated and cooled driver’s seats, heated second-row seats, and more.
With a 164-hp and 156-lb.-ft. 2.0L four-cylinder gas engine mated to a six-speed automatic, the Rondo takes just over nine seconds to go from rest to 100 km/h — more than two seconds slower than the B-Class. Even with only five passengers on board, the Rondo’s four seems adequate at best. And with estimates of 10.6 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway, the Kia can’t match the B250 at the pumps, either.
That said, if you’re a small wagon buyer on a budget, it’s hard not to recommend getting the 2015 Kia Rondo.
