To B or not to B

PITSTOP

An all-new Mercedes-Benz is out. It's the B-Class, what M-B calls the 'compact sports tourer' "� it's essentially a radical-looking MPV wearing the three-pointed star and a young, funky look.

The B-Class features Mercedes' sandwich construction, which was first seen in the A-Class. Here, the engine and transmission are arranged partly in front of the passenger cell, and partly below.

What that translates to is a car that's just a little longer than say, a Hyundai Accent, but with a wheelbase almost equal to that of the much larger Toyota Camry!

Of course, you get plenty of headroom and shoulder-room too. And like in most MPVs, the B-Class offers flexible seating space and luggage area.

Powering the new B are an array of petrol and CDI engines. There are all of six petrol inline-fours to choose from, with outputs ranging from 95 to 193 bhp "� the latter figure belongs to the top-of-the-line 2000cc turbocharged B 200 Turbo, that boasts a 0 to 100 kph timing of just 7.6 seconds.

Among the diesel powerplants, the B 200 CDI is at the top, with 140 bhp and 30 kgm of torque from a 2000cc common-rail turbodiesel. Along with a six-speed manual, the new continuously variable Autotronic transmission is also available as an option.

The B-Class will also feature Mercedes' newly developed adaptive damping system as standard. The new B is out in Europe later this year, and who knows, it might be here in India sooner than you think. We're waiting for the AMG version though.

Our man Ebrahim

The announcement of the 2005 Formula BMW Asia Scholarship saw five lucky drivers embark on single-seater careers in earnest.

The drivers are Wang Jian Wei (20) of China, An Suk Won (18) of South Korea, Armaan Ebrahim (15) of India, Michael Patrizi (20) of Australia, with the fifth scholarship going to Robert Boughey (22) of Thailand, runner-up in the Formula BMW Rookie Cup last year. Yes, that's our Armaan Ebrahim, all of fifteen, occupying the third name slot.

The four rookies were among 31 drivers who underwent an evaluation process and were shortlisted thereafter. Armaan will get a US $50,000 scholarship towards competing in the series, with season long coaching, and not just on driving and racing cars.

The drivers will also be taught to deal with media, calories and engineering aspects that make up the full career-scope. Way to go Armaan! Congratulations and all the very best from us!