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SPIED! Next generation B-Class

Our spy photographers snapped these images of the all-new Mercedes B-Class that's expected to hit showrooms later in 2011.

The next generation B-Class will be built on a new front-wheel drive platform, dubbed the MFA, and will be made of a conventional unibody frame, making its production less expensive than the current model's sandwich structure engineering.

The new B-Class will feature a series of engines supplied by Renault as well as in-house engines for higher range outputs.

The smaller engines will be available in 1.2-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre options as well as a 1.6-litre diesel, also supplied by Renault. Mercedes-Benz will use its own 2.2-litre diesel for the top of range diesel variant.

POWERED BY RENAULT

The German brand is also set to introduce a number of "green" models, including a plug-in hybrid (E-Cell Plus), an all-electric (E-Cell) and a fuel cell (F-Cell) variant.

A six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch will be available along with stop/start technology on both transmissions, as Mercedes-Benz is dropping the CVT.

Mercedes says the new model will also have more interior space thanks to a lowered floor. The new model will also sport LED head and tail lights.

The MFA platform will also spawn the next generation A-class, as well as other derivatives - among them a compact SUV and a small sedan.

The platform will source its front-drive engines from Renault.
 
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