Mercedes-Benz C-class diesel launch on Feb 11, 2015

Mercedes-Benz will launch the diesel version of its C-class luxury sedan in India on Feb 11, 2015. It will use the ‘220 CDI’ engine specification, which means a 2.1-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that in the previous C-class produced 170bhp. However, there is a chance this motor could get a little more power in the new C-class.

Like the C 200 petrol model, at the time of its launch the new C-class diesel will be a CBU import. Local assembly of the C-class will commence later this year, but Mercedes-Benz understandably wants to bring the all-important diesel version of its luxury sedan here as quickly as possible.

And like the CBU C-class petrol, the C 220 CDI will be launched in a fully loaded top trim only. That means it will have features like a high-res, 8.4-inch screen for its COMAND infotainment computer, satellite navigation, LED ambient cabin lighting with three selectable colours, push-button start, a panoramic sunroof and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. You will of course get the basics like three-zone auto climate control, rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity as well.

We found the C 200 petrol to be an accomplished and grown up luxury sedan, but to better compete with its rivals in our market, a diesel version is essential. Being an import, the C 220 CDI is likely to be on the pricey side – around Rs 1 lakh higher than the C 200 petrol. Buyers are likely to baulk at the Rs 50 lakh plus on-road price (in certain states) however good the car maybe. Mercedes needs to introduce the locally assembled and hence cheaper versions of the new C-Class sooner rather than later to compete with its rivals on an even footing.

Comments

2018 Lamborghini Urus India review, test drive

On first introduction, it’s a recipe for intimidation. It’s claimed to be the fastest SUV in the world (0-100kph in 3.6sec and a top speed of 305kph puts it nearly in supercar territory), and it’s made by Lamborghini – creator of some of the most savage vehicles on the market. Things – as with any Lamborghini, for that matter – would be a lot less daunting if we were driving on a smooth European country road, a wide motorway, or even a race track. But today we’re driving the Urus on a narrow ghat road, as well as through some heavy Pune traffic. Perhaps the intention was to demonstrate that this is the first Lamborghini ever to go on sale in India that truly works in our conditions – but still, I doubt they accounted for rush hour. It’s requisitely mad to look at, employing as many ‘sporty’ design tropes to an SUV body style as possible – the only thing missing is a massive wing on the back; and somehow, it works. It’s ...

What to avoid during a car service

When it comes to getting their cars serviced at authorised outlets, owners usually go the whole hog. They want their cars coming out of service centres looking brand new, and are willing to pay for it. But do service centres take undue advantage of this? Yes, they do. Servicing may involve changing certain parts and oils after a set interval, but service centres will almost always try to plug in a few extras using technical jargon that a layman may not really understand. Certain processes are completely unnecessary, and customers end up paying extra as they are not aware of what's important and what's not. Also, most of the times, the service associate will throw you a hard sales pitch, and it's not always done with your best interests in mind. So what exactly are the things you don’t really need and should avoid? Engine flushing Flushing an engine simply means cleaning the impure oil and gunk that ...

Rolls Royce Cullinan SUV in the works

Rolls Royce has released the first pictures of its Cullinan SUV prototype. The company has said that only the length of the prototype gives clues about the production. The entire car is an engineering mock-up to test the new all-wheel drive transmission and suspension. The prototype, based on a shortened Phantom II, is set for road testing from the second week of April. The company has said that it would “assist Rolls Royce engineers in developing a final suspension system that will deliver the brand's hallmark 'magic carpet' ride not only on the road, but off-road too”. Rolls Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Ötvös had, some time back, confirmed to our sister publication Autocar UK, that the company was developing an all-new four-wheel drive high-bodied Rolls Royce. He had, however, avoided using the word ‘SUV’. The new Rolls Royce is expected to shatter existing price and size ceilings for a SUV, but as per the brand's design boss Giles Taylor, the SUV will be po...

Automobilestillnow

Search This Blog