DaimlerChrysler India launched its new C- Class Mercedes. It is the replacement of earlier C180 Class. The front end is marginally tweaked with a redesigned bumper and grille, and the introduction of clear-lens headlamps and fog lamps. The seven-spoke alloys are new and the tyres are now bigger: 205/55 R 16 rubber vis-à-vis 195/65 R 15s in the earlier model. Which means they fill the wheel arches nicely. The tail lamps and the brake light are shinier, while the rear bumper too, has been slightly changed.

 

DaimlerChrysler launched more powerful diesel-engine C-Class car, the C220 CDI, which replaces the earlier C200 CDI. It’s the same 2148cc, common-rail turbo diesel that used to power the old C200 CDI and also the same which powers the bigger E220 CDI. Mercedes-Benz is offering different states of tune for the same engine.

 

The biggest changes are inside. The central console is more like the one you will see in the E-Class and is much more sophisticated with those push-push toggle controls. The instrument panel is sporty with a chronometer-like design and chrome rings around the gauges with a white backlit light. DaimlerChrysler have come out with an innovative material for their seat upholstery. It’s called Twin-leather, where some parts of the seat have faux leather, while other sections are padded with genuine leather. The external mirrors can now be folded at the touch of a button and a new generation ‘Audio 20 CD’ makes it to the new C. A Thematic automatic climate control is now standard, not to be confused with Thermotronic climate control. The interior is very well built and stuffed with equipment. Things are better in front, with fully adjustable seats and steering wheel, which help you find the perfect driving position.

 

For the C220, engine’s Electronic Control Unit has been modified – it pumps out 141 horsepower – an increase of 26 bhp over the old car and only 4.5 horses down on what it makes in the E220. Torque too, is significant – a mighty 33 kgm – barely a single notch below the E220’s number.

 

It has a comfortable the leather-clad seats, the control buttons on the steering wheel. The C220 goes from 0 to 60 kph in 4.5 seconds, which is quicker than the petrol-engine C200 Kompressor. The C220 does the 0-100 in 10.7 seconds, which is quicker than both the E240 and the E220. And the C220’s top speed is of 210 kph. Put your foot down and the car just surges ahead on a slab of chocolate cake torque – rich, thick, brown and very, very addictive. The ride is supple and comfortable, yet the handling is reasonably tight. 

Filed under: Mercedes Cars in India