• Investment World
• eWorld
• Catalyst
• Mentor
• Life
• Canvas
• Praxis
• Urban Pulse
• Brand Quest

S. Muralidhar

THE C-Class just got classier. Within months of being introduced in the major automotive markets of the world, the new Mercedes Benz C-Class has been launched in India. The new C-Class has been redesigned, both internally and externally, and embellished with a fresh, higher quality interior trim to give the customer more luxury and a superior riding experience.

Classy countenance

One of the objectives of the redesigned C-Class was to give it a more purposeful, sportier stance; at first glance, the modified exterior of the face-lifted car exudes a noticeably enhanced and more powerful appearance.

New muscular front aprons with larger, double-slatted air intakes are striking. The redesigned front bumper emphasises the width of the body and lends a more dynamic appearance to the car.

This is reinforced by the wider tyres that now rest on newly-designed 16-inch (previously 15-inch) alloy wheels. The number of transverse slats has also been reduced from four to three, giving the radiator grille a wider look. The dynamic frontal styling of the new C-Class has been enhanced with clear-lens-type headlamps and fog lamps.

The indicators housed in the external mirrors are now fitted with clear, plain-surfaced lenses and vapour-plated reflectors. The new C-Class' taillight cluster now features a new layout and a more lustrous look, with a vertical, high-gloss reflector behind a horizontal, cylindrical outer lens. The third brake light also makes for a more sparkling appearance.

Style and substance

A new surface grain and a matt-look finish on several trim parts and better quality switches are the highlight of the new interiors.

In the cockpit, a completely redesigned instrument cluster and the four dial instruments with white illumination for the coolant temperature, speed, engine rpm level and fuel level improve clarity, and are also designed to be pleasing to the eye. Chrome surrounds on each instrument discreetly, but effectively enhance this impression.

To add to the luxury in the new C-Class, newly incorporated switches lie flush in the upper section of the centre console; they are conveniently grouped into two to make for easy use. This area of the centre console is tastefully framed by the high-quality "olive-ash" wood trim.

A new Audio 20 CD music system in the C-Class has been complimented with a 6-CD changer (available as part of standard fitment) that is housed in the glove compartment. The driver and front passenger can operate the standard automatic climate control "Thermatic" and adjust the fan speed, temperature and air distribution using redesigned rotary controls. Chrome surrounds on the controls and their scales additionally enhance the looks of this part of the centre console.

Luxury add-ons

Twin leather upholstery in colours that match the exteriors make for an elegant look. For the driver and front passenger seats, the height and backrests are electrically adjustable.

Other features include an ergonomically optimised shift lever for the six-speed, direct linkage manual transmission, an optional five-speed automatic transmission, a new "Direct Control" package with a sportier, dynamic suspension configuration, more direct steering and electrically folding outside rear view mirrors, both on the left and right sides (optional fitment).

The new C-Class will continue to be available at close to the price of the earlier version despite considerable value addition. Both the petrol and diesel, versions will be available in only one "Elegance" trim. The C200 Kompressor, with the super-charged four-cylinder petrol engine, which generates a peak power output of 141 kW or 158 bhp at 5,500 rpm is now priced at Rs 23.6 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai). And the C 220 CDI, with the second-generation common rail direct injection diesel engine that develops a peak power output of 104 kW or 141 bhp at 3,800 rpm will be available for Rs 25.9 lakh (ex-Chennai). Prices will differ marginally in other cities.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Investment Quiz

Copyright © 2004, The Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu Business Line