The latest sedan from the Mercedes stable, Mercedes-Benz C Class CGI, offers a panoramic sun roof, attention assist and a host of other features, including agility control suspension. Add to this the already existing attributes of the largest dealership network in its segment and easy financing service through Daimler Financial Service, combined with the eponymous three-pointed star. These more than bring the Mercedes brand up against its other German rivals, namely Audi (A4) and BMW (3 Series), in the same price bracket of R28-32 lakh.
The company has preferred to go backwards with the pricing, as supposedly the older and newer C-Class variants have a price difference and one which does away with the norm of pricing newer vehicles more than their old variants like C Class Kompressor. The Kompressor is kaput. The entry supercharged Kompressor engine has been replaced by a new turbocharged, direct injection, four cylinder in the C200 (petrol) and gains the CGI tag, which means charged gasoline injection. Economy has improved from 8.0l/100km to 7.3l/100km and emissions have gone down from 189g/km to 171g/km. Equipment levels have been improved, adding between R1.5 lakh and almost R4 lakh in extra value into the cars.
Mercedes-Benz India GM Manas Dewan has pointed out that there is a clear agenda to add more value into the range to improve market leadership.
Its mid-range response makes you think twice that this performance is coming out of a 1.8-litre four cylinder. The engine is peaky, smooth revving and well matched to the five-speed gearbox.
Unlike the Kompressor engine, the power delivery is seamless and the turbo’s variable geometry turbocharger virtually eliminates any turbo lag. It impresses with its well composed ride, handling and steering.
It is crisp through the corners and like all Mercedes-Benz cars, you really do need to take it out on a long drive, preferably on a windy open road, to appreciate the level of engineering that has gone into a model like the C-Class. Throw the C-Class into a sharp corrugated corner and you’ll see what I mean. In this situation, the steering remains unruffled and the suspension absorbs the harshest corrugations without transmitting anything into the cabin.
You might feel too comfortable as the Merc’s cosy interiors have a tendency to export you into heavenly slumber. However, another new C Class features comes handy here. Attention assist, which notices the driver’s driving patterns and reminds the driver to take a break in case of drowsiness and avoiding accidents, is a blessing. It is more than a match for the BMW 3 Series.