MERCEDES BENZ C-Class Classic C-200 CDI Sitting in the driver’s seat of a C-Class Merc is like sitting inside the cockpit of an aircraft. There are many feelings that rush through as you drive this car for the first time... a broad and complex combination of power, thrill, luxury, perfection, sophistication, wealth and sheer beauty.
This car is an introductory model from Mercedes Benz for price sensitive groups.It comes with many goodies on board that include a six-speed manual transmission with an automatic gear handling option and cruise control.
A six-stack front-loading CD changer gives out great sound, and the air-conditioning is super efficient and gives you icy Bavarian weather amidst sweltering Thar conditions! But the real piece de resistance is the multi-functional information system, with it’s computerised panel located in front of the steering wheel. This allows high levels of operating comfort from the main menus of an integrated computer on board this car.
It is so cool that even the headlights, for example, can be programmed to switch off or on as you leave or re-enter the car! There are six airbags on board, whether you like this or not (putting an airbag back in the unlikely event of it opening, could put you out of pocket by close to a lakh of rupees!).
While it is truly agile and comfortable to drive the C Class even amidst dense city traffic conditions, all the magnificence that the Mercedes cars exude come at a price, and maintaining and servicing these cars thereafter can distinguish the boys from the men! Engine: Four cylinder in line with 1,998 cc displacement Acceleration / Power: Zero to 100 kmph in 11.5 secs / 91KW @ 5300 rpm Top Speed: 210 kmph** Colours: Alabaster White, Dark Blue, Magma Red, Obsidian Black, Brilliant Silver and Jasper Blue Looks: Sophisticated and beautiful * Price: C-200 CDI (Diesel): Rs 24,79,065 Philosophy: C’-ing, is believing!
HONDA ACCORD This car is something of a legend. It is one of the best selling sedan cars across 130 countries and the driving experience is truly international and memorable.
While the size of this car is initially daunting, once inside, it is surprisingly nimble to handle and you feel next to nothing on the worst of road conditions.
The 2.3 litre VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine is an engineering marvel that enables it to respond quickly to different road conditions without fuss.
It is a spacious car, with graceful and functional interiors. The driver, for instance, has the luxury of using an eight-way power-adjustable seat and with a tiltable steering wheel. The gears are smooth and crisp to manoeuvre and the air-conditioning is generous and comes along with a sophisticated climate control system. The position of the horn is, however, located in the centre of the steering wheel and is a bit difficult to use in road situations in India where raucous horns rule the road!
This full-sized D-segment car is reasonably priced for what it offers and it gives the more expensive Mercedes C class a run for its money in terms of car space. This flagship car from Honda that has been the world’s envy for generations is almost certain to be any owner’s pride today.
Engine: Four stroke SOHC VTEC 16 valve with 2,254 cc displacement Acceleration / Power: Zero to 100 kmph in 10 secs / 141 ps @ 5700 rpm Top Speed: 200 kmph** Colours: Night Hawk Black, Frost White, Deep Velvet Blue, Naples Gold, Emerald Gree and Satin Silver Looks: Long and classic, like a mature Honda City, with much of the Honda family resemblance. *Price: VTi MT: Rs 15,27,522 Philosophy: ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’
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