Thursday 8 November 2007

Mercedes-Benz 'C-For Yourself' Official Launch in Malaysia

By Dr Long



Mercedes-Benz all-new C-Class (W204) was launched recently at APAC, Subang with much pizzaz. Tagging a catchy slogan ‘C-For Yourself’, it began with a Gala night when the new C-Class was officially unveiled by DaimlerChryler Malaysia (DCM). VIPs, distinguished customers, potential buyers and the media were feted to a showcase of myriad lifestyle activities, the highlight of which was a fashion show in conjunction with the Malaysia International Fashion Week 2007. Designers like Michael Ong, Sharifah Kirana, Tom Abang Saufi and Melinda Ooi had models catwalk their creations on the runway. A lucky draw with grand prizes of an all-paid trip each to Stuttgart, Germany was held for customers who had booked their C-Class before 15 October 2007.

It has been 25 years since the launch of the 190, which signaled the successful foray of Mercedes-Benz into the compact, premium automobiles segment. “Approximately 8,000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have been sold throughout its presence in Malaysia. And since the launch of the new C-Class models in Europe early this year, over 55,000 units have already been ordered”, revealed Peter Honegg, President & CEO of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia. In this regards, Mr Honegg also added that “In Malaysia, we have attained more than 1,000 bookings already and with such impressive figures, we are confident that the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will build on the success of its predecessor.”

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Some of the outdoor activities held on C-day are test drive sessions of the new C200K, the Active Safety Experience by Michelin which demonstrated the new C’s agility, safety and dynamic driving. Go-Kart races also added some fun to the morning. However, the sky soon started to pour just after noon and all driving activities were halted, much to the disappointment of many invited guests who had waited in vain for their turns. Indoor, golfing tips were given by attending golf professionals and female customers were treated to fashion shows, dazzling jewellery displays and hand spas. Fine wine appreciating sessions and cooking presentations kept guests with discerning tastes occupied. Children were spotted busy at the MobileKids corner, learning road safety initiatives, which were taught in a light, easy and entertaining manner.


Interestingly, the fourth C-Class generation is the first Mercedes saloon with two different frontal designs. In the more traditional C200K Elegance model, the trademark three-pointed star is, as before, positioned on the bonnet. For the Avantgarde version though, the iconic Mercedes star-logo is larger and seated in the centre of the radiator grille, reminiscent of the sportier Benz models. Although the 1.8L Kompressor 4-cylinder engine is largely carried over, there is a boost in output by up to 13 percent, now a respectable 184hp while torque has increased by around 18 percent to 250Nm, coming on tap from 2800rpm to 5000rpm. A claim 0-100km/h sprint that’s 0.6sec faster (at 8.8sec) than its predecessor, while fuel consumption is reduced by 0.5L/100km!

For this year – to begin with – DCM has tagged the C200K Elegance at RM248,888 while the sportier Avantgarde variant goes for RM258,888. Both are locally assembled models, on-the-road prices, excluding insurance. Expect the C230 V6 Avantgarde, with Advanced Agility package and 7-G Tronic, to be available by Q2 2008.
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