ELEGANT DIESEL BEATS PETROL SIBLINGS

       The popularity of diesel-powered luxury cars has been rising in Thailand over the past several years.
       German auto-maker Mercedes-Benz is one of the major brands that has been enjoying brisk sales of diesel models (the other is BMW), and its latest offering is the C 220 CDI.
       The C220 CDI is priced at Bt2.85 million, which is in the same range as its direct rival, the BMW 320d SE, priced at Bt2.89 million (there's also an entry-level 320d with lower options prices at Bt2.69 million).
       The highlight of the C220 CDI is the power plant, which is a fourcylinder, 16-valve turbocharged common-rail diesel engine that offers loads of torque and excellent fuel economy.
       Maximum power is claimed to be 170 horsepower at 3,800rpm, while a massive 400Nm of torque is available at 2,000rpm.
       The torque gives the C220 CDI exceptional acceleration. It takes 8.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100kph, beating the C 200 K by 0.4 second, while the top speed is claimed to be 227kph (230kph for the C200 K).
       The C220 CDI's engine idles more smoothly and quietly than those in previous diesel models, and the fivespeed automatic transmission, with manual shift mode, also performs nicely.
       The car accelerates effortlessly to cruising speed, where you can really enjoy the excellent fuel economy. Average fuel consumption is said to be 15 kilometres per litre (against 12.6 for the petrol-powered C 200 Kompressor).
       Although the suspension of the C 220 CDI does not offer a die-hard sporty character - as does the suspension of the 320d - occupants will be pleased with the nice balance between grip and comfort.
       The front three-link and rear multilink suspension features stabilisers both front and rear along with a selective damping system that adapts to various road conditions. There is also a standard Electronic Stability Programme that intervenes whenever control of the vehicle is lost.
       The braking system, featuring discs all-round, is also adaptive, and comes with ABS, Brake Assist, a brake-drying function and hill-start assist.
       Safety levels are high thanks to the Pre-Safe system, which prepares the vehicle for an impact when a crash risk is detected. There are eight air bags - dual adaptive in the front, two side air bags for the front occupants and another two for the rear occupants, plus two window air bags that extend from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.
       Compared with the Avantgarde petrol model, the C 220 CDI may appear a little on the discreet side, with 16-inch alloy wheels instead of 17-inch rims and piano-lacquer interior wood trim instead of the sporty aluminium trim.
       Nevertheless, there's a multifunctional steering wheel, chromerimmed dials (I wonder why the revcounter displays up to 6,000rpm) and a 4.5-inch display on the console that comes with a semi-sliding cover. The Comand interface makes things easier when you need to adjust settings for various systems.
       Both front seats are powered, and the steering wheel position is also electrically adjustable for reach and rake.
       The climate-control system, headlights and windshield wipers are fully automatic, adding to the comfort and convenience.
       Since the costly imported version was launched at the end of last year, followed by the more reasonably priced locally assembled version, the C-Class has only been available with petrol engines. With diesel being offered, there's now a more attractive choice.
       The C220 CDI is capable of beating its petrol-engine siblings comfortably in terms of acceleration and fuel economy. There is no question about this.
       However, the problem seems to be the availability of only one trim level: it costs considerably more than the stripped-down C 200 Kompressor (Bt2.46 million), is slightly more expensive than the C 200 K with Elegance trim (Bt2.69 million) and costs Bt40,000 less than the avantgarde model.
       Perhaps a choice of three trim levels for C-Class diesels (just like the petrol models) would make it easier for customers to choose the car that suits them best.
       Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI
       Engine: Four-cylinder 16-valve common-rail diesel
       Displacement: 2,148cc
       Bore and stroke: 88 x 88.3mm
       Compression ratio: 17.5:1
       Max power: 170hp at 3,800rpm
       Max torque: 400Nm at 2,000rpm
       Transmission: Five-speed automatic
       Ratios: 3.95/2.42/1.49/0.83
       Final drive ratio: 2.65:1

       Fuel economy (kms/litre)
       City: 10.9
       Highway: 19.6
       Average: 15.1
       CO2 emissions: 173g/km

       Performance
       0 to 100kph: 8.4 seconds
       Top speed: 227kph
       Suspension (f/r): Threelink, coil springs, stabiliser/multilink, coil springs stabiliser
       Steering: Powered rack and pinion
       Turning circle: 10.8 metres
       Brakes (f/r): vented discs/discs with ABS, EBD, BA

       Dimensions (mm)
       Length: 4,581
       Width: 1,770
       height: 1,444
       Wheelbase: 2,760
       Track (f/r): 1m541/1,544

       Wheels: 16-inch alloy
       Tyres: 225/50R16
       Weight: 1,605kg
       Fuel-tank capacity: 66 litres
       Price: Bt2,859 million
       Distributor: Mercedes-Benz (Thailand)