THE ULTIMATE CAR GUIDE

THE ULTIMATE CAR GUIDE

Myk Belmonte has one pick for you. They say that timing is everything, especially in the automotive industry whenever a competitor arrives. Mercedes Benz was a late entrant in the premium compact SUV market, and it was when Audi Q5 entered, the GLK Class was fielded in. Also launched at the same time with the Q5 at the Beijing Auto Show in 2008; the GLK Class was the three pointed star's first attempt in the smaller class category. Based on the C Class, it was only available to left hand drive markets since the conversion is hard, no thanks to a driveshaft on 4WD versions when converted can intrude the foot wells. It was the first quarter of 2009 when CATS Motors introduced the GLK Class to the Philippines. This is the smallest SUV you can buy from Benz, but not from the entire CATS dealership floor back then. In 2009, three variants (for the same price) were made available: Off-road, Sport, and Edition 1. But the following year it was simplified to just gasoline or diesel, with the former engine discontinued.

Four years later, a second hand GLK Class costs as half when it was brand new. For just P2,600,000-P2,800,000, you get something desirable without being hit by depreciation. For security, go with a pre-owned unit since they have been certified and checked. Maintenance costs, whether it is gasoline or diesel, is similar to other European rivals. As with other luxury vehicles, inspect if the electronic gadgets work well. And if you get a gasoline model, it requires a diet of 95 octane gasoline. Even though it is based on a sedan, the GLK Class has styling cues from the G and GL Class. The boxy stance is either a love or hate affair, with some finding it too polarizing on a market that puts styling as a premium. Various wheel sizes which includes 17, 19, and 20 inches can be had and they add style to the vehicle. There is an available AMG Package that can be ordered when the vehicle is new.

If you own a W204 C Class then you'll find the control layout similar, albeit mounted. The COMAND system takes time to master if you're a newbie, but it makes your life easy. The steering wheel hosts numerous functions for the radio, trip meter, folding the side mirrors, COMAND system, and many others. It has a touchscreen radio that doubles as a screen for your movie trips and for the blue tooth functions. Space is somewhat limited; while the front occupants enjoy adequate space, two is decent but three is a squeeze at the back. Cargo carrying ability is decent enough when the rear bench is up, excellent when folded down. Heavy as it is, the GLK's steering is safe yet sharp. It keeps you planted when doing some fun behind the wheel, even with the blingy rims that come standard. Comfortable to be inside, despite the large wheels but the limited rear space is a bummer. Just enjoy the drive and arrive at style. Before we leave, each premium compact SUV has its own personality; and the GLK Class appeals to those who want the sportiness of a C Class on an SUV package. You get the stares and you get the smiles behind the wheel.

The panoramic smoked glass sunroof looks cool too, although if you keep it open above 60mph it gets a bit breezy, despite the chunky pop-up wind deflector. Ultimately I'm still unsure about the way the back end of the car blends with the front. Some angles are definitely better than others, and the front three-quarter view is the most satisfying, to my eyes at least. As I mentioned earlier, I'm still running-in the C220 so it's premature to give real driving observations, but I'm confident that the sports pack suspension will sharpen up the handling as Mercedes promises. In the meantime the Merc loves motorway cruising and never feels like a small car, probably because it shares the same wheelbase as the C-class saloon. Collating the figures for this report showed the main reason a modern diesel can't be ignored. A fuel consumption average of 38.5mpg so far is pretty impressive and today I managed 50.2mpg on the 60-mile journey up the M1 to Evo Towers. I really hope that, once run in, the C220 proves quick enough to keep me happy, and that its handling also delivers on its promise over the coming months. And then I hope that UK diesel prices come into line with those in Europe. Okay, so only two of those things are likely. I'll let you know for sure in 500 miles' time.

Mercedes-Benz India offers a total of 17 car models. These consist of 5 Mercedes-Benz upcoming cars and 12 new Mercedes-Benz cars in India. The list of Mercedes-Benz cars in the country comprises 2 hatchback cars, 4 sedan cars, 4 SUV cars, 1 crossover car, 1 coupe car. The manufacturer offers 17 petrol variants, 24 diesel variants. Some of the popular Mercedes-Benz cars in India include Mercedes-Benz GLA, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Mercedes-Benz V-Class. As of June 2019, Mercedes-Benz has a total of 134 dealerships spread across 36 cities in India. The Stuttgart based global automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is a division of Daimler AG and is known for producing luxury vehicles, buses, coaches and trucks. Mercedes-Benz India Ltd set foot in Indian market in 1994 which was renamed DaimlerChrysler India Pvt Ltd post Daimler鈥檚 merger with Chrysler. In 2007, Daimler split up with Chrysler and the company was named Daimler AG and its Indian arm was rechristened Mercedes-Benz India Pvt Ltd. The German based luxury automobile manufacturer instigated the luxury market in India, which at that point in time was not a very popular segment. Headquartered in Pune, Mercedes India has a manufacturing plant in Chakan, Maharashtra. Built in 2009, the Chakan plant is spread across 100 acres and is among Mercedes鈥?most eminent CKD units on a global level. Established in 1996, Mercedes Benz India also has a research and Development centre in Bengaluru which is by far Mercedes鈥?largest R&D centre outside Germany. Mercedes Benz cars are popular among luxury enthusiasts in India; the company has a wide range of models, its product portfolio comprises of saloons, tourer, coupes, SUVs and cabriolets & roadsters.