It’s off to Mahabaleshwar for new year’s, and our Merc C-class just proves why it is so perfect for this kind of drive.
Published on Mar 10, 2014 04:42:00 PM
14,754 Views
There’s also something very old school about this car that appeals to me. The steering, for example, is still hydraulically assisted. The C’s rivals — the A4 and the 3-series — have moved on to electrically assisted systems, and so this car’s steering actually feels like the BMWs of old. Which, as anyone who loves to drive knows, is a good thing.
Anyway, the engine drones through early morning Mumbai and drones some more when you rev it, but settles down to a quiet hum on the expressway. I love the absolutely flat ride at high speed and the way the expressway’s bumps do nothing to shake the C250 CDI off its direction of travel.
Then there’s the twin sunroof — I know a sunroof is impractical in India, but I like leaving the inner shades open on an early morning like this, letting a lot of light into the cabin. I also like the C-class’s compact dimensions — it’s not a handful on the narrow Wai Ghat.
Like always, I make it to Mahabaleshwar in time for a late breakfast, feeling absolutely relaxed thanks to the car’s easy-going nature. Happy new year, everyone!
Hormazd Sorabjee
Odometer 3,937km
Price Rs 36.95 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)
Test economy 9.9kpl (overall)
Maintenance costs None
Faults None
Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.