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THE
CURRENT CROP
In terms of product range,
MBIL is next only to market leader Maruti Udyog. |
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S-class
3,199-CC,224-BHP,
petrol
Merc's super-luxury car that vends for a cool
Rs 60 lakh-plus. Surprise: it actually managed to sell 84 units last
year
Price: Rs 62 lakh |
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E-class
E-240: 2,398-CC,156
BHP, petrol
E-220 cdi:2,148-CC, 143-BHP, diesel
The global best-seller, and the breadwinner so
far in India
Price: Rs 31.97 lakh to Rs 34.36 lakh |
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C-class
C-180: 1,998-CC,
124-BHP, petrol
C-200: 2,148-CC, 116-BHP, diesel
A new aggressive offering, could be a big
winner
Price: Rs 20.80 lakh to Rs 27.80 lakh |
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MB-100
series
MB-100: 2,874-CC,
95-BHP, diesel
MB-140l 2,874-CC, 95-BHP, diesel
Passenger vans, saw sales drop in 2000 over
1999
Price: Rs 16 lakh to Rs 17 lakh |
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WILL
THEY, WON'T THEY?
The A-Class will arrive in
another few years, but Smart will probably remain a pipedream for
India |
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A-class
Sure, it flipped the
test. But that's history. The A-Class now comes with an Electronic
Stability Program (ESP) that senses roadholding and controls engine
and brake response to maintain stability. But it may not come to
India in a hurry. |
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Smart
Car
Built by
Daimler-Chrysler subsidiary, Micro Compact Car, the Smart car sports
a 599-CC engine under the hood. Given that it is only 2.5 metres
long and 1.51metres wide, it makes a superb urban car. But it may be
too expensive for India. |
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WAITING IN THE WINGS
Thanks
to easing of import norms, MBIL plans to launch a slew of new vehicles
brought in as CBUs. |
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THE
CLK:
The CLK coupe and cabriolet have sold more than 135,000 units world wide,
with the coupe outselling the convertible cabriolet 4 to 1. Priced between
$50,000 and $55,000 in the US, the CLK models could end up costing upwards
of Rs 40 lakh in India. |
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THE SLK:
It was first launched in 1955, but the new SLK models belong to a whole
new generation. Available in engine sizes ranging from 1,998-CC to
3,199-CC, the SLK series cost between $39,000 and $44,000. Like CLK, will
possibly sell a handful in India. |
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M-CLASS:
The offroader was first launched in 1997, and probably because of its
initial quality problems and boxed frame, hasn't been able to upstage
Toyota's Lexus SUV. But its peppy powerplant makes the M-Class a good buy. |
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JEEP CHEROKEE:
The value-for-money Jeep Cherokee could prove serious competition to
Qualis and Safari. |
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GRAND CHEROKEE:
It's one of the best selling SUVs in the market, thanks to a combination
of raw power (4-litre, 195-BHP standard engine) and elegant design. It's a
great 4x4 to own for both on-road and off-road activities. The price at
$30,000 plus makes it a toy for the rich. |
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CHRYSLER VOYAGER:
The Everyman's minivan, Chrysler Voyager first hit the road in 1983 and
comes in two engine sizes: 2.4 litre (150 BHP) and 3.3 litre (180 BHP). If
you aren't finicky about interior quality, then the Chrysler workhorse
will prove a good bet. Its price could match the Jeep Cherokee's. |
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PROJECT Z:
Daimler-Chrysler's Asia car is being built jointly with Mitsubishi Motors
and Smart. It will be bigger than Smart but smaller than the A-Class.
Importantly, it will enable MBIL's entry into the low-price segment under
the Mitsubishi brand, without diluting Merc's premium image.
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