Pg Aki Ismasufian Pg Hj Ibrahim, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Brunei, Mr. Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, Thomas Heilmaier, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy Brunei Darussalam and Pg Anak Hj Ja’afar Ibni Almarhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohd ‘Alam, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd’s Executive Chairman posting with the Mercedes A200 Sedan and CLA Coupé at the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus last night

Last evening Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and Standard Chartered Brunei held an exclusive launch on the new compact cars from Mercedes-Benz at the Mercedes Autohaus.

It was the launch of the all-new A-Class Sedan and the CLA Coupè. Both look dynamic and modern with eye catching looks especially the Shark Nose with the sparkly Diamond Grille.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has the very latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support and thus provides the highest level of active safety in the segment with functions adopted from the S-Class.

The latest Mercedes-Benz A200 sedan is the smallest Mercedes Sean but still packs a premium punch. This model will definitely appeal to both traditional and the younger crowd due to its classic look with modern technology.

Customers will also appreciate the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) by saying “Hey Mercedes” and you can take command of the lighting and the climate control.

Present during the launch were Thomas Heilmaier, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy Brunei Darussalam, Pg Anak Hj Ja’afar Ibni Almarhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohd ‘Alam, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd Executive Chairman, Pg Aki Ismasufian Pg Hj Ibrahim, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Brunei and Mr. Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd.

Both the CLA Coupé and the A-Class will be avail be for test drive today and tomorrow (Sunday) at the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus from 9am to 5pm and refreshments will be served.

Welcoming remarks by CEO of Standard Chartered Brunei

Test Drove the Mercedes-Benz CLA recently and I enjoyed it

This car is equipped with the AMG Line. This design and equipment line combines carefully coordinated features to increase the sportiness and exclusivity of the vehicle still further. Dynamic looks from all angles are ensured by the powerful AMG bodystyling comprising front apron, rear apron and side sill panels plus a diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and the twin-pipe exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe trim. The lowered sports suspension improves handling and increases driving pleasure. (18-inch) AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels Painted titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, perforated brake discs at the front and callipers at the front with Mercedes-Benz lettering round off the striking exterior. Sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather / DINAMICA microfibre, the multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section and a leather shift lever add stylish, sporty touches to the interior. These items feature contrasting red topstitching, which is also to be found on the armrests in the doors and on the armrest on the centre console. Another highlight comes in the shape of the brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs.

Multicolour ambience lighting – lighting mood to suit personal taste

Climb in and feel at home – with its pleasant, indirect light, the ambient lighting creates an unrivalled sense of well-being in the interior. Especially at night, it accentuates the contouring and high quality of the interior design, imparts a feeling of comfort and security by conjuring up an impression of spaciousness and reduces dazzle from oncoming traffic. 12 different colours and five dimming levels are available for the desired lighting mood. The ambience lighting features full LED technology, and is conveniently controlled via the instrument cluster. It also switches on when the doors are opened, welcoming the passengers on board.

Smartphone Integration – for safe and intuitive use of a smartphone

With Smartphone Integration it is possible to integrate an iPhone® into the vehicle via Apple CarPlay™ and also Android smartphones via Android Auto and operate them by voice control – certain functions can also be used via the vehicle controls. This makes safe use possible while on the move. The connection to the smartphone allows access to up-to-date software and data such as navigation and traffic information, media (Streaming Media and IP Radio) as well as contact data, telephony/FaceTime and messaging. To prevent driver distraction while on the move, there is no complete duplication of smartphone content.

The best part when I drove the CLA – Apple Car Play

All you have to do press the Siri button on the steering wheel

And you can ask Siri anything 😀

You can choose your destination on the Siri and it will show on the display panel

LED High Performance headlamps – more lighting power, lower energy consumption

In addition to the striking look, the LED High Performance headlamps provide more safety at night thanks to a broad light distribution, a light colour similar to daylight and low energy consumption. Also in daytime, the clearly defined contours and high-quality detailing ensure an unmistakable front view. Thanks to the LED technology used in the low-beam and main-beam headlamps, the road is illuminated better than with conventional halogen headlamps. When unlocking the vehicle, the “Coming Home” function welcomes the driver with an exceptional light display. The fibre-optic daytime running lamps first light up blue, then change colour via a smooth transition to bright white. The tail lights also feature LED technology and create a visual highlight at the rear while improving visibility. The brightness of the brake lights and turn indicators varies depending on the light conditions to avoid dazzling other road users.

Parking Pilot with PARKTRONIC – making light work of parking and manoeuvring

The Parking Pilot with PARKTRONIC makes locating a parking space, parking and manoeuvring out of a parking space easier. When activated, it automatically steers the vehicle into parking spaces, relieving the driver of the work of steering and braking. The Parking Pilot with PARKTRONIC is automatically active during forward travel at up to 35 km/h. If the vehicle speed is below 30 km/h, the system indicates that it has found a suitable parking space by displaying a “P” with a direction arrow in the multifunction display in the instrument cluster. As the default function, the system searches on the nearside of the vehicle, if the offside turn signal indicator is activated it will also search on the offside. When the driver engages reverse gear and confirms the suggested parking space, the Parking Pilot with PARKTRONIC automatically carries out the steering manoeuvre up to a speed of 10 km/h. The driver needs only to operate the accelerator and brake pedal, the parking procedure being completed after a maximum of seven manoeuvres. It is possible to intervene in the process at any time and correct the parking manoeuvre. The Parking Assist PARKTRONIC electronic parking aid monitors the front and rear areas while the vehicle is being manoeuvred and warns the driver if a risk of collision is detected. The system is active up to a speed of 18 km/h.

Ruby enjoyed being my passenger on the CLA

I’m not familiar with the functions but it’s always good to have more options and preferences

Rano says: I’ve always been a big fan of the Mercedes brand. I guess it runs in the family. Of course, my younger brother is into the brand more than I do. Recently, I test drove the Mercedes-Benz CLA for the weekend and there are many things that I want to highlight.

The first thing that I prioritize in any car is comfort and Mercedes never fails in that department. The engineers go an extra mile to make sure the driver and passengers are at comfort. I’m not used to the different buttons by the side which apparently does more to your seating preference. It’s so comforting that you would drive here and there without complaining that you’re tired of driving.

I drove to Kuala Belait and it was definitely a comfort ride even on the highway speed limit. I was more into the sport select mode to feel the difference from Eco mode. I’m not a fast driver but I have to remind myself to slow down on the highway because sometimes the ride was so comforting that I went the past the speed limit without realizing.

The other thing I appreciate is the Apple Car Play. So for those with Android and especially iPhone users, you will love this. You are able to sync your IOS from your phone and the screen display will integrate from your iPhone. Best part is using Siri with Apple Car Play. You can make calls with voice command. You can even use for navigation and such. So if you are itching to play with your phone while driving (not advisable and dangerous), the next best thing is the Apple Car Play and Siri will be your best friend while driving the CLA.

All in all, a comfort drive with a strong branding presence. If you’re interested to test drive and check it out for yourself, you can contact Jati Transport Sdn Bhd. I’m more of a C-Class person, mind you.