SLK 200, Viano hit Indonesia's roads

Primastuti Handayani and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Jakarta's poor roads and driving conditions have apparently not deterred sports car fans from purchasing one to complete their automotive collection.

For example, at least 30 purchase orders have already been made for the latest SLK 200 Kompressor, launched last Friday by DaimlerChrysler under its luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz. Meanwhile, PT DaimlerChrysler Indonesia has also ordered 100 units from Germany as part of a pre-production program, which ensures customers the privilege of owning the vehicle immediately after the official launch.

The sporty roadster convertible is a beauty to behold, and the model on display for the press was the first unit available in the country and in fact, the entire Southeast Asian region.

"As you can see, the SLK 200 Kompressor is already equipped with right-hand steering wheel. This is still the pre-production version," DaimlerChrysler deputy director of marketing Anto Nurdiyanto said at the unveiling ceremony.

Its exterior resembles the tailor-made SLR McLaren, imbuing the vehicle with a dynamic character, and the SLK 200's roof can be opened or closed in 22 seconds flat, three seconds faster than earlier models.

"Drivers will still have some storage room, although limited, when the roof is closed. Maybe not a golf bag, but a small briefcase will surely fit," said Anto.

Equipped with a four-in-line 1,795 cc engine, the SLK 200 Kompressor has a maximum 163 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a maximum torque of 240 Newton meters at 3,000 rpm.

In addition, the SLK 200 can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 7.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 230 kph -- unfortunately, rather impossible to achieve in the capital's notorious traffic unless it is during the wee hours. Even then, it will be no Autobahn, and the aspiring F-1 driver must be wary of equally ambitious taxi drivers, motocross wanna-bes, push-cart vendors and the suicidal rat population.

DaimlerChrysler Indonesia president director Friedel Engisch said the SLK 200 Kompressor would be available with an off-the- road price tag of Rp 800 million (US$85,100). Mercedes-Benz would also fill the orders of those customers who wanted other variants -- the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG -- at its 24 dealerships nationwide.

"If some customers are interested in buying even the SLR McLaren, we will try and deliver," he added.

Engisch said since the SLR was a tailor-made car, a prospective customer would be flown to Germany for a test drive and for choosing a color and interior before placing an order.

The SLK 200 Kompressor was not the only new wheels on the block, and was launched along with the new Viano multipurpose vehicle (MPV).

DaimlerChrysler will also market around 100 units of the Viano this year using the pre-production scheme. As with the SLK 200, about 30 customers have already ordered the Rp 947.5 million ($100,800) vehicle.

The MPV meets the most stringent demands with regard to functionality, variability, safety, comfort and convenience.

Commercial sales and marketing deputy director Stefanus Sehonanda said the Viano was on offer in four variants: the Ambiente, Fun, Marco Polo and Trendy. The Ambiente sports leather upholstery and tops the range.

"The original Viano comes with six individual seats, but we have ordered a Viano with eight seats, as we are targeting Indonesian families with two or three children," he said.

"It is customary for Indonesians to bring along other relatives or even their domestic help on trips, so more seats will of course be beneficial."

DaimlerChrysler Indonesia also launched its service car fleet of A 140s, the first ever in Southeast Asia.

"We launched a similar fleet in the Mideast last year. The small A 140 is the best vehicle to navigate Indonesian roads, especially in Jakarta," after sales deputy director Ivo A. Kapitzki told The Jakarta Post.

DaimlerChrysler Indonesia held 47 percent of the 2003 market share and aims to maintain its lead in the highly competitive automotive race, with a sales projection of up to 2,200 cars this year.

Now, if only the Autobahn could be imported.