AFTER an almost two-year absence, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to recapture the minibus segment with its new Sprinter Coach.

The Sprinter Coach from Germany replaces the MB140, a 14-seater model that used to be assembled by Ssangyong in Korea. The latter was a popular minibus which was once the market leader.

It dominated the segment from 2000 until 2006, when the Euro IV diesel emission standard was implemented here, thus forcing the Euro II model to be discontinued.

Exclusive dealer Cycle & Carriage (C&C) is officially launching the Sprinter Coach today. It has a 2,148cc turbodiesel engine that is tuned to produce either 116 hp or 150 hp for a 15-seater body, and a 22/24-seater body respectively.

The former - called the 211 CDI - costs $83,000, while the latter - the 515 CDI - is priced at $118,000 (both prices without COE).

According to Seah Han Seng, senior manager for commercial vehicles, C&C has collected 10 orders so far. 'We are targeting the smaller version at tour bus operators,' he says.

The 15-seater has a rotating row of seats directly behind the driver - good for conferences or tour groups.

Meanwhile, C&C is hoping to attract school bus operators with the bigger 24-seat version of the Sprinter Coach.

The model comes with a high level of standard equipment, says Mr Seah.

'The Sprinter Coach has a fully automatic transmission, a factory-fitted electric sliding door, and two aircon compressors - one for the driver and one for the passengers,' he explains.

He adds that there are also electronic safety aids such as ABS (anti-lock braking system) and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), ASR (acceleration skid control), and ESP (electronic stability program).

The electronic management system and dashboard display also do away with the need for daily underbonnet checks for oil and water levels.

'These are features not found in the competition,' he says.

In the Singapore market, Merc's Sprinter Coach is up against two models from Toyota.

The smaller Hi-Ace with a high roof, auto transmission and auto door is pitted directly against the 211 CDI, which costs about 15 per cent more than its Japanese rival. But when compared with the bigger Coaster with a manual transmission, the 515 CDI is about 8 per cent higher.

Nevertheless, Mr Seah is confident that the Sprinter Coach will be attractive to potential buyers because of its power and convenience.

'Although it costs more, the driving comfort is higher and there is also the reassurance provided by the electronic safety devices,' he notes.

This article was first published in The Business Times on Mar 5, 2008.