Having used M-B taxis almost exclusively over the last 7 years
since their re-debut in Singapore, i have to agree with you.
They have improved the 2.2 liter 16-valve 4-cylinder only diesel
engine now it's in 3rd generation CDi with twin balancer shafts
& regenerating particulate filter as standard feature using
Euro4 fuel, same as in the latest Vito van/minibus, i'll say this
model sets new standards for performance vs fuel efficiency &
even fuel economy in Singapore !! I do hope those doing the
maintenance work later on do NOT 'be lasy' & take out (&
not fix back) the standard complete engine & gearbox
encapsulation after servicing as that helps to keep the overall
external noise emissions down to near petrol engine car levels @
idling !!
I expected them to use the latest V6 cDi 3 litre diesels but am not
really surprised that they stick to the E 220 as the performance is
more than adquete for taxi use within Singapore.
I also agree with you the E 220 ought to be THE standard taxi here,
having had enought of those lousy & backward Japanese diesel
engines in the Japanese & few London taxis here ! Afterall,
Singapore having such expensive private car prices, it only makes
sense for the Government to even subsidize (if need be) fine class
taxis like the E 220 (buses too !) such that the public here pay
only 'token' fares to use them, being 'compensation' for not having
the alternative of 'cheap' private cars here like elsewhere !
