2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

A classy Mercedes-Benz sedan once was out of financial reach of most folks. But the ultracompetitive "near luxury" car market and a grab for younger buyers drawn to it has lowered the cost of the entry Mercedes sedan to a reasonable level.

The lowest priced Mercedes sedan is the $27,990 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. This model was among three new "sports'' C-Class models that debuted at the 2003 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The rear-drive C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan looks virtually the same as the other stylish C-Class sedans. But it has special items, including a sport-tuned suspension, sporty looking body cladding, aluminum interior trim, seven-spoke 17-inch wheels with wide, high-performance 45-series tires, six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox and thickly bolstered front sport seats that securely hold occupants.

Also standard are leather seating inserts, air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering column, cruise control, AM/FM/Weatherband/cassette radio, remote keyless entry and power windows.

Those who dislike shifting gears can get a $1,325 five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability.

A $1,600 Value Added package contains such items as a power glass sunroof and power rear-window sunshade.

Safety features include side air bags in all doors, side curtain air bags for head protection of outboard occupants, anti-skid system and anti-lock brakes with a brake assist feature that allows surer emergency stops.

Don't let the word "Kompressor'' intimidate you--it just stands for "supercharger'' in the German language. The C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan has a supercharged four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower.

This new, sophisticated 1.8-liter engine replaces a 2.3-liter four-cylinder motor, which produced 192 horsepower. But the smaller engine with a few less horsepower doesn't mean Mercedes is trying to cut corners.

Rather, the new dual-overhead-camshaft, 16-valve engine is smoother and more refined than its gruff, throbby predecessor, and provides virtually identical performance. The C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan can hit 60 mph in a brisk 7.6 seconds.

There are no less than nine models in Mercedes' "near-luxury'' entry C-Class line. They begin at $24,950 for the C230 Sports Coupe with a hatchback, which also gets the new 1.8-liter four-cylinder. They end with the hot rod $50,400 C32 sedan, which has 349 horsepower.

Most potential C-Class buyers can ignore the hot rod C32. It's a limited-production model for hard-core car buffs and competes with BMW's 333-horsepower $46,500 M3 coupe and $54,500 M3 convertible. The fact that the C32 is a hot rod sedan, and not a hot rod coupe or convertible, illustrates the basically conservative nature of Mercedes and the traditionally sportier nature of BMW.

Most C-Class models end at $36,700, which is the list price of the C320 V-6 station wagon.

Mercedes C-Class pricing is largely affected by engines, with V-6 versions being the most costly.

While the two C230 models have the new supercharged four-cylinder engine, the seven other C-Class models are motivated by three different V-6 engines, ranging in horsepower from 168 to 349.

That's right--the supercharged four-cylinder engine in the entry C230 coupe and sedan has more power than the entry 2.6-liter V-6 C-Class engine, largely because that 168-horsepower V-6 has no "kompressor.''

Models with a V-6 start with the $27,300 C320 Sports Coupe hatchback, which is one of the three new sport models introduced at the Los Angeles show. It's also designed to lure younger buyers to showrooms--specifically those who want a Mercedes V-6 model for less than $27,500.

But many folks want four doors and a conventional trunk, instead of two doors and a hatchback. If they want a C-Class sedan with six cylinders, they must move to the C240 sedan, which costs $29,900, with its 168-horsepower V-6. That's a fairly big price jump from the more powerful $27,990 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan, which is sexier with its sporty features.

The Kompressor Sport Sedan I tested had the six-speed manual transmission, which has a special first gear that allows quicker acceleration from a standing start. It shifts well through all gears but works with a light but long-throw clutch. Just warn parking lot attendants that they won't get the car into reverse gear unless they lift the shift lever a bit when selecting reverse.

Lots of shifting is needed for the best acceleration. And the potent-but-small engine shows a fairly high 2,800 rpm on the tachometer at 70 mph in overdrive sixth gear, although fuel economy is decent at an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway.

The Kompressor Sport Sedan has precise steering and good handling, although it feels softer than most sport sedans. The ride is almost on the soft side, despite the sport suspension. The brake pedal has a nice linear action.

Those who like the feel of a harder-edged sport sedan should look elsewhere, although it seems many such sedans are getting softer for the American market.

Large outside door handles allow quick entry to the quiet interior. The dashboard has easily read gauges and nicely sized controls. There is decent room for four tall adults, as long as a driver doesn't shove his seat back too far. But narrow rear doorways impede entry and exit. The rear armrest contains dual cupholders and back windows lower all the way.

The large trunk is usefully shaped, with a low, wide opening for easy loading.

The C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan is far more advanced, faster and much safer than the old Mercedes sedans. Not to mention being considerably more affordable.


MERCEDES-BENZ C230 KOMPRESSOR SPORT SEDAN
Price:
$27,990

Likes:
Lowest cost Mercedes sedan. Fairly roomy. Comfortable. Fun to drive.

Dislikes:
Lots of shifting needed for best performance. Rather soft feel for a sport sedan. Narrow rear door openings.