|
     |
   |
 |
 |
|
|||
|
|||||
|
C230K REVIEW BY SACRAMENTO BEE:
The Mercedes C-Class offers top engineering for under $25,000. You should not have to be rich or near-rich to enjoy the pleasures of a Mercedes-Benz automobile. In a nutshell, that's the marketing spin M-B put on the release of its new-for-2002 C-Class sports coupe. Some who evaluate motor vehicles in exchange for a paycheck -- including yours truly -- worried that the folks at Mercedes were throwing mainstream motorists a few crumbs that would not come close to resembling the sterling pieces of machinery normally produced by the automaker. Turns out we were wrong. Way wrong. The tested C230 Kompressor -- with a decidedly un-Mercedeslike manufacturer's suggested retail price of $24,950 -- not only offers a taste of an uplevel Mercedes-Benz model, it gives you something close to the whole meal. Let's start with performance, a Mercedes hallmark. The C230 gets a supercharged 2.3-liter, in-line 4 with four valves per cylinder. With only about 3,300 pounds to push from the rear-wheel-drive layout, the 192-horsepower engine delivers a heavyweight's punch. Not only that, the 200 foot-pounds of torque is delivered over a wide band, from 2,500 to 4,800 revolutions per minute. Acceleration from standing starts or slow rolls is impressive, and the power surge is sustained through the gear changes. Handling was more than I expected from an entry level coupe. The C230 gobbled up straights, uphill runs, downhill plunges and all manner of turns with barely a roll or a rattle. The electronic stability-control system handled all my best efforts to liberate the tires from the road. Outside, the coupe has a nicely styled wedge-shape -- sporty looking but certainly not over the top. The integrated spoiler does not look like an afterthought add-on. Better still, it does not hinder vision out the rear of the car. Mercedes-Benz elegance is apparent, especially with 10-spoke 16-inch wheels. Inside, the sports coupe is no cheap knockoff. The interior cabin looks very much like what you will find on Mercedes-Benz models starting at twice the price, with fine cloth substituting for the leather-everywhere look. The lengthy list of standard amenities includes dual-zone climate control, split fold-down rear seats, electronic cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with system-monitoring controls and an easy-entry feature that sends front seats far forward to allow normal-size humans to step into the back seats without straining leg or back muscles. Safety features also are plentiful. The standard package comes with two-stage front air bags, head-protection "curtain" air bags, side air bags, an anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer, an anti-tow warning system, robust four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and road-stability systems. For $24,950. Remarkable. The tested model included a few extra goodies -- the most costly being a $1,300 five-speed automatic gearbox that doubles as a clutchless manual -- but even the extras brought the price to almost $2,500 less than $30,000. Throw in typically exceptional Mercedes-Benz engineering -- fit and finish were extraordinary, per usual -- and a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty that includes a 24-hour roadside assistance program, and we're talking about a lot of car for comparatively little expense. Are there drawbacks? A few to be sure. Once the front seats snap back into their normal positions, back seat passengers are going to feel cramped. You could say that for about 50 other coupes sold in America, of course. Still, it's probably best not to subject back seat riders to more than two hours at a time. Also, motorists who might be used to higher-priced Mercedes-Benz fare are likely to feel shorted. Having been spoiled for so long with amenities such as heated seats and moisture-sensing windshield wipers, hardcore Mercedes drivers might consider the C230 a serious step down. But for those who want to move up into the high-rent district without paying that much more than they've been paying for mainstream sedans and coupes, the C230 is worth a look. |
| Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. BenzForum recognizes that "Mercedes", "Mercedes-Benz", the three pointed star and various model numbers are registered trademarks of DaimlerChrylser. These terms are used for identification purposes only. BenzForum is not affiliated in any way with DaimlerChrysler and no affiliation is expressed or implied. These pages are not affiliated with, sponsored by, nor authorized by DaimlerChrysler and/or its associated companies. BenzForum assumes no liability based on information contained herein. |
Copyright © 2002-2004 TK Investments, LLC All Rights Reserved.
