The European Union has far tougher crash tests than the US Department of Transportation or the insurance companies. Only two cars have scored five stars on those crash tests, and one is the Mercedes C-class. The other car is not sold in the US. If you buy the the C230k, you will be driving the safest car in the United States. As far as too small, the car is the exact same car as the sedans with 7" of trunk removed. The car weighs over 3300 pounds. Don't forget that Mercedes Benz invented energy absorbing crumple zones.
The somewhat shorter size shouldn't be a problem. One of our members, timmyboyC230, was stopped when he was hit from behind by a loaded oil tanker doing 40 mph. He only suffered some minor injuries, and the car was not totaled. It was rebuilt.
Some of the safety features of this car include the Electronic Stability Program which reduces the likelyhood of skids and spins, and a brake system which has more than just anti-lock brakes. It has a feature which senses panic stops and takes over from the driver to stop the car in extremely short distances, much shorter than even the best driver can accomplish. The car has not just two airbags for frontal collisions, but two in each door and one on each side of the rear seats to provide protection against side impacts and roll overs. It also has automatic seatbelt tensioners which tighten the belts when an impact is sensed.
Going back to crash ratings, I believe the Audi scores poorly on the EU tests. The RSX won't offer the crash protecton of the MB nor will the VW. They are fine cars, but don't have the safety features. The Camry is an old folks car. And I mean old folks compared to my 50 years of age.
The rear blind spots are caused by the large C pillars which form part of the roll over structure. The blind spots can be reduced or eliminated by the proper adjustment of the side mirrors.
Your parents want you in the safest possible car and you want an attractive, sporty yet practical car. The C230k is the best choice. And, no, I am not employed by MB or any dealers, not do I have any investments in the same. I am just a very pleased owner of a C230k.
Welcome to the board, and good luck on your car buying experience.
The somewhat shorter size shouldn't be a problem. One of our members, timmyboyC230, was stopped when he was hit from behind by a loaded oil tanker doing 40 mph. He only suffered some minor injuries, and the car was not totaled. It was rebuilt.
Some of the safety features of this car include the Electronic Stability Program which reduces the likelyhood of skids and spins, and a brake system which has more than just anti-lock brakes. It has a feature which senses panic stops and takes over from the driver to stop the car in extremely short distances, much shorter than even the best driver can accomplish. The car has not just two airbags for frontal collisions, but two in each door and one on each side of the rear seats to provide protection against side impacts and roll overs. It also has automatic seatbelt tensioners which tighten the belts when an impact is sensed.
Going back to crash ratings, I believe the Audi scores poorly on the EU tests. The RSX won't offer the crash protecton of the MB nor will the VW. They are fine cars, but don't have the safety features. The Camry is an old folks car. And I mean old folks compared to my 50 years of age.
The rear blind spots are caused by the large C pillars which form part of the roll over structure. The blind spots can be reduced or eliminated by the proper adjustment of the side mirrors.
Your parents want you in the safest possible car and you want an attractive, sporty yet practical car. The C230k is the best choice. And, no, I am not employed by MB or any dealers, not do I have any investments in the same. I am just a very pleased owner of a C230k.
Welcome to the board, and good luck on your car buying experience.