However, the supercharged inline-four engine was considered to be coarse and noisy at the high end. The C 230 SportCoupé was powered by a 2.3-litre supercharged, four-cylinder motor. In 2003, Mercedes-Benz added the C 180 Kompressor, followed by the C 200 compressor in 2003-2007 (187 hp), and finally the C 160 Kompressor in 2005. Initial engine options comprised the C 180 (139 PS), C220 (143 PS), C 200 Kompressor, and C 230 Kompressor. The newer 1.8-litre was less powerful but smoother and more efficient than the older 2.3-litre engine 141 kW (192 PS) compared to 142 kW (193 PS). The C 230 Kompressor variant sported 142 kW (190 hp). All of them used the same 1.8-litre engine, with different designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas. ![]() In 2002 for the 2003 model year, a new family of supercharged four cylinder engines, dubbed M271, debuted for the entire C-Class range. But top-notch engineering, class-leading safety devices and a solid feel mean the C230 has a lot more going for it than that three-pointed star on its hood.A Mercedes-Benz S 55 AMG (W220), the only iteration of the S-Class offered with KompressorĪpplications 230 1.8L I4 Kompressor In the sense of high luxury and no-holds-barred comfort features, the little hatchback falls woefully short. The only question left to answer is whether or not the C230 is a "real" Mercedes. Mercedes connoisseurs can't be fooled, but some drivers won't know the difference between the $25,000 C230 and the $120,000 CL600 in their rear-view mirrors. A long, sloping hood gives the C230 an aggressive demeanor that looks shockingly similar to the S- and CL-class models that carry price tags in the triple-digit range. Its only redeeming quality is a clear panel to improve rear visibility below the integrated spoiler.įront-end styling is just the opposite, however. In fact, it's a hatchback, just like the cheap economy cars that were so popular in the 1980s and early '90s. And, although the brilliant Mercedes marketing department named the C230 a "sports coupe," don't be fooled - it's not a coupe. Even the paltry Ford Focus hatchback comes with a six-disc changer.Īnother cost cutter is the C230's back end, which was chopped seven inches shorter than the C-class sedan that costs $5,000 more. Worst of all, especially considering that the C230 is aimed at a younger crowd, it doesn't come with a standard CD player. It also retains some of the big Benzes' idiosyncrasies, like a door lock switch on the center console and power window switches low on the door. Leather seats, which still don't feel as supple as the cowhide on high-end models, add $1,410 to the price. So where did Mercedes cut corners? The most obvious answer is in the interior, where cheap-looking plastics cover the dash and manually adjusted cloth seats are standard. A total of eight air bags protect front- and rear-seat passengers - two front air bags, two side air curtains and four side air bags. Mercedes-Benz obviously had to cut some corners to keep the price so low, but it retains the vault-like feel and top-of-the-line safety features expected in a high-end hatchback. A slick six-speed manual gearbox is available to please purist drivers. Aggressive thrusts on the accelerator bring aggressive shifts that let the engine wind up, while more lethargic driving is met with earlier shifts that save fuel. ![]() A five-speed automatic, which adds $1,300 to the sticker price, is capable of monitoring the driver's habits and shifting accordingly. Two transmissions are offered, both of which lean toward the sporty side. A noisy, metallic clicking sound during acceleration seems very undignified for a car with such a luxurious nameplate. But if the engine's feel is French cuisine, its sound is more like Mickey D's. The 192-horsepower, supercharged four-cylinder engine sends plenty of force to the rear wheels, with power coming smooth and even throughout the rev range. ![]() Its suspension is fairly soft, but it still injects confidence for spirited driving or emergency lane changes. The expensive Benzes sometimes feel like they're riding atop a giant marshmallow, but the little hatchback version has a much more intimate feel on the road. This emphasis on youth goes beyond price, as the C230 feels much livelier than its big cousins. The 2002 C230 Kompressor starts at an affordable $24,950, a price perfect for young professionals more interested in the big game than in big stock portfolios. Just mentioning the name conjures up images of supreme luxury - palatial houses, courteous servants, fine wine - the best of everything.īut the Mercedes vernacular is changing from "please pass the caviar" to "yo, wassup" as the carmaker courts younger buyers who don't have deep pockets. If ever a brand had cachet, it would be Mercedes-Benz.
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