Mercedes Benz C230 - one of two new C-class Sport Sedans

The Mercedes Benz C230 is one of two new C-class Sport Sedans (the C320 Sport Sedan is the other); the models obviate last year's $3000 Sport option package. The cars have a restyled front end, textured aluminum cabin trim, and broadly bolstered seats.

The C230 has a six-speed manual gearbox (a five-speed automatic is optional) as well as seven-spoke wheels with 225/45ZR-17 tires and a sport-tuned suspension that is calibrated differently than the old sport package's.

The C230's price--a low, low $28,710--is likely to be its most compelling aspect to most buyers, because it includes such niceties as automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, and partial leather seats. The C230 produces 200 bhp from its V6 unit and looks sportier thanks to larger wheels, wider tyres, optional AMG parts and a new grille with a large three pointed star in the center.

The C230 is the most entertaining, most agile C-class model. The suspension gives much better body control with seemingly no diminution of ride quality. The C 230 Kompressor, using a Roots-type supercharger to generate 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz reused supercharger technology after 50 years. Due to Italian and Portuguese car tax rules, export models in Portugal and Italy featured a supercharged version of the smaller 2.0 L (C 200 Kompressor), which had a similar output of the C 230 Kompressor.

Mercedes Benz C230

Mercedes Benz C230

Mercedes Benz C230