What Is It?
2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 and C320 Sport Sedans
What's Special About It?
Noting consumers' appetite for performance-oriented versions of competing entry-luxury sedans (BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and others), Mercedes has decided to offer two sport flavors of its volume-selling C-Class sedan for 2003. Any inhibitions the company had toward getting its customers to buy manual transmissions have apparently fallen by the wayside: Both cars will come standard with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
The entry-level C230 sedan will draw power from the supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder (also known as the Kompressor) already used in the C230 coupe. Output is rated at 189 horsepower. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels with performance rubber, a sport-tuned suspension, more aggressive side sills, aluminum interior trim and bolstered sport seats with leather inserts. A five-speed automatic (with TouchShift automanual capability) is optional.
Those looking for more power can go with the C320 version, which of course comes with the 215-hp 3.2-liter V6. Equipment is the same as on the C230, though V6 buyers will have access to the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system if they choose. Both sedans will be eligible for the various C-Class convenience packages, as well as HID headlights.
Why Should You Care?
Until recently, a manual transmission was virtually unheard of in a Mercedes, and now you can get one with a sedan or a coupe. Equally important are the competitive base prices for these cars — $27,990 to start for the C230 and $35,200 for the C320. For once, Mercedes won't necessarily be the most expensive game in town. — Erin Riches
2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 and C320 Sport Sedans
What's Special About It?
Noting consumers' appetite for performance-oriented versions of competing entry-luxury sedans (BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and others), Mercedes has decided to offer two sport flavors of its volume-selling C-Class sedan for 2003. Any inhibitions the company had toward getting its customers to buy manual transmissions have apparently fallen by the wayside: Both cars will come standard with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
The entry-level C230 sedan will draw power from the supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder (also known as the Kompressor) already used in the C230 coupe. Output is rated at 189 horsepower. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels with performance rubber, a sport-tuned suspension, more aggressive side sills, aluminum interior trim and bolstered sport seats with leather inserts. A five-speed automatic (with TouchShift automanual capability) is optional.
Those looking for more power can go with the C320 version, which of course comes with the 215-hp 3.2-liter V6. Equipment is the same as on the C230, though V6 buyers will have access to the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system if they choose. Both sedans will be eligible for the various C-Class convenience packages, as well as HID headlights.
Why Should You Care?
Until recently, a manual transmission was virtually unheard of in a Mercedes, and now you can get one with a sedan or a coupe. Equally important are the competitive base prices for these cars — $27,990 to start for the C230 and $35,200 for the C320. For once, Mercedes won't necessarily be the most expensive game in town. — Erin Riches
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