What Is It?
2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 Sports Coupe
What's Special About It?
Satisfied that there is a legitimate market for its under-30 sports coupe (hatchback, that is), Mercedes has decided to offer a V6 engine option in 2003. This means that the familiar 215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 already used in C-Class sedans and wagon will be stuffed under the hood of the coupe. A six-speed manual will again be standard with a five-speed automatic optional.
In order to keep the base price down, standard equipment on the C320 coupe should be about the same as the C230's — which is to say a little basic compared to other Benzes. Expect to find 16-inch wheels; four-wheel antilock disc brakes; stability and traction control; a full menu of airbags; cloth upholstery; a leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel; dual-zone climate; and a cassette stereo. Mercedes has announced a base price of $27,300, but there should be plenty of options available to pad that reasonable sum.
Why Should You Care?
Another Mercedes with a base price under 30 grand, and this one has V6 power. Certainly, this suggests the company's recognition that a great deal of its prestige is built on the middle class — people who could only drool over these cars from a distance. Now, the more fortunate among them (well, among us) have an opportunity to live out these dreams. — Erin Riches
2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 Sports Coupe
What's Special About It?
Satisfied that there is a legitimate market for its under-30 sports coupe (hatchback, that is), Mercedes has decided to offer a V6 engine option in 2003. This means that the familiar 215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 already used in C-Class sedans and wagon will be stuffed under the hood of the coupe. A six-speed manual will again be standard with a five-speed automatic optional.
In order to keep the base price down, standard equipment on the C320 coupe should be about the same as the C230's — which is to say a little basic compared to other Benzes. Expect to find 16-inch wheels; four-wheel antilock disc brakes; stability and traction control; a full menu of airbags; cloth upholstery; a leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel; dual-zone climate; and a cassette stereo. Mercedes has announced a base price of $27,300, but there should be plenty of options available to pad that reasonable sum.
Why Should You Care?
Another Mercedes with a base price under 30 grand, and this one has V6 power. Certainly, this suggests the company's recognition that a great deal of its prestige is built on the middle class — people who could only drool over these cars from a distance. Now, the more fortunate among them (well, among us) have an opportunity to live out these dreams. — Erin Riches
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