#C CLASS KOMPRESSOR MANUAL#

The stereo offers AM/FM and a cassette player, but not a CD player. Our test model had the optional ($1,440) leather chairs. To keep the price down, Mercedes offers cloth seats on the C coupe.

#C CLASS KOMPRESSOR MANUAL#

The automatic transmission is excellent, although the six-speed manual would be my preferred choice based on both my driving style (I like shifting) and my wallet (it’s $1,325 cheaper). On the road, the C320 coupe has a solid feel that’s more sort-of sporty than serious sports car. With 215 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, this V-6-equipped coupe was fast, if not speedy. Buyers also can select a six-speed manual. Our test car was the C320 equipped with the five-speed automatic transmission. While the C230 model gets the super-charged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that also appears in the SLK230, the C320 gets the 3.2-liter V-6 that appears in other Mercedes models as well as the new Chrysler Crossfire coupe. It’s not as formal as other Mercedes models, but it’s more fun. Overall, I find the look sporty if not altogether appealing. However, the car’s front end is all Mercedes-Benz, with its snowman-shaped lights and pronounced grille complete with the three-point star. (DaimlerChrysler owns both Germany’s Mercedes-Benz and America’s Chrysler brands, including Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler.) While we’re throwing around insults, the side of the C coupe is a bit swoopy, reminding me of its American cousin, the Dodge Neon. Pontiac’s Aztek, this generation’s Edsel, does something similar, although Mercedes’ treatment is thankfully handled more deftly. Mercedes says it helps a driver’s rear visibility, but it gives the C coupe something of an oddball look. How else to explain this coupe with its controversial rear end? There’s a clear panel between the tail lights and under the rear spoiler.

The second thing that’s apparent is that Mercedes is now willing to let its designers take a bit of a risk.

It retails for $27,965, including destination. A second version of this coupe, the V-6 C320, was added to the lineup a few months ago. The four-cylinder C230 sports coupe starts at $25,615, including destination, making it the cheapest Mercedes sold in the United States.

The first hint of something different comes when you look at the window sticker. That is, younger buyers who want to pay less for their Mercedes and have it come with a bit more style. With its C-Class sports coupe models, Mercedes-Benz seeks to attract a younger buyer.

C class kompressor