The climate controls, however, are different than those we’ve seen before, with dual zone temperature settings and automatic operation. A unique-for-Mercedes binnacle houses the analog gauges and message center, while to the right the rather standard for Mercedes center stack layout is surrounded by real aluminum trim.
#MERCEDES C230 SPORT DRIVER#
The driver faces a manually adjustable tilting and telescoping steering wheel, with steering wheel-mounted controls that operate more than 50 different functions.
#MERCEDES C230 SPORT FULL#
Standard upholstery throughout is a tight woven cloth, with 8-way manually adjustable seats in front, although full leather and power are optional. No complaints about the interior either, which is a mix of both the familiar and new, if clearly done on a budget. No complaints here, as stability, pedal feel, and ABS feedback are all very good. It also shares the same brakes, 4-wheel 11 inch discs, with 4-channel ABS and Brake Assist that brought us to a stop from 60 in 120 feet. This front and rear multi-link set up is the same one that helped earn the C320 Sport sedan our Drivers’ Choice Award as the best sport sedan for 2001. Much of the C230 sport coupe’s exemplary handling behavior can be attributed to the sport tuned suspension that comes standard on the car. On those occasions the rear end also lightened up somewhat, but was kept in line and firmly planted by the standard ESP stability program. On the other hand, a trip through the low speed slalom revealed the C230 to be near neutral in handling, with just a touch of understeer if pushed hard. But, our testers found the C230’s shifter too vague and rubbery for true enthusiast driving.
#MERCEDES C230 SPORT MANUAL#
Mated to the standard 6-speed manual transmission, a 5-speed “Touchshift” automatic is optional, we hit 60 in 7.4 seconds, and on through the quarter mile in 15.6 seconds at 92 mph.ĭelivery of power is smooth, with no strong “hit” of power like we felt on our last SLK 230. This “kompressor” engine with its Roots- type supercharger, pumps out 192 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Powering the C230 sports coupe is a new version of the 2.3 liter, supercharged, DOHC, 16-valve in-line 4 cylinder used in the SLK roadster. In fact, the C230 is seven inches shorter than the sedan, and between its upward swept rear quarter panels, you’ll find a large hatch that opens to 10.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 38.1 cubic feet when folded. But in reality, no body panels are shared with either car. When viewed from the front, the C230 sports coupe shares a similarity in appearance with both the sedan and wagon. Who, while looking for their first taste of entry level luxury, aren’t quite ready to embrace the maturity associated with a sedan, and certainly not a wagon. As these two cars, although members of the same family, have been built to serve very different purposes and buyers.įor instance, the C230 sports coupe is aimed straight for the heart of the young, and most likely single or newly betrothed, upwardly mobile demographic. Well, in the case of the new 2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Sports Coupe and C320 Sport Wagon, it’s really a matter of perspective. But is more of a good thing really better? This week we look at two new C class offerings, the C class sports coupe and the C class sport wagon. And that’s exactly what Mercedes-Benz has done with their popular C class sedan. One way for a car company to build on the success of a particular hot selling model is to expand the model lineup with additional body styles.
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