![]() New standard equipment on the C230 includes leather seat inserts (full leather is an option) and a new audio system that integrates radio and cellular phone controls into one unit. The car also features Brake Assist, a system that detects an emergency braking situation and applies the brakes more quickly and with more force than the driver. The front passenger-side air bags are deactivated when a BabySmart-compatible seat is detected. Of course, safety is always a high priority with Mercedes, so you’d expect front and side, door-mounted air bags, not to mention ABS and tract ion control. For that sum, your Mercedes will get larger 16-inch wheels, performance tires (205/55R16), leather front sport seats, an even firmer suspension and a telescoping steering wheel. Road noise was a little high as was tire noise on concrete surfaces.Īlthough the test vehicle wasn’t equipped with it, enthusiasts will want their C230 with the optional $890 Sport Package. The upside is cornering was great - the car handled the twisties as if it was riding on rails. The ride never became punishing, but this vehicle is not for those who like a soft ride. The ride was firm, revealing the pitiful state of most roads in Pennsylvania. The recirculating ball, power-assisted steering was responsive and direct, steering the car exactly where it was pointed. A good performance for a rear-drive automobile. Although the electronic stability program isn’t offered, the car never fishtailed, even in wet weather. Braking was excellent in all kinds of weather, with short straight stops. Traction control is standard as is four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Power is fed theough a five-speed automatic transmission that adopts its shifts to suit the driver’s driving style. With the exception of the engine noise, you’ll forget you’re driving a four. Power is well-controlled, with full power available closer to highway speeds. While not the quietest engine ever encountered, it lends the car a sporty edge. The engine initially seems every bit of four-cylinders, but the crankshaft-driven supercharger kicks in with a hearty whine and lots of power. It also makes this car a real alternative for someone looking for a car in the low 30s price range, something that couldn’t be said of its predescessor. That’s only 0.1 second slower than the more expensive six-cylinder model. Zero to 60 now takes a mere 8.1 seconds, two seconds quicker than last year and closer to other cars in this class. You’d expect double-overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, but it’s the Eaton supercharger with an intercooler that adds the oomph. The numbers: 185 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque from a 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder engine. That translates into a 37 horsepower increase and 38 pound-feet of torque increase. Thankfully, this year the standard engine comes from Mercedes Benz’s SLK coupe. When it debuted last year, the underpowered C230 came with a mere 148 horsepower, less than a Nissan Altima. Please provide additional information below and click the Confirm button to finish.After having redone its entry-level line for 1998, you’d think the folks at Mercedes Benz would leave well enough alone for their most affordable sedan, the C230.īut with increasing competition in the near-luxury class - those cars with base prices from $30,000 to $40,000 - the folks at M-B addressed one of the C230s biggest deficits: power. Unsubscribe any time, only valid for new customers. Your coupon will be emailed immediately after you sign up. Sign up to receive special offers for our AutohausAZ insiders only. Please provide additional information below and click the Confirm button to finish. , scroll all the way to the bottom and you will see an unsubscribe link. If you wish to unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time, open one of our newsletter emails You will receive your first newsletter within 1-2 weeks. Thank you for choosing to sign up for AutohausAZ newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Service. Scroll all the way to the bottom and you will see an unsubscribe link. If you wish to unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time, open one of our newsletter emails, If you are a new customer and this is your first time signing up for the newsletter, please check your email for your coupon code.
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