Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2002 Mercedes Benz C Class sport coupe. Some will look at this as a miniature Mercedes and perhaps that’s true. But the marketing is brilliant in that if the perceived value of Mercedes Benz is as strong as I believe it is, a lot of people will opt for this over any other car in its price range. MB says the release of this latest addition to the company’s lines is targeting the young buyer in hopes they will see the affordability of Mercedes.

Hands down, it would be the best commuter for the dough that exists today. I think most will agree you’ll feel you’re getting more engineering than in any of the competition. The cross over from other Mercedes models has to there, because you know you’re in a Mercedes Benz just from the handling and feel.

Mark says Mercedes is going after BMW, but I rather think the Japanese makers will be the ones to be aware. I love the S500 and the E55 and if my kids were still home I’d love to buy one of these as a dingy for the kids to tool around in.

 Handling & Performance:
This car is not cheap imitation, but rather a trimmed down version while retaining many of the technical features of the larger C Class Sedan.  But it is very capable and fun to drive because it is a Kompressor (supercharger equipped) that turns the 2.3 liters into a spunky power plant that adds much to the responsiveness you’ll feel on the road. This is the same engine that powers the SLK.  It reminds me a little of the BMW 3 series.

Styling:
Oh, it’s ok I suppose. It looks just like a Mercedes Benz from the front and could be any inexpensive car from the rear and the side. 

Fit and Finish:
Good, as I would expect from the manufacturer of such tedious attention to perfection. 

Conveniences:
Mercedes simply develops such great features for their cars

Cost:
Not bad for a Mercedes but expensive for just a kick around car. 

Recommendation:

Simply put this is a nice little automobile and the folks in marketing at Mercedes have done a great job on this one. Price wise the only real contender is the Volvo S40. I drove the 2000 S40 Station Wagon and that’s my choice in this battle, but at the end of the day you are the judge. For most looking for a great commuter or for the single person without kids, or for the older family with kids that are just beginning to drive, this is a great option – Thanks Mercedes Benz. 

The competition:

Acura TL $28-33,000, Audi A4 $24-31,000, Audi S4 39,000, BMW 3-Series $27-42,000, BMW M3 $45-53,000, Infiniti I30 $30-32,000, Jaguar S-Type $43-49,000, Lexus IS 300 $29-31,000, Lincoln LS $33-39,000, Saab 9-3 $26-45,000, Volvo S40 $24-27,000.

Good News:

The Cadillac of cars for the new millennia - Mercedes Benz, great safety and performance features among a long list of equipment, good gas performance balanced with great handling characteristics, priced to kill the competition.

Bad News:
None that matters.

Standard Equipment:
2.3 liter 192 horsepower supercharged engine, 6-speed manual transmission, dual zone climate control, leather steering wheel with leather shift knob, split fold down rear seat, cloth upholstery, smart key, cruise control, 8-way manual front seats, manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows, auto headlights with twilight sensor, heated power auto-dimming driver mirror, trip computer, 4 year 50,000 mile warranty, dual front and side airbags, baby smart seat recognition system, anti-theft and immobilizer, electronic stability program, anti-slip regulation and 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes. 

Gas Stats:
21 City and 28 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

MSRP $24,950. 

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@autolove.com

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