And even the well-heeled need to consider the current high cost of gasoline. If that's not a concern, perhaps a little German
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| The C230 offers a reasonable 10.5 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 on the highway in manual trim, or 10.2 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 on the highway when fitted with the 5-speed automatic. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
'Green Party' sympathy has filtered through and a desire to reduce emissions and conserve fossil fuels is a high priority on your list. To this end the C230 offers a reasonable 10.5 L/100 km in the city and 7.2 on the highway in manual trim, or an even better 10.2 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 on the highway when fitted with the 5-speed automatic. I also like that a C230 buyer can equip the compact sedan with many top-of-the-range features normally only available with a brand's V6- or V8-powered models, which means that those who want to show their environmental leadership by choosing the more efficient engine are sometimes prohibited from enjoying the many creature comforts a more powerful model offers. The C230, rather, allows buyers to purchase a top-tier Harmon/Kardon surround sound audio system, an integrated Motorola V60i tri-band digital portable cellular phone, Tele-Aid emergency calling system, M-B's version of GM's OnStar, a voice recognition system for activating key functions more easily, rain sensing wipers, and bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers. A glass sunroof is also available, plus an anti-theft alarm system. If you add on all the extras the C230's will soon resemble that of the C320, maxing out at $52,195,
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| While their are cheaper and sportier compact sedans on the market, they don't carry the Mercedes-Benz branding attached to their trunklid or radiator grille. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
but then again do the same with the C320 and the price will escalate well into the $60K range. Whether within the C-Class range or outside of the Mercedes-Benz family altogether, there are other compact sedans more powerfully equipped than the C230 Kompressor. There are others that offer more dynamic handling, others that are less expensive, and still others that offer better expected reliability; but no other includes Mercedes-Benz branding attached to its trunklid, and therefore few others hold their value as highly, will be on the road in prime condition twenty years from now, or give their owners as much long-term satisfaction as the C230. It's truly a fine car.
