2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan

Mercedes-Benz has done an exceptionally good job at marketing the C-Class line of sedans since the current generation debuted in late 2000 as a 2001 model. Entering 2003, the lineup consisted of three sedan models: the base model C240 with its 168 horsepower 2.6 liter V-6; C320 powered by a 215 horsepower 3.2 liter V-6; and the high performance C32 AMG complete with a 349 horsepower supercharged 3.2 liter V-6. This grouping proved so popular with Mercedes-Benz fans that sales rose 25% during 2002 over 2001 levels.

Sharp-looking body upgrades including a redesigned front bumper, rear apron and sculpted side sills identify the C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan.

However, the Germans are known to have a knack for tinkering with a model lineup to perfect it and this is exactly what Mercedes-Benz has done with the C-Class by adding two new sedan models for the 2003 model year. The first is a sport version of the C320 called, appropriately enough, C320 Sport Sedan. It utilized the same great 215 horsepower 3.2 V-6 that powers the regular C320. However, Mercedes-Benz has added performance-oriented content for those seeking a step in between the regular C320 and the C32 AMG, in terms of both power and overall sportiness. Features include a sport-tuned suspension, a C32-like body cladding kit, aluminum interior trim, seven-spoke 17-inch wheels with high performance tires, a standard six-speed close-ratio manual transmission and thickly bolstered front sport seats.


While the C320 Sport Sedan is a worthy player in the athletic end of the entry-lux market place, it's not exactly cheap, starting right around $36,000, including destination charge. We did test the C320 Sport Sedan and while it does drive wonderfully, we'll save our comments for a separate review on it later. Instead, we'll concentrate on the second and more affordable of the two new C-Class sedans, the C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan.


Now, the first thing to get straight right up front is that this car is powered by a completely different engine than the last generation C230 Kompressor sedan. The previous model had a 2.3-liter I-4 under the hood, while this new C230 Kompressor uses an extremely quiet, smooth and strong-running 1.8-liter DOHC I-4. The reason we point this out is to avoid confusion with the older, noisier 2.3-liter engine and to point out how far engine technology has come in the past five years or so. This new 1.8-liter engine makes 189 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm or roughly the same power and torque output of the older, larger engine. This supercharged and intercooled engine is exclusive to the U.S. market and is the same engine that powers the two-door C230 Kompressor coupe.

With aluminum interior trim, a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission and thickly bolstered front sport seats, performance is the name of this game.

As a further comparison, the 1.8-liter engine makes significantly more power and torque than the 2.6-liter V-6 under the hood of the C240 sedan, while achieving better fuel mileage numbers (17 city/26 highway for C240, 21 city/30 highway for C230). And, the C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan costs less, starting at $28,710 including destination charge, compared with $30,620 for the C240. Mercedes points out that the C240 appeals to the traditional luxury car buyer, while the C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan is designed for customers who consider themselves driving enthusiasts, yet aren't currently driving a Mercedes-Benz. These so called "conquest sales" are important to Mercedes-Benz as it continues in a strong battle for buyers with the makers such as Audi, BMW and Lexus.