Benz Faqs

While many debates have arisen in the past about the desire for Benzes, the 2002 C230 Kompressor adds a new twist to the argument. It was not designed for the older crowd, but rather for those who are still in college. They have decided to market it toward Generation X, an accurate enough moniker, to lure this heretofore segment into viewing a Mercedes as an accessible, possible first-car purchase.

If you’ve seen the advertisement, you’d note a somewhat shady Russell Crowe look-alike fellow (except that this guy was in a good mood), driving, just driving the C-Class with an alternative band-type song thumping in the background. No annoying announcer blathering on about the engine or its sure-fire appeal. The C230 does break the traditional Mercedes mold; this is not a true coupe, as its name suggests, with a separate trunk.

Rather, it’s a hatchback, the first sporting that famous three-pointed star to land on American shores. MB’s Bavarian countrymen have previously cast a hatchback, the 318ti to dismal failure. Hatchbacks have historically garnered an association with the economy-minded masses; reconciling them to a luxury brand could prove challenging. After all if station wagons can make a comeback, we think that hatchbacks can, too.

In order to provide the only sub-30-grand Benz in its lineup, DaimlerChrysler obviously had to cut some corners. Gone are the wood and leather that grace most Mercedes interiors. We were split on the patterned aluminum trim around the dashboard and door panels; some thought it looked cheap, others liked it for its sporty modernism. But the patterned cloth; oy. “Looks like a grunion run,” groused one editor. It’s nice that Mercedes is offering a cheaper alternative; leather upholstery will run you $1,410, but something simpler and more elegant would likely quell dissenters.

The exterior has been likened to various hatchbacks, from Saabs to Volkswagen Corrados. Mercedes claims that it evokes a “crouching athlete ready to spring into action.” With a high rear end and a spoiler, its tear-shaped profile again split asunder editors’ opinions. All did agree that it was edgy, which is preferable to bland or boring for any car with a pretense at sportiness.

The C230 is definitely lacking in the overt-luxo department, but much of its premium-brand identity is built into the car. Both windows are one-touch up and down. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes to allow you to find the perfect driving position; our various-sized editors found the manually adjusted seats very comfortable. The climate control is dual-zone with a charcoal-activated filter.

The stereo may be controlled by steering wheel-mounted buttons, which also let you access a screen in the instrument cluster with a scroll-down driver’s information center with a trip computer and diagnostic features. Other upscale touches include a doorsill plate and turn-signal lights mounted on the side mirrors. Our test vehicle came equipped with TeleAid, Mercedes’ telematics system.