$11,995
Sacramento, California
Category
-
Mileage
-
Posted Over 1 Month
Sport versions of the C-Class that target younger buyers joined the group during 2003. The C230 Kompressor (supercharged) four-cylinder sport sedan and the C320 sport sedan have a sport-tuned suspension and a standard six-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The 2004 4Matic sedans and wagons with heated seats are priced lower than last year’s models. (Skip to details on the: C-Class Sports Coupe) Exterior Wedge-shaped styling features a steep rake to the windshield and back window. A familiar Mercedes-Benz grille with a three-pointed star insignia atop the sculpted hood sits up front. The headlights and turn signals are integrated into elliptical shapes, and triangular taillights are installed. At 178.3 inches long overall, the C-Class sedan is 2 inches longer than the comparable BMW 3 Series. The high-performance C32 AMG rides on 17-inch tires, while regular C-Class sedans and wagons feature 16-inchers. Interior Five people may revel in a sizable wood-trimmed interior with leather and vinyl upholstery; full leather is available. Powered front seats have ample rearward travel to accommodate tall occupants. Split, folding rear seatbacks are optional. The sedan’s trunk capacity is 12.2 cubic feet, and wagons hold 25.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat. Tele Aid emergency communication service is standard. Under the Hood A 168-hp, 2.6-liter V-6 engine in the C240 teams with a six-speed-manual gearbox or an optional five-speed driver-adaptive automatic transmission. A SpeedShift feature can determine the best possible gear. The 215-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 in the C320 mates only with the automatic transmission. A supercharged 3.2-liter V-6 in the C32 AMG produces 349 hp and teams with the automatic. A 189-hp supercharged four-cylinder engine goes into the C230 Kompressor model. Safety Dual-stage front airbags and door-mounted side-impact airbags for the front and rear seats are standard. Curtain-type airbags deploy from above the side windows. With Mercedes-Benz’s BabySmart technology, sensors disable the airbags if they detect a child-safety seat. All C-Class sedans have antilock brakes and the automaker’s Electronic Stability Program. Driving Impressions The C320 is a precise, fully capable and rewarding road machine with a couple of irritating features. Rather than a full set of gauges, the driver must click through a sequence of electronic displays. The tachometer is small, and the controls aren’t the easiest to use. Ride quality is firm but highly pleasing. If the sedan hits a nasty bump, recovery is nearly instantaneous. The C320 is notably stable on the highway, and it requires minimal correction on straightaways. Extra-precise steering provides response to driver inputs that could hardly be better in a family-size sedan; however, the C320 doesn’t feel quite as sure of itself on the road as some rivals. Performance from the 3.2-liter engine is strong and eager. The automatic transmission reacts quickly and almost seamlessly for passing and merging. Front occupants get plenty of space. -- INSTALLED FEATURES: Aluminum accents, Front air conditioning, Front air conditioning zones: dual, Front air conditioning: automatic climate control, Shift knob trim: leather, Steering wheel trim: leather, Center Console, Cruise control, Keyless entry, Power steering, Remote trunk release, Steering wheel mounted controls: audio, Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic, Universal garage door opener, ABS: 4-wheel, Power, Stability control, Traction control, Cassette, Clock, Radio: AM/FM, Tachometer, Trip computer, Daytime running lights, Exterior entry lights, Front fog lights, Headlights: Auto on/off, 17 Inch Wheels, Alloy Wheels, Front wipers: intermittent, Power windows, Rear defogger, Anti-theft alarm system, Exterior mirrors: heated, Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals, Exterior mirrors: power, Front airbags: dual, Head airbags: front and rear, Power door locks, Side airbags: front and rear, Front seat type: sport, Power adjustments, Type: bench, Upholstery: cloth, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
