Used to describe premium cars smaller than executive cars, compact executive is a market segment which is populated with talented players such as the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, Lexus IS and perhaps the Alfa Romeo 159. Not to be outdone, Mercedes Benz is represented by its C-Class in this ultra competitive field. The C-Class started off as the 190E back in 1983 to pit against its arch-rival's 3-series's runaway success in the category. In its fourth incarnation, it has since become a hot seller.

Fridae Auto Club was loaned a Mercedes Benz C230, which comes with a 2496cc 6-cylinder engine mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox - a variant that is rare on Singapore roads as larger engines would attract higher road taxes.

Design
Like the looks of the C-Class? Thank the Maybach 57/62 then. The rear end of the C-Class would have been challenged by the car-buying public if not for the Maybach's debut in 2003 to get us accustomed to the new styling direction. The new C-Class has eschewed conservatism for strong and handsome lines in a compact package. Cleverly, there are two grilles on offer - a good move to keep the traditional buyers and attract the younger buyers. One comes with the three-pointed star on the bonnet; giving the car an elegant and familiar look. The other would be the sport model that has three bold slats across the grille with a prominent tri-star - as seen on coupes and convertibles in the Mercedes range. The C230 Avantgarde features the sports grille and the Advance Agility Package (optional) which creates a purposeful squatted stance. Throw in an AMG body kit and you would have the best looking compact executive!

Interior
The interior screams 1980’s - in a positive way (well, to me at least). Those were the days where Mercedes cars were built to the engineer's satisfaction with no budget constraints and the cars made then felt like they can outlive the driver. Step into the C-Class you would find straight taut lines dominating the interior. The plastics used are of impeccable standards and every detail in the cabin has been given consideration. The engineers went to the extent to ensure that every button on the dash has a 0.8mm of travel and are coated with a special lacquer to exude a touch that is sensual everytime a button is pressed using exactly 4N of force. Judging by the interiors, you can tell that the focus is no longer on delivering technical frontier alone; this car delivers on aesthetics and feel. Good! Mercedes should no longer feel ashamed of building cars that can last and feel ROCK solid! In addition, there is good usable space all round, the rear accommodations is capable of sitting two passengers in luxury with a good amount of luggage in the boot.

The new COMAND system is of relative ease to navigate; those who didn't take to BMW 3-series's I-Drive system should give this system a chance. Only quips of the C-Class's packaging could probably be the slightly clumsy boot mechanism that should have been replaced by a pair of gas stuts and the indicator stock is positioned too low.

On the Road
The sporty outlook of the C230 is a true reflection of its road handling abilities. The car rides well and quietly in keeping with the carmaker's traditional traits it has come to be known for; and handles like a sports car to appeal to the younger crowd. Not easy to accomplish but the standard Agility control has kept body roll in check while retaining an almost magic carpet ride comfort. The steering of the C-Class is pleasingly firm and informative, something usually typical of a rear-wheel drive car. Interestingly the optional Advanced Agility package on our C230 comes with a button that reads 'sport'. Once turned on, the car transforms its characteristics, the throttle response becomes sharper, and the suspension hardens up to bring crisper handling traits. The base models of the C-Class family uses the 1.8 supercharged engines; which only have four cylinders. The C230 is the cheapest 6-cylinder engine in the Mercedes family. The extra $20k over a C200 buys you an extra pair of cylinders, 20 more horsepowers and two additional gear ratios (the C180 and C200 are equipped with a 5-speed gearbox). It may not look a lot on paper but the way the C230 accelerates is silky smooth. It may not rev as willingly as a BMW or Lexus 6-cylinder engine, but this unit is never harsh even when the 2496cc engine is taken to near the red line in the rev counter.

Last Lap
The alluring looks of this Mercedes Sedan is a standout among its star-studded peers. The C230 has the refinement and comfort you expect from a Mercedes and the handling finesse you might not. The five years Mercedes spent on developing this car is truly time well spent!

	Mercedes Benz C230 Avantgarde
Engine	2496cc 6 cylinder 24V, DOHC
Transmission	7-Speed Automatic
Max. Power	204 HP @ 6100rpm
Max. Torque	245 NM @ 2900rpm to 5500 rpm
Top Speed	233 km/h
0-100 KM/H	8.6 secs
CO2 emissions	216 g/km
Dimensions (L x W x H) /Weight	4581x2020x1448 / 1560kg
Price with COE*	$179,888**

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country
**Price quoted here excludes options.