Mercedes-Benz C 200 Kompressor Sports Edition 2009 Review
The new generation C Class won plenty of praise when it was launched two years ago. Is it still up to the task?Mercedes-Benz C 200 Kompressor Sports Edition
Road Test
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $60,710
Crash rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP)
Fuel: 98RON PULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 8.4
CO2 emissions (g/km): 200
Also consider: BMW 320i, Audi A4 2.0 TFSI, Lexus IS 250
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 3.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0
About our ratings
It's been two years since the W204 C-Class joined the Mercedes-Benz Australia line-up. In that time it's proven to be a strong sales performer for the brand and a worthy adversary for its arch-nemesis, BMW's 3 Series.
But even good cars need something to keep them fresh and in the case of the C-Class that freshen-up came in the form of the Sports Edition package launched in April. Although it adds $2610 to the base price of a C200 Kompressor, Mercedes claims the package adds over $5000 worth of value.
Externally the Sports Edition adds the front-end treatment from the Avantgarde model -- a new matt brilliant silver finish radiator grille with chrome inlays and integrated badge. Chrome highlights feature on the front and rear bumpers, lower edge of the doors and boot lid handle. Fog light surrounds are also added. Additional touches include tinted taillights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Internally the seats are wrapped in ARTICO/fabric combination upholstery, while aluminum trim and ambient lighting are also added. Rear passengers also benefit from a double cup holder and storage compartment in the central armrest.
The Sports Edition is available on both the C200K and C220 CDI in either saloon or estate variants. Only three colours are available with the package though: Obsidian Black metallic, Iridium Silver metallic and Calcite White (non-metallic).
Given that the C-Class won praise on our initial launch review and our subsequent road test as well as winning the Wheels 2007 Car of the Year title, the question is not if the C200K is a good car, but whether or not the Sports Edition is a worth the extra dollars.
The same strengths that first endeared us to the new generation C-Class remain. It rides well and feels more responsive than previous iterations. This author supports previous complaints that the steering remains too light and uncommunicative, compared to its direct rivals, even if it is an improvement over the old model. The 135kW 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine is a diligent worker most of the time but can pull the C-Class along with gusto when motivated by the driver's right foot. Mechanically, then, the C200K remains a very impressive package.
The Sports Edition, meanwhile, is less impressive but not for any significant error. If you are the type of person that pays close attention to the smallest details then it is the car for you. The changes are easy to overlook and frankly it's hard to say they justify the extra money over a standard C200K, simply because the basic car is well-equipped anyway.
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