Vehicle: 2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 Classic sedan
Price as tested: CDN$38450

Performance: Unlike the previous C230, the 2006 version is powered by a refined V6 instead of a rough 1.8L Kompressor 4-cylinder engine. This 2.5L V6 is good for 201 horses and 181 lb/ft of torque. In terms of refinement, flexability and NVH; this engine is a night-and-day difference when compares with the supercharged motor. This powerplant also has a sense of sportiness when pushed through the rev range, without losing the refined character that well-defined a 6-cylinder Mercedes sedan. Matched with this motor is Mercedes’s excellent 7-Gronic transmission. Unlike other slushboxes in the market, this tranny’s 7th gear serves as an overdrive. The engine only revs at a lowly 2000 rpm at 100 km/h, which is very impressive. The shifts are crisp, linear and smooth. Its also very willing to up and downshifts as with all excellent Mercedes auto transmissions in the past. Throttle response is response and linear.

Handling: As you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz, the C230 is based on a very good foundation. That means a strong, stiff chassis that is completely free of rattles and squeaks. In terms of dynamic abilities, C-Class is a pleasant surprise as it combines docile behaviour without losing the sublime ride comfort consumers expect from a Mercedes. The steering has decent feedback and response. It traces its path correctly with precision. Just like other Mercedes, its ESP kicks in a bit too early for my liking. This stability control just a bit too instrusive for a car that competes in the sports sedan segment.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the C230′s braking performance is well worthy of the tri-star emblem. It feels solid and easily modulated. The ABS also doesn’t kick in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Inside the C-Class, its all Mercedes’s form-follows-function simplicity. Along with a great sets of leather seats, excellent instrumentation gauges and dual zone semi-automatic climate control. Its interior materials have improved a lot when compares to the pre-facelifted model. The driving position is easily found with semi-power driver’s seat and tilt/telescope steering wheel.

The back seat is very comfortable, as it combines excellent leg and headroom for all passengers.

Conclusion: In the last couple of years, the 1.8L Kompressor engine has got a lot of beating over its lack of refinement in the C230k. Not anymore. The new V6 is anything better. Its refined, quiet, smooth and very responsive. This is the engine that Mercedes should introduced back in day 1 for its entry-level C-Class model instead of waiting until the end of the product life cycle.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 MERCEDES-BENZ C230
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3.5/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4/5