Mercedes-Benz C200 2005 Review

They have the dynamics to back their supercharged vehicles and are among the finest warmed-up production machines on the planet.

AMG examples also are seriously expensive.

But how about a Benz that looks like a C55 AMG but is half the price?

Such an animal exists with Mercedes-Benz coming out with a C-Class C200 Kompressor with a twist.

There are a limited number of these Sport Edition examples being produced.

For $75,500 you can own one of these hot-looking saloons, which is a fair sting you may say, but there is value booked into the madness.

While it doesn't get the cracking 270kW supercharged V8 of the C55, it gains about $20,000 worth of kit for a premium of about half that amount over the standard C200.

Not such a bad deal then.

The Sport Edition C200K looks for all the world like an AMG on the road.

And while the 120kW 1.8-litre supercharged four cylinder can't quite pack as many guns as the AMG V8, the Sport Edition is a little more than purely a simple C200K dressed up in hotter gear.

For the extra cash you can add the AMG body kit, substantial fat-looking 17-inch light six-spoke alloy tyres — 225/45 up front and 245/40 hanging off the rear axle — larger perforated brake discs and calipers.

The flash look continues at the front with the silver-painted grille and mesh inserts in the air dam and the bi-xenon head lamps, which also come with a head lamp cleaning system.

Internally, the Sport Edition has been transformed considerably with a dedicated instrument panel and a stunning aluminium trimmed centre console.

The pedal box is defined with black rubber studs for the throttle and brake peg, there are flash-looking floor mats defined by silver edging and carrying the Sport Edition insignia.

The silver gearshifter still functions manual changes with the side-to-side action but this is complemented by unique gear shift buttons mounted either side of the middle spokes at the back of the steering wheel.

Enhancing the Sport Edition experience are mod cons from the Avantgarde trim model.

This adds automatic climate control, illuminated vanity mirrors, cool blue tinted windows and exit lights on the front doors.

The C-Class, which also is defined by Sport Edition lettering on the side rub strips, comes in specific paint choices of either iridium silver or diamond black.

With the sports suspension and meatier tyres the Sport Edition hangs on with authority.

It is well-balanced and nicely poised in a dynamic package at which Benz are past masters.

Sure for those heavy of foot, there could be a bit more urge from the small capacity engine.

But if you're not into raw performance then the Sports Edition has all the gear to satisfy those who aren't into the power trip.

And the good thing about that is there is no trade-off with fuel economy with the C200 recording about 8litres/100km on the highway and just under 10litres/100km for the peak-hour shuffle across town.

Sitting next to the Mazda3 at home in the garage the C200's proportions are put into perspective.

It might have been an unfair moment but I couldn't help noticing there was almost no difference in size.

And one is worth $50,000 more than the other.

But as good as the Mazda is, a Benz is still a Benz.