Mercedes-Benz C180 Reviews

Mercedes-Benz has bolted to the front of the mid-sized prestige field, helped by the recednt arrival of the new C-Class arrived a few months ago. And their position can only improved by adding the C-Coupe. This is a sweetheart of a car: stylish, lovely to drive, lavishly equipped and with some very frugal engines on offer.PRICE AND VARIANTSThe Coupe range arrives with one diesel and three economy-targeting ‘BlueEfficiency’ petrol engines -- all mated to an updated  seven-speed sequential automatic transmission – with a blistering V8 joining them in the C63 AMG next month.But for now the bidding opens with the $58,900 C180’s turbocharged 115kW/250Nm 1.8-litre, which delivers a 0-100km/h time of 8.9 seconds and fuel economy of 7.3 l/100km. That fuel figure puts it over the LCT bar, but with a penalty of just $331.The C250 petrol and C250 CDI diesel are both $69,900, and escape the LCT slug as their fuel consumption gives them a ‘home free’ card. The C250 carries a turbocharged 150kW/310Nm 1.8-litre, and gets to100km/h in 7.2 seconds with fuel consumption of 7L/100km.The C250 CDI gets a 150kW/500Nm 2.1-litre twin-turbo diesel that hits the 100km mark at a respectable 7.1 seconds, and delivers frugal economy at 5.1L/100km. It benefits from a stop-start system, and while similar technology is on petrol versions in Europe our petrol quality prevents them coming here.Topping the petrol coupes – at least until the $154,800 C63 AMG arrives shortly with its V8 – is the $99,900 C350’s 225kW/370Nm 3.5-litre V6, which slashes the 0-100km/h time to 6.0 seconds, with fuel economy of 8.3L/100km.DESIGN AND FITOUTThe newcomer works the coupe style well, with a short front overhang, sharply raked front and rear windscreens and a rising shoulder line towards the somewhat hefty tail. The optional panorama sunroof is shielded only by a blind, and while the glass is UV-shielding, you still notice the extra glare.Standard equipment levels are impressive, including a Comand control system with Suna traffic warnings in the C250 and C350, and the cabin is fitted with premium materials and finishes.It feels snug around the driver, but perhaps too snug in the rear seat where legroom is somewhat compromised. Perhaps the Merc engineers stole some of the space to donate to the boot, which is fantastic: deep, wide, easily accessible and just 50 litres less than the sedan.DRIVINGThe C250 we mainly tested feels taut and controlled on the road, and it’s easy to slip into the feeling of being part of the car. The engine sounded a little harsh on take-off, and there was some lag from low down, but once the turbo wakes up it streams along happily.Gears can be changed with the sequential shifter on the centre console. But it’s not needed in the face of the well-designed and positioned steering wheel paddles, with their tactile lip edge that almost urges you to keep tickling them from one cog to another. Changes are swift and smooth, and prompt you to wonder why anybody would need a twin-clutch transmission when a single can work this well.The diesel C250CDI on the other hand pulls strongly right from the start, and gives powerful response all through the rev range. The C-Coupe suspension is softer than you’ll find in the German rivals, but stops well short of wallowing. We hit some appalling rural bitumen that put extra bounce into its step, but didn’t ever cause it to step out of line.Would we buy one? Yes, and despite the better performance of the diesel, we’d probably go for the C250 petrol with its 110kg lighter weight and touch.

PARKING German luxury in your driveway has rarely been as affordable or as property-enhancing thanks to Mercedes-Benz.It may be the world's oldest car maker but it couldn't better capture style and elegance with wallet-cheating economy demanded by today's buyers. And with its pricing, you don't have to be a zillionaire to own one.Mercedes recently stopped production of its CLC and CLK coupes, now filling the gap with its newcomer, the C-Class Coupe. Though it has two doors, the coupe seats four, has a boot almost as big as the sedan and comes with a new generation of frugal four-cylinder engines - and one V6 - with an even more explosive AMG model ready for duty later this year.VALUEThe pretty coupe comes with a pretty price. There will be five models of the C-Class when the line-up is filled out by early next year. For now, there’s the C180 entry-level at $58,900 (which is only $400 dearer than the more compact CLC Evolution model); C250; C250CDI (the only diesel in the range); C350; and next year, the C63 AMG. The standard equipment level is as impressive as the prices, including a Command control system with Suna traffic management for the C250 and C350. Unusual for a new model poised to hit the market, Mercedes will launch Edition 1 - a limited edition package that costs $4360 extra (a bit extra for the C180) for gear including 18-inch seven spoke alloys and stitched leather upholstery in black.DESIGNThere’s a lot of CLK in the profile and indeed the way the C-Class Coupe is designed traces its predecessors intended clientele. The nose and front fenders are basically C-Class sedan, but externally the lines involve all new sheet metal and - in the case of the bonnet - aluminium. Trainspotters will note the Coupe’s two-bar grille, LED running lights and LEDs for the tail. There’s also a fat Mercedes star emblem within the grille. The cabin is from the C-Class range with the big exception of the sculptured two rear seats. Mercedes claims the boot shaves only 15 litres off the luggage area compared with the sedan. Trim and finish are excellent though there’s typical Mercedes restraint. The closest its gets to letting its hair down is the silver finish of the dash and door trim which is called "galvanised".TECHNOLOGYThe three four cylinder engines are a treat. They’ve been around in other models in recent times but Mercedes just keeps honing these comparatively small engines to get more economy and yet still deliver a smile on the driver’s face. The C180 and C250 petrols share the basics of a 1.8-litre capacity and a turbocharger. But tweaking lifts the C180’s 115kW/250Nm to 150kW/310Nm, cuts the 0-100km/h dash to 7.2 seconds from 8.9 seconds and yet the quicker, more powerful unit gets better fuel economy and puffs less emissions.The C180 claims 7.3 litres/100km and 169g/km CO2 while the C250 sips 7.0 l/100km and emits 163g/km CO2. The 2.1-litre turbo-diesel four is fractionally quicker to 100km/h than the C250, substantially more economical at 5.1 l/100km and 134g/km CO2 and delivers 150kW/500Nm. Otherwise, the Coupe is all C-Class sedan, including the "sports" button that firms the suspension. It is standard on all models and optional on the C180.SAFETYSame as the C-Class sedan and wagon, the Coupe gets a five-star crash rating and has the full suite of chassis and braking system electronics. You wouldn’t expect anything less.DRIVINGUnexpectedly, the C-Class Coupe feels like a much bigger car. Yes, it’s physically bigger than the CLC that it sort-of replaces and is smaller than the E-Class based coupe. But on the road, and indeed within the cabin, it feels the same size as the E-Class. Which is biggish. That means decent cabin room, reflected by the expansive width and ability to fit two adults in the rear. The design and placement of instruments and switches follow Mercedes style, which means familiarisation is needed.Crank the C250 petrol over and the idle is a bit harsh. The turbo makes it a lot quieter than the supercharger used on previous Kompressor models, but it’s still not the smoothest unit around. But there’s no complaints with the performance. There is a bit of lag off the mark but the seven cogs in the transmission make it easier and quicker to pluck the best from the engine’s powerband and get it to the ground. The gearbox is, by the way, excellent. Its rapid shifts feel more like a dual-clutch automated manual.While the C250’s powerplant is a surprise - Mercedes predicts it will be the biggest seller in the Coupe range - it is the diesel that is outstanding. Pity that most buyers will dismiss it because it is such a powerful performer and so easy to drive quickly - and economically. The C180 and C350 weren’t available to test. On drives through Victoria’s Otway mountain range and along the Great Ocean Road, the Coupe showed confident road holding and a compliant ride from a very rigid chassis.MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS COUPEPrice: $58,900 (C180); $69,900 (C250 and C250CDI); $99,900 (C350); $154,800 (C63 AMG)Warranty: 3-years/100,00km, roadside assistService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-starEngine: (C250) 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged petrol, 150kW/310NmBody: 2-door coupe Weight: 1470kgTransmission: 7-speed auto, rear driveThirst: 7.0L/100km , 95 RON, CO2 163g/km"New star combines frugal engineering with sleek styling. C250 the one to watch''

While most motorists seek reliability and economy from their cars there are those who put performance above all else.For them cars like the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG deliver the ultimate driving thrill, they're the ones that take performance to previously   undreamt of places.The sad reality for most who lust after a true high performance car, like the C63 with its $126,000 price tag, is that they're well beyond the reach of all but the very, very well heeled.Everyone else can only look on and dream, at least until the price drops to a point they can afford to turn the dream into a reality with a secondhand example.MODEL WATCHThe Mercedes-Benz C63 rewrote the book on performance, lifting the bar even higher than its awesome rivals from BMW and Audi.The pocket rocket race can be traced back to the humble Minis, Cortinas and Escorts of the 1960s, but really started in earnest when   the Germans got in on the act in the 1980s.It was back then that BMW launched the first M3, a hot derivative of the 3-Series. Not to be outdone Mercedes-Benz answered with a hot AMG-  tweaked C-Class, and the race between the German carmakers was well and truly on.  Almost 30 years later and the race is hotter than ever, with each company quick to counter any move its rivals might make.The C63 answered BMW's move to slot a V8 into the M3, and raised the performance bar even higher with its own V8 that boasted 336 kW at   6800 revs and 600 Nm at 5000 revs.It was enough to have it doing 100 km/h just 4.5 seconds from rest, which put it in elite high performance company with cars like the Porsche 911.  Like all AMG models the C63 starts with a modest regular production model, in this case the compact C-Class sedan and wagon.It then gets a much hotter heart, in this case a thumping great hand-built 6.2-litre double overhead camshaft V8 engine.  But while the V8 gave it the grunt the C63 was much more than mere power, it had the chassis to back it up.If there was a criticism of previous C-Class AMG cars it was that they weren't very engaging for those who wanted to be fully involved in the driving. That was countered in the C63 with the seven-speed auto transmission with shift paddles under the steering wheel that gave the driver more control than in previous models, and sharper chassis tuning.It also came with a comprehensive array of electronic devices to monitor and control the car, including electronic stability control, traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes with optimum brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and the like.While these systems help keep the booming 'Benz on the straight and narrow the driver could, if they wished, switch it off and fully enjoy the full thrill of the beast beneath.  Then, if things went wrong the car would engage the electronics in an effort to save the situation before it got too out of hand.Inside, it had leather sports seats, a sports wheel, auto air, cruise, park distance control, six-speaker CD sound, power front seats with memory, power mirrors and windows, sat-nav and woodgrain trim.IN THE SHOPIndependent Mercedes-Benz specialist Peter Lennox services 10-15 C63s   and tells us that it is a robust and reliable performance car and   little goes wrong with them if they are well maintained.The V8 engine has been in production since 2006 and is very reliable.  Lennox says it's good for at least 200,000-300,000 km, and probably a lot more.The seven-speed auto is also quite bulletproof. It has been around since 2005 and like the engine doesn't give any major trouble, although Lennox says he has seen a few problems with lock-up torque converters in cars that have done 200,000-plus km.If driven hard the front-end bushes can wear out in 50,000-60,000 km.   Check for fluid leaks from the oil-filled bushes, a sure sign the   bushes need attention.Tyres don't last long, particularly if driven hard. A driver who takes care of his tyres will be replacing them every 10,000-15,000 km, but one who pushes the performance limit will be replacing them even more frequently.IN A CRASHWith an electronic arsenal of ABS brakes, Brake Assist, EBD   brakeforce distribution, ESP stability control and traction control the C63 has an impressive complement of active safety features.If that isn't enough it also has a full array of airbags, including dual front and side airbags, and head airbags.  ANCAP hasn't specifically tested the C63, but the C-Class it's based upon is rated at five out of a possible five stars.UNDER THE PUMPMake no mistake the C63 is a thirsty beast; Mercedes-Benz claims an average fuel consumption of 14.5-16.0 L/100 km.OWNER'S SAYA super car for less than 150 grand! It was a deal Carsguide reader Lindsay couldn't resist. In his mind he had attained the ultimate in   motoring utopia. As a 60-year-old who has driven competitively and owned some high performance machinery he felt more than capable of   extracting reasonable performance and pleasure out of the C63, but he finds it almost impossible to get the car off the mark quickly without spinning the wheels and invoking the ESP, and defies anyone to achieve the acceleration time Mercedes-Benz claims. He also shredded the rear tyres in just 13,000 km, something he says is   common on the C63. Despite that he says the C63 is great to drive.LOOK FOR High speed thrillsAwesome performanceRefined and sophisticatedGas guzzlerEats rear tyresGreat bang for the buckTHE BOTTOM LINEAwesome performance yet still refined and sophisticated. 90/100

There are two reasons to buy a used car. One is to buy cheap by avoiding the first couple of years when depreciation is at its highest, the other is to buy a better car than you could otherwise afford new.The Mercedes-Benz AMG C36 falls in the latter category. With a new price of $154,900 when launched in 1995 only the very well heeled could afford it, but 10 years later many more of us can afford to drive one of the great sports sedans of the last decade.The C36 was the result of the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and its performance partner AMG, which had built a strong reputation for its tuned versions of regular Mercedes-Benz sedans. AMG began tuning Mercedes-Benz cars back in the 1960s, but today is part of Daimler and its work is now done in-house.MODEL WATCH The C36 started life like any other humble C-Class; it only grew horns after being transported across town to the AMG factory where it underwent surgery of the most radical kind in the process of being transformed into a super sports sedan.When it emerged from the ’Benz bunker it was a C280 with a 2.8-litre straight six-cylinder engine, but by the time it left the AMG factory the engine was stretched to 3.6 litres courtesy of a larger bore and longer stroke and was a ’bahn-storming C36.Inside, the compression ratio had been raised to 10.5: 1, a new inlet camshaft worked with a high flow inlet manifold to ease the charge into the engine, and enlarged exhaust ports and a free flow exhaust system fast tracked the spent gases away.With revised electronics to make the best use of the changes the enlarged engine put out 206 kW at 5750 revs and 385 Nm at 4000 revs. That put it into the company of other hot sports sedans like the BMW M3 and 540i, and the homegrown HSV GTS.Tests at the time had it sprinting from rest to 100 km/h in 6.5 secs while accounting for the standing 400-metre dash in 14.5s. Top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h.Naturally the C36 wasn’t just about its engine, it also had a beefed-up four-speed auto taken from the S-Class and a sportier torque convertor. An updated model in late 1996 saw the four-speed auto replaced by a five-speed.Underneath, its suspension was lowered and retuned with new springs and shocks, while the steering was sharpened even though it was still lacking in feel much as most Mercedes do. Along with the extra speed the C36 also featured massively increased braking power with brakes taken from the S-Class with an overlay of anti-skid and traction control electronics for added safety.Large 17-inch alloy wheels and low profile tyres completed the sporty package, and were the main clues to the C36’s performance potential. There were other things that made you take a second look, but the C36 was a subtle package, the sort that caught others unaware when the lights turned green.A combination of a new front spoiler, side skirts and rear airdam along with some subtle AMG badges helped give it a meaner look than its regular cousins. As would be expected of a car costing almost $155,000 the C36 was packed with luxury features, including leather trim, air-conditioning, sports seats, cruise, power windows, tinted glass, dual front airbags, 10-stacker CD player, remote central locking and sunroof.IN THE SHOP There is always a risk in buying an expensive used car like the C36, which will have more than 100,000 km on average and as much as 150,000 km or more if they’ve been regularly driven. That’s the key as these sorts of cars are often garaged for much of their life while their owners use other more modest cars for their regular transport. For that reason they often have much lower odometer readings than most cars of a similar age.It’s also important not to rush in and buy the first you see. Although they are relatively rare and don’t come up for sale on a regular basis it’s best to shop around and make a careful decision. Look for a low mileage car, one with a verifiable service record and with all the indicators of low use. Things like lack of wear on the driver’s side carpet, the side bolster of the driver’s seat, the steering wheel.Get an independent check, preferably by a Mercedes expert, and inspect it closely for panel damage. Expect to pay more for replacement parts and don’t try to get away with cheaper parts if you want to maintain the C36’s performance.IN A CRASH An agile chassis with sports settings, big brakes, antilock and traction control electronics deliver a high level of primary safety, while dual front airbags protect the front passengers in a frontal collision. Used car crash investigators rate the C-Class ’Benz better than average in protecting its occupants in a crash and average in its impact on others.LOOK FOR • subtle styling masks performance potential• great high performance luxury cruiser• agile and responsive chassis• powerful brakes match performance• loads of standard featuresVERDICT A rare and exhilarating sports sedan worth considering instead of a new Commodore SS or Falcon XR8.RATING 85/100

The was something off-putting about the 180E Mercedes produced before the C-Class was launched in 1994. It had the star on the bonnet, but the rest of the 180E just didn’t seem to make the Mercedes grade. Thankfully Mercedes corrected the situation with the C-Class.The 180E was clearly a car for the masses, even if the asking price meant the masses had to be quite well-heeled to have any chance of getting behind the wheel. But there was something about it that suggested Mercedes had cut a few too many corners to get the price down as far as it did.Anyone accustomed to the level of equipment that usually came with the three-pointed star would have been shocked to find that it had wind up windows, vinyl seats, and a seriously underpowered engine.The C-Class was a different story. It was an important new model in the new generation of ’Benz cars, one that delivered the traditional Mercedes quality in a much more affordable package without the compromises of its predecessor. If the 180E left you feeling like a ‘wannabe’ Benz owner, the C-Class made you feel like a paid-up member of the club.MODEL WATCHThe C-Class had to overcome some built up resistance when it first came out, such was the poor reputation the 180E won, but anyone who wrote off the new car failed to see a totally new car with the old Mercedes’ attributes.Build quality was high, as you would expect of a car costing almost $60,000 and more in 1994, performance was much improved, and there was enough fruit to satisfy most ’Benz owners.When Mercedes launched the 180E in 1991 it was looking to expand its owner base in order to survive in the long term. The company simply couldn’t survive on a diet of high priced luxury cars, there just wasn’t enough buyers able to afford the ’Benz asking prices.The company was under attack on many fronts. BMW was giving it some curry, particularly with the 3 and 5 Series, and the Japanese companies like Toyota were causing Benz plenty of heartache with its Lexus, which was taking sales away from the S-Class.The 180E was an attempt to compete with the BMW 3-Series, but Mercedes made the fatal mistake of pricing it well above the small Beemer in the belief that people would line up for a car carrying the three-pointed star even if it didn’t deliver anything more than its cheaper rival.They didn’t, which meant Mercedes had some catching up to do with the C-Class. Thankfully they came closer to the mark the second time around.Although there was nothing particularly striking about the C-Class styling, it was actually quite conservative, it has stood the test of time well and still looks current and classy a decade after it was launched.A compact sedan, the C-Class offers comfortable seating for four. There is accommodation for five, but it has to be said that three across the back seat would be a little uncomfortable.Power for the C-180 entry level model came courtesy of a 1.8-litre double overhead camshaft, four valve, fuel injected four-cylinder engine that put out 90 kW at 5500 revs and 170 Nm at 4200 revs.When the right pedal was pressed deep into the carpet it would reach 100 km/h in around 12 seconds, while racing through the standing 400-metre sprint in a little over 18 seconds.They’re reasonable times, but achieved through relatively short gearing and top end power. As a result the mid-range is a little lacking so it feels a little lethargic when not pushed hard.The standard transmission was a five-speed manual with floor shift, but most were delivered with the optional four-speed, or later, five-speed automatic.Underneath, the C-Class boasted double wishbone front suspension along with a multilink independent rear suspension. Isolation from bumps and potholes in the road was superb, and it didn’t come at the expense of handling, which was well balanced and precise.Add to that four wheel disc brakes, with ABS, and power steering which was well weighted and nice road feel, and the C-Class was a pleasure to drive.At launch Mercedes offered two levels of trim, the base Classic and the better equipped Elegance. The Classic had cloth trim, air-conditioning, central locking, power front windows, power mirrors, rear head rests, and an airbag for the driver. From November 1997 it also had cruise, a passenger airbag, and a five-speed auto in place of the four-speed.The Elegance added dual airbags, CD player, leather steering wheel, wood trim, rear seat pockets and power rear windows. The Elegance was replaced by the C200 Elegance in 1997.From November 1994 there was also a sporty Esprit model with bright coloured seat inserts and lowered suspension. Like the Elegance, the C-180 Esprit was replaced by the C200 model.IN THE SHOPMechanics report few problems with the C-180. It’s generally regarded as robust and reliable.The only problem of note mentioned is the heater fan on cars after 1996. Because it’s run all the time it can burn out, and replacements are around $800.Other than that there are reports of some failures of the air mass meter on cars that have covered 150,000 to 200,000 km. That’ll set you back $2500 for a factory replacement, $1500 for a rebuilt one.Look for a service record from a Mercedes dealer or recognised specialist service agent, and inspect closely for signs of crash damage, like colour mismatches, poor panel fit, and variable body gaps.LOOK FOR• prestige of three-pointed star badge• high build quality• solid body with few squeaks and rattles• sure-footed handling• comfortable ride• four cylinder engine in heavy body means modest performanceVERDICTWell built, well equipped, and very competent compact sedan with all the prestige of the ’Benz brand, but comes at a price.RATING70/100

Engine and TransmissionThe estate uses the same engine that powers its saloon sibling -- a super-charged four-cylinder engine that puts out 135kW and 250Nm, with power getting to the wheels via a five-speed automatic with paddle shifts on the steering wheel..Fitted with improved pistons and with modified engine management, the C200 estate boasts impressive performance and fuel consumption  at 8.3litres/100kms.ExteriorThe giant German marque has made sure to hold on to the distinctive Mercedes-Benz characteristics with C200 estate, whilst adding modern elements.The distinctive chrome three-louvered radiator grille and big centred badge plus chrome highlights on the bumpers, wings and doors help to retain the classic Merc presence. The body coloured bumpers, polished aluminium roof rails, an electric glass sun-roof and 17 inch, five twin-spoke, light-alloy wheels give it an edgy modern feel.The side profile highlights a creased waistline following the long rise from the bonnet, over the windscreen then gently down to the top of the tail gate where it drops abruptly and folds into a short rear overhang. The front wheels being pushed right to the front also give the car an athletic, purposeful stance.InteriorInside, the C200 has a sporty flavour with black floor mats and dash, contrasting with the door panels and arm rests in reef grey. The classic Merc heritage is never too far away though, highlighted by black bird’s eye maple and full leather upholstery.As always, quality and attention to detail is easily evident. Electronically adjustable driver and passenger seats with memory settings, three-zone automatic climate control, a Harmon/Kardon Logic 7 sound system and voice recognition functionality are all standard.SafetyFront airbags, window bags and side bags for the driver and front passenger plus window bags and side bags for the side passenger, together with Adaptive Brake Regulation with hillstart assist, ESP, ABS, crash-responsive active head restraints(for front seats) and a tyre pressure loss warning system, completes the substantial safety package.PricingThe C200 estate starts at $58,978.DRIVINGWigley saysAfter recently driving the C63 AMG I was a little apprehensive stepping into the standard wagon because I almost know I’d be let down. But I really wasn’t.Both cars are great in their own ways – the C63 is a performance powerhouse and the estate is a comfortable, refined family wagon – and a damn good one at that.The workmanship and quality of the interior as always is first class. Initially the seats felt a little small but I soon sunk into them and felt completely supported.The flat bottom boot fits a lot but the car itself looks compact from the outside.The revised suspension, especially with the three settings made driving a joy in all conditions.Power, although not mind numbingly raucous, was sufficient enough to be able to merge and overtake without a trickle of fear that you might get rammed.The one gripe I had was the legroom in the back seats. Even with the front seats forward, the back is only really big enough for two mid-sized teenages.Verdict: 8/10Halligan saysI am a big fan of the current C-Class.  The C200 wagon reaffirms this opinion once again. It's a great package and it just feels right when you drive it.It has ample power for its target market. Style, presence, quality and performance are all excellent and I only have one criticism of the C-Class in general. It needs just an extra couple of centimetres between the front and rear seats.While I am not a fan of models growing through their life cycle, I think the C can afford to do so. At the moment it is still virtually the same size as the first generation 190 I parked it beside in the family garage.Start-up families shopping in this price bracket should consider this car. Don't do the normal thing and buy a mid-size 4x4 without first looking at one of these. Do your sums and consider cost of ownership and depreciation. Service costs, tyres and depreciation on most mid 4x4 is ludicrous especially in this price range.Quality, presence and style. More people should consider one.Verdict:  8.2/10  

I'm not saying that for $56,000 the entry-level Benz C180 is cheap, merely that it's as cheap as an Australian luxury car – such as a Statesman or Fairlane – and possibly has more street cred.Of course, the C180 isn't an executive express like the two Aussie cars. It will seat four adults with sufficient room, has a decent boot and its relatively compact dimensions give it excellent zip through city streets.What impressed me the most was simply the way this car did its job.It is ridiculously easy to drive – though seeing a foot-operated park brake again almost pushed my blood level into unmanned territory – and has exceptionally confident road manners.Though some earlier baby Benz models were a bit shy of features – certainly less than the price tag would imply – the latest versions are well kitted. Even the interiors are pleasant and imbue a sense of quality, though the leather-look upholstery really is leather look. It's actually vinyl.Standard features include CD player, electric everything, leather-rimmed steering wheel, vanity mirrors for driver and passenger, timber-look trim and so on. As you would expect, there is a heavy accent on safety with the C180 Kompressor coming with six airbags and a flotilla of electronic driving aids such as ABS brakes, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.The feeling of solidity on the road is forged from a rigid body.Add to that some well-tuned suspension pieces and slot in the supercharged four-cylinder engine with a five-speed auto and you have the ingredients for an interesting sports-oriented sedan.Unfortunately, while there's all the ingredients, the cook hasn't followed the recipe.Because, in this case, performance isn't what the C180 is all about. The supercharger is there to get the modest 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine up to sufficient power to move the whole package along at a respectable rate.That it does, though despite all the promise, the engine is only fractionally more powerful than that in a standard Corolla.For buyers of this car, the performance would be more than adequate.The engine is a little rough down in the lower revs and, from outside at least, idles like a diesel. Yet everyone is oblivious within the cabin.The car is serene in its movements, feels nimble and lively from behind the wheel and shows immense promise without needing to deliver anything but the image of that three-pointed star on the bonnet.It is very comfortable – recently Merc changed the seat design from park bench timber to firm foam rubber – and gives the impression that it has significant durability to last for a few decades.As a car with class, it's about as budget motoring as you can get.Just don't expect to win any traffic light drags.

There was something off-putting about the 180E Mercedes produced before the C-Class was launched in 1994.  It had the star on the bonnet, but the rest just didn't seem to make the Mercedes grade.Thankfully, Mercedes corrected the situation with the C-Class.  The 180E was clearly a car for the masses, even if the asking price meant the masses had to be quite well-heeled to have any chance of getting behind the wheel.But something about it suggested Mercedes had cut a few too many corners to get the price down as far as it did.  Anyone accustomed to the level of equipment that usually comes with the three-pointed star would have been shocked to find it had wind-up windows, vinyl seats and a seriously underpowered engine.The C-Class was a different story.  It was an important new model in the new generation of Benz cars, one that delivered the traditional Mercedes quality in a much more affordable package without the compromises of its predecessor.  If the 180E left you feeling like a wannabe Benz owner, the C-Class made you feel like a paid-up member of the club.Model WatchThe C-Class had to overcome some resistance when it first came out, such was the poor reputation that had built up around the 180E.  Build quality was high, as you'd expect of a car costing almost $60,000 or more in 1994, performance was much improved and there was enough fruit to satisfy most Benz owners.Though there was nothing particularly striking about the C-Class styling, it has stood the test of time and still looks current and classy 10 years after it was launched.  A compact sedan, the C-Class offers comfortable seating for four. It can take five, but three across the back seat would be a little uncomfortable.Power for the C-180 entry level model came courtesy of a 1.8-litre, double overhead camshaft, four-valve, fuel-injected four-cylinder engine that put out 90kW at 5500 revs and 170Nm at 4200 revs.When the right pedal was pressed deep into the carpet it would reach 100km/h in about 12 seconds while racing through the standing 400m sprint in little more than 18 seconds.They're reasonable times, but achieved through relatively short gearing and top-end power.  As a result the mid-range is a little lacking so it feels a little lethargic when not pushed hard.Standard transmission was a five-speed manual with floor shift, but most were delivered with the optional four-speed, or later five-speed, automatic.  Underneath, the C-Class has double wishbone front suspension with a multilink independent rear suspension.Isolation from bumps and potholes in the road is superb, and it doesn't come at the expense of handling, which is well balanced and precise.  Add to that four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and power steering that is well-weighted and a nice road feel, and the C-Class is a pleasure to drive.At launch, Mercedes offered two levels of trim, the base Classic and the better-equipped Elegance.  The Classic had cloth trim, air-conditioning, central locking, power front windows, power mirrors, rear headrests and driver's airbag.From November 1997, it also had cruise, a passenger airbag and a five-speed auto.  The Elegance added dual airbags, CD player, leather steering wheel, wood trim and power rear windows. It was replaced by the C200 Elegance in 1997.From November 1994 a sporty Esprit model also appeared, with bright coloured seat inserts and lowered suspension.  As was the Elegance, the C180 Esprit was replaced by the C200 model.On the LotThe three-pointed star came at a price when the C-Class was new and it still commands a higher price than its closest rivals.  A 1994 Classic can be had for about $22,000, a later 2000 model will cost up to $42,000.An Elegance from 1994 will be up to $24,000, one from 1996 up to $33,000.  Esprits from the same years will be about $21,000 and $30,000 respectively.In the ShopMechanics report few problems with the C180.  The only problem of note mentioned is the heater fan on cars after 1996. Because it is run all the time it can burn out, and replacement costs about $800.There are reports of some failures of the air-mass meter on cars that have covered 150,000 to 200,000km. That will cost $2500 for a factory replacement, $1500 for a rebuilt one.Look for a service record from a Merc dealer or recognised specialist service agent and inspect closely for signs of crash damage, such as colour mismatches, poor panel fit and variable body gaps.The bottom lineWell-built, well-equipped and very competent compact sedan with all the prestige of the Benz brand, but comes at a price.