The least-expensive cars from Mercedes-Benz come in sedan, wagon, and coupe body styles. Sedans and wagons are available with all-wheel drive vs. the standard rear-wheel drive. C230 versions have a 189-hp supercharged 4-cyl engine; they come in Sports Coupe and Sport Sedan trim. C240 versions have a 168-hp V6 and come as a sedan or wagon. C320 versions have a 215-hp V6 and come in all three body styles and include Sports Coupe and Sport Sedan editions. The high-performance C32 AMG sedan has a supercharged 349-hp V6, sport suspension, and 5-speed automatic transmission. On other C-Class models, a 6-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic is optional, except on the C240 and C320 sedan and wagon, where the automatic is standard. Mercedes' 4Matic AWD is available for any automatic-transmission C-class sedan or wagon, except the C230 and C32. Sports Coupe and Sport Sedan editions come with sport-tuned suspension, manual transmission, body cladding, and aluminum interior trim. Sport editions and the C32 have 17-inch wheels vs. other models' 16s. This year, 4Matic and heated front seats add $1200, a $1250 cut vs. 2003. All models are now factory prewired to accept a newly optional dealer-installed satellite radio. And Sports Coupes gain as standard a 3-spoke steering wheel, enlarged chrome exhaust tip, and other sporty appearance features. Every C-Class has ABS, antiskid/traction control, front/rear side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and Mercedes' BabySmart child-seat recognition system. Coupes are available with Mercedes' large Panorama sunroof that teams with a fixed-glass panel over the rear seat; each has a power sunshade. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance system is standard on the C32, available for other models. A navigation system also is available. Bi-xenon headlamps are a linewide option.
News
The C-Class won't be Mercedes' smallest U.S. car by mid-decade, as two subcompacts are reportedly the way. One is a redesigned version of the Euro-market A-Class, which is probable for 2006 or '07. Sized like a Ford Focus, this tall, minivan-shaped 4-dr features a unique bi-level floor sandwiching exhaust system and other components. Overall length is said to be around 160 inches. Power will come from one or more 4-cyl engines, probably in the 1.6- to 2.0-liter range with something like 125-150 hp. A 2-dr A-Class is also in development and could come Stateside. All models should offer front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. We should have more details soon, so keep checking back with us..
But wait. There's less. Confirmed for 2006, likely as an early '07 debut, is the Smart Formore, an SUV-style miniwagon from DaimlerChrysler's European small-car division. Smart launched some 6 years ago with a tall, very short ForTwo front-drive coupe with a 660cc turbo 2-cyl. A targa convertible followed soon after. A longer, lower, more conventional 2-seat Roadster and Coupe-Roadster bowed in '03 with 4-cyl power. The Foremore shares a basic design with the new Euro-market ForFour hatchback that's built in Holland alongside a related Mitsubishi, but the demi-SUV features AWD, raised suspension, flared fenders and other off-roader touches. ForMore will be sourced from Brazil, likely with a 1.5-liter Mitsubishi 4-cyl making around 110 hp. Transmissions should be conventional 5-speed manual and a computer-controlled "clutchless" 6-speed manual with automatic mode. Like earlier Smarts, some body panels are made of a plastic-like material and are interchangeable for color. Again, we should be getting more specifics soon, so keep checking back.