MERCEDES C-CLASS SPORTS COUPE (2001 - TO DATE)
NO NEED FOR THE HARD SELL (2004-12-21)
MODELS COVERED: 2dr Hatch C180, C180K, C200K, C230K, C320, C220CDi [base, SE, Evolution Panorama]
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Delivering an opinion on a Mercedes C-Class saloon is easy. Lop the tail end off and call it a Sports Coupe and youre dealing with a whole different kettle of kippers. Whilst some lauded it as a stylish and affordable Mercedes, the spiritual heir to the VW Corrado and so on, there were others who sniffily deride it as neither Sporting nor a Coupe, offering a lot less than an equivalent C-Class saloon. Thats perhaps a little harsh.
The Sports Coupe has a lot going for it. Track down a decent used model and youll soon see why.
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No, those rakish looks really dont lie: this is a coupe, not a premium hatchback: the Stuttgart design department will have to try again on that score. And as a two-door, more dynamic-looking C-class saloon or an entry-level CLK wannabe, it makes a lot of sense. Its smaller than a CLK of course but you wont really notice any difference unless you habitually sit in the back. Like the CLK, this car sits on a chassis borrowed from the new generation C-class saloon which means that Mercedes has had to do what else it can to distance the two products.
For a start, the Sports Coupe wont get V6 power or an AMG-engined derivative though you get the feeling that this might change if the market demands it. There wont be a Sports Coupe convertible either the CLK really will get to keep that market niche to itself.
BMW and
Saab whose products can substantially undercut the CLK Cabriolet but would struggle against a Sports Coupe version will be delighted to hear it. Not that Mercedes wants to totally ignore the affordable realms of the open-air coupe market.
Buyers can also specify Panoramic twin glass sunroofs which extend from the windscreen to the top of the tailgate and slide electrically backwards and forwards. The designers hope that this will create a feeling of light and space though not too much. To avoid creation of a greenhouse, the panels are smoked and two electrically operated roller blinds can slide across the glass to keep the cabin cool. When you do open up to let in the sunshine, youll find that the aperture is a third larger than youd get with a standard sunroof.
This model might share the same platform, suspension and steering with its C-class saloon stablemate but in almost every other respect, the designers have been keen to differentiate the two cars. Its 20mm lower for a start which could put headroom at a premium if youre loftily built. Despite the compact length (just 4343mm) and the reduced headroom for rear
seat passengers, Mercedes still contend that this car is a genuine four-seater. They do however, admit that luggage space is necessarily down on what you could expect from the four-door model (falling from 455 to 310 litres).
Still, you will be able to 50/50 split-fold the rear seats and in doing so, increase the capacity to some 1,100 litres. In the efforts to create that dynamic-looking low-slung shape, every body panel has been changed (though ironically, the shape of the saloon still proves more slippery in the wind tunnel). The lights have been restyled and that famous badge relocated on the front grille. In fact, the only exterior body parts shared are the windscreen wiper, the door handles and the mirrors.
Probably the most notable styling cue is the kicked-up tail with its see-through lower glass panel, intended to create extra downforce for the rear axle. If it does, its not worth the disadvantage created in the further impairing of already poor rearward vision. Inside, youll find a fascia pretty much lifted straight from the saloon, though the instrument hood has been re-worked, a smaller steering wheel included and silver trim added in an attempt to imbue a more youthful image. Standard equipment includes a full complement of airbags, ABS, remote central locking and Mercedes ESP Electronic Stability Programme.
If you want more, theres the option of either SE trim (with climate control and alloys), Evolution Panorama trim (with 17-inch alloys, sports suspension, a lower ride height, the clever Panorama glass sunroof and a 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel) or an AMG package (with a styling kit and larger tyres).
With demand still massive for the Sports Coupe there wont be too many outrageous bargains about. Early indications have shown that this is a car that holds onto its value tenaciously, but the switch to 1.8-litre Twinpulse engines across the range has softened prices of the earlier cars slightly. A 2001 C230K Sports Coupe will retail at around £18,000 with C220CDi models commanding a similar value, whilst a C180 opens at just over £15,000.
Insurance ranges from an affordable Group 13 for the C180 to a slightly more serious Group 16 for the C230K.
Dont worry if your Kompressor engine sounds a little rough they all sound that way. You should be concerned if the interior of your C-class is less than pristine as some of the plastic mouldings dont really come up to scratch. Many of the interiors were also finished in very pale greys and mushroom colours and will therefore get grimy in short order. There should be no major mechanical defects, but check alloy wheels for signs of kerbing and make sure the ABS and traction control systems work effectively as the electronics have been known to fail.
Trade experts reckon these cars are most desirable when specified in an attractive metallic colour with air conditioning and leather upholstery. You might bear that in mind when choosing a car as the right specification will make selling on easier.
(approx. Based on C220 CDi Sports Coupe) Allow around £50 for front brake pads and £25 for the rear, and about £370 for a full Mercedes exhaust system. A full clutch system would cost around £220, a radiator is about £140 whilst a starter motor can be up to £470. An alternator should be in the region of £415 (exchange).
So how does it feel on the road? It depends on how you drive. Changes to the engine management software with the advent of Twinpulse mean that this car attempts to learn your driving style. Punch the accelerator hard and the response is instant and spiky. Unlike turbocharged cars theres no annoying lag as you wait for the blower to spool up, the C200K offers drive on demand.
If youre smoother with the throttle the software takes the edge off the rate the throttle valves are opened, making the car seem creamy smooth. Its an impressive showing. Plus all the usual executive basics and a vast options list that may bump the asking price of used examples into the ionosphere. Earlier models are easier to hunt down and of these the C230K is still the best bet, despite an engine with all the aural charm of a Dutchman with catarrh.
The Mercedes C-Class Sports Coupe is, after the initial crippling blow to the wallet, surprisingly affordable to run. It has proved reliable and is in major demand amongst young upwardly mobiles. Specify either a Twinpulse or a diesel in silver and youll have buyers queuing up when it comes to sell. Which, given the cars inherent qualities, might not be any time soon.
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