Mercedes C230 Sports Coupe Despite its name, this small Mercedes follows the hot-hatch formula perfectly, albeit more expensively than beloved hatchbacks like the Honda Civic Si. Perhaps this type of car — including the new Acura RSX — should be called a haute hatch?

Though it shares the 106.9-inch wheelbase of other C-Class models, the coupe is 7 inches shorter and truncated at the rear. Cute and close-coupled, it looks like a futuristic wood planer. Part of its visual appeal — though there are dissenters from this assessment — comes from the integration of a thin composite spoiler that traverses the rear glass and wraps into the taillights, adding a saucy accent without sacrificing rear visibility. The rakish hatch changes the character of the C-Class; in comparison, the sedan looks as staid as a Bundestag bureaucrat.

As for the other essential ingredient in the hot-hatch formula — performance — Mercedes delivers an appealing package. The C230 sports coupe is the only two-door for less than $26,000 that has the performance bonus of rear-wheel drive. Under the hood is Mercedes's supercharged 2.3-liter engine, a feisty four-cylinder producing 192 horsepower. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the car gallops from a stop to 60 m.p.h. in a little over 7 seconds.

Mercedes has done well to bring so much of its solidity and faultless handling so far down market. The coupe is a taut, quiet machine that hustles and handles with confidence, grace and balance. Should the car get out of shape, traction control, stability control and antilock brakes are standing by. There are multiple air bags and advanced safety belts.

The sports coupe is positioned as a "first Mercedes" for young people, and the interior design and materials leave room for higher aspirations. Boldly patterned upholstery and textured aluminum replace leather and wood. Even so, many of the pieces that you touch — including the switches, stereo and climate controls — are from the blueblood parts bin.

As for the hatchback design, Mercedes made some very clever moves. The hatch extends to the rear bumper, so you don't have far to lift items. A rigid panel is tethered to the hatch and opens with it. When closed, the panel is almost indistinguishable from a shelf behind the back seat — you know, a place for bobbing-head dog figurines. This helps to alleviate one complaint about hatches of the past: no separate trunk.

The rear seats, split 60-40, fold down easily, expanding the cargo hold to 38.9 cubic feet, from 15.8. Return the seats to the upright position and they create actual living space. This is one of the best-packaged rear-seat compartments in the class.

 

A new moniker for the C-Coupe?

"Haute Hatchbacks"

 

Took the words right out of my mouth. Most bang for the buck and after 43 years of driving sport cars, the coupe is perfect. Compared to all the other sport coupes in it's class, if only it was easier to work on. like the old days and mods did not cost soooooo much. My 1970 240Z and my 1971 (race car) 240 were by far great to change and make mods to improve hp and handling. oh well

 

I'd heard about the NY Times article, a pleasure to read. Thanks to both of you for sharing.

 

Didn't the NY times have an article a couple of months ago on the Coupe that totally bagged on it? I could swear I remember one with the usual gripes - truck engine, cheapo interior, Mercedes ruining its upscale image, etc.

Maybe a little revisionist history,



BT

 

yeah, there was an article - kinda negative (although, i think people got a little too defensive about it). but it was a different writer.

some people don't like it, some do. i like it though, if that makes anyone else feel better

 

Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, Young.