According to the shop foreman at my dealership, a new C230 is coming to Canada in the spring which will be the same engine as the previous C class but retail for about $36,500. Not sure of the equipment levels but for $5000 less I am sure it will be majorly decontented because it would be hard to justify that amount just for 1L more displacement. The C230 exists in other parts of the world currently. Another underpowered V6! Too bad MB can't talk to Honda or Nissan and figure out how to get more power out of their V6 at a cost that everyone can afford

Now if they could develop their dies-otto engine and put it in the car with a 6sp, I would really be happy

 

<<According to the shop foreman at my dealership, a new C230 is coming to Canada in the spring which will be the same engine as the previous C class but retail for about $36,500.>>

Steel wheels with plastic hubcaps, cloth seats and manual windows. No sunroof.

Sounds like a KIA.

 

Good topic OP.

Now that I've learned a lot more(but still very much a novice) about my MB and MB's in general.I believe MB does this by design(engine power).They can't make regular MB's too powerful in my opinion because it would infringe on the AMG models.I believe this is why it's so difficult to "enhance"/modify my m271 engine.I only used the m271 engine as an example because it's what I have.It's just my take on the issue,but I'd love for those with more knowledge to elaborate on this topic.

 

In most European markets an annual motoring tax has to be paid on each and every vehicle. In some of those markets the level of tax payable is in bands based upon engine power output, so MB and other European manufacturers limit power output of certain models so that they "fit" in a lower taxation band. A good example is the C200 and C220 diesels which both use essentially the same 2148cc engine but with the C200 producing 136bhp and the C220 producing 170bhp.

 

Phin,

Its pretty much a balancing act to include enough features at one price point to make it attractive without canabalizing the sale of more expensive models.

Then again, something about a 500 horse power engine in a C300 does make ones toes curl.