Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor 2004 Review

It could be the kiss of death for V8s and other fuel guzzling behemoths, with the focus switching to smaller, more economical vehicles – well, more economical ones at least.

At $1.20 or more a litre (because there's no guarantee it will stop there), imagine forking out more than $200 to fill up some of the larger 4WDs, many of which lap up the stuff at the rate of 16.0L plus per 100km.

It's a sobering thought...

In this context cars like the Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor could eventually become more desirable than more fancied and powerful siblings.

The C-Class is Benz's best selling model and is available with a range of engines, starting with two 1.8-litre supercharged fours, then 2.6-litre and 3.2-litre V6s plus a 5.4-litre V8 – with a 2.1-litre turbo diesel for good measure.

That's six different engines from which to chose!

It's a difficult decision, but after spending a week behind he wheel of the four cylinder C200 Kompressor, you begin to wonder whether a larger engine is really necessary, given the car's performance and amazing economy.

Without nursing the Benz in any way, we were able to get 700km plus out of a single tank of fuel, with the trip computer showing a longterm average of 9.2L/100km.

The CDi diesel produces even better results, but diesels are not everyone's cup of tea.

The C200 Kompressor's 1.8-litre engine produces 120kW of power at 5000rpm and 240Nm of torque between 3000 and 4000rpm.

It's enough to propel the car from 0-100km/h in 9.1 seconds in manual form or 9.4 seconds for the automatic – not neck-snapping but no slouch either.

The 1.8-litre engine in our test car was mated to a five-speed tipshift auto which is ideal for small engines.

A six-speed manual is optional and knocks $3100 off the price of the car.

Although the auto features comfort and sports settings, the ability to shift manually gives the driver more control.

It is particularly good for getting the car mobile more quickly, with a quick flick left or right to change gears – and no clutch to worry about.

Given the car's size and weight, performance is admirable, with very low levels of interior noise even when working hard.

The ride is skewed towards touring and feels a little soft at times, but firms up nicely in corners.

It is well balanced and easily controlled, with electronic stability control to ensure things do not get out of hand.

The four-wheel ABS brakes are great.

The new C-Class has a more aggressive look, with a deeper front air intake and sporty side skirts.

Wider 16 inch 205/55 wheels and tyres are standard.

Inside the it features a new cockpit design with simplified chronometer style dash and seat design varies from model to model.

We would have liked to have seen more cupholders, with at least one that accommodates a sports drink bottle.

Changing between AM and FM radio stations should not be that difficult and be sure to stand clear when you pop the boot – it comes up with a bang.

In terms of safety the car has front, side and window airbags and scores a full five stars in European crash tests.

You may have head about the innovative, scratch- resistant paintwork that is based on nano-technology.

Benz reckons it gives the car a brighter sheen and makes it three times more resistant to scratching, so you can put it through the carwash with confidence.

The C200 Kompressor is priced from $63,990.