The C-Class line is the smallest of the Mercedes-Benz sedans available in the U.S. It's also the least expensive. Though it doesn't boast the power, ride quality, handling prowess, interior roominess and modern design found in the more expensive E-Class cars, the C-Class is solid Mercedes-Benz.
Last year, Mercedes took the supercharged engine from its SLK230 sports car, dropped it into the C230 and renamed the sedan the C230 Kompressor. Stir in the Sport option package, and the solid but stolid C230 becomes a sports sedan with acceleration performance just a tick slower than the V6-powered C280.