IF YOU want ample performance and exceptional fuel economy with your new Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan, then scrape up another $3310 over the price of the base C200 Kompressor and go for the C220 CDI turbo-diesel instead. Of course, this car has an extremely formidable foe in the BMW 320d, a high-tech, high-performance alternative with a ready-made reputation for brilliance. However, Mercedes is making some mighty big claims about its latest compact luxury sedan, with particular emphasis being placed on the W204 series’ newfound athleticism. After we lined up both, the result certainly surprised us.
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Mercedes-Benz W203 C220 CDI sedan
Released: November 2000
Ended: July 2007
Family Tree: C-ClassWith its baby S-class styling and easy, comfortable driving experience, this-generation C-class looked like it would have it all in the bag. After all, the C220 CDI offered a lusty 110kW/315Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel/five-speed automatic gearbox combination that provided both better performance and fuel economy than the rather lacklustre 1.8-litre petrol powered C180K and C200K. But there was something missing from the last, South African-built C-class range – the sort of quality and solid build that people just naturally associated with the marque. Unfortunately for an otherwise fine luxury sedan contender, this is what many people will remember the third-generation C-class for.
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