The C230 Kompressor is part of Mercedes-Benz's C-Class, which was created in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range. The C-Class is the least expensive Mercedes range available in the U.S. These entry-level vehicles were also known here in North America as "Baby Benzs." The C230 Kompressor models were introduced in 1995 and lasted until 2005. In 2005, the C230 Kompressor came as a two-door hatchback and a four-door sedan.
The 2005 C230 Kompressor was powered by a 1.8-liter dual-overhead-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 189 horsepower at 5,800 revolutions per minute (rpm) due to its supercharger (the Kompressor), and 192 foot-pounds of torque at 3,500 rpm. For the 2005 model year, these rear-wheel-drive vehicles came standard with a redesigned six-speed manual transmission. An optional five-speed automatic with manual mode was also available. To help the C230 stop, it was equipped with ABS and four-wheel disc brakes.
These cars are quite quick. Mercedes-Benz claims the C230 Kompressor can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, and 7.5 seconds with the adaptive five-speed automatic. The C230 Kompressor gets an average 21 miles per gallon in town and 28 miles per gallon on the highway.
The 2005 Kompressor coupe is 171 inches long, 68 inches wide and 54.3 inches tall. Its wheelbase is 106.9 inches, and it has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches. This hatchback coupe seats four people.
The Kompressor sedan is 178.4 inches long, 68 inches wide and 55.6 inches tall. This five-passenger car has a wheelbase of 106.9 and a ground clearance of 6.3 inches.
Both the coupe and sedan rolled off the production line on 16-inch alloy wheels. These Mercedes vehicles came with quite a few features as standard. Each was equipped with dual-zone automatic-climate-control air conditioning, cruise control, power locks, remote keyless entry, power windows, adjustable steering and a power-glass sunroof.
The 2005 C230 Kompressor came with a variety of safety features, such as frontal air bags, front- and rear-passenger side-impact air bags, and full-cabin curtain-style head-protection air bags. To help this vehicle avoid accidents, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and electronic stability control were also standard.
