2004 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Specs

In the premium hatchback segment, there's no competitor quite like the three-door version of the Mercedes-Benz C-class. While it may not have a direct rival, it's competitive with other vehicles such as the Acura TSX, Saab 9-3, and Audi A4.

One notable difference between this vehicle and others in its class is the availability of a new 1.8-liter engine. This engine can also be found in the C-class sedan, which means it has a trunk instead of a hatchback. Perhaps if Mercedes had marketed this version differently, we wouldn't expect it to drive like a sports coupe.

The shifter for this vehicle hasn't improved much, still feeling plasticky and slow to engage new gears. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, especially for those who prioritize comfort during long commutes.

Mercedes has also made significant strides in reducing noise levels in the new 1.8-liter engine, which produces surprisingly robust torque curve with no noticeable hills or valleys. The previous engine, on the other hand, felt weak at low revs despite its power advantage and greater displacement.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the new engine allows the hatch to go an additional four to five miles per gallon, depending on whether you opt for the six-speed manual or the $1,325 optional five-speed automatic transmission.

While some may worry about the lack of power in this vehicle, it's worth noting that most owners won't need to concern themselves with this issue. The engine is designed not to rev above 4,000 rpm when the clutch pedal is engaged, which helps prevent abusive standing starts. As a result, the sprint to 60 mph for the 1.8-liter 2003 model takes an unremarkable 8.1 seconds, slightly slower than the previous year's model.

The new 1.8-liter engine produces 189 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. In comparison, the old 2.3-liter engine produced 192 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. On paper, this new engine would seem to be a step backward for Mercedes. However, the company has largely addressed our concerns with an all-new 1.8-liter, all-aluminum supercharged four-cylinder engine in the 2004 C230 model.

Overall, the 2004 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor offers improved performance and fuel efficiency, making it a more pleasant vehicle to use for everyday driving.

2004 mercedes benz c230 kompressor specs