The 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe- If you haven't seen the new baby benz's, you probably live in a cave. The new cars have hit the American market by storm and aren't slowing down. People love the little cares. The C-Class is pure Mercedes, distinct with its S-class lines, supple luxury, and classy performance; minus the Mercedes price tag. Seeing the success they've had in the compact market, the guys over at Daimler/Chrysler felt they could bring another baby benz over to our shores, and have a real go at it. Except one thing, this Mercedes has a feature never seen by any other new Mercedes; a sub-$30,000 price tag.

The standard C-Class fascia to stand on its own. The lines of car flow up through the high roofline, all the way down to the very un-Mercedes rear end.

Eager to try themselves out in the sports coupe market, Mercedes introduces the new C-Class Coupe. The 171 inch sub-compact coupe uses a hatchback rear end, and standard C-Class fascia to stand on its own. The lines of car flow up through the high roofline, all the way down to the very un-Mercedes rear end. The car looks small, but at the same time looks like it can comfortably hold 4 six-footers, donÕt be the first to volunteer to sit in the back, however. With it's back end seemingly a tad higher than the front, the car looks like its on the prowl, ready to spring out.

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Power comes from a variety of power plants, however the states will only see a supercharged version of the firmÕs popular 190-horsepower, 2.3-liter in-line four. The light-weight, two door body comes together well, and you do feel a little umph when you stomp on the accelerator. Mercedes claims a time of 0-60 in 7.5 seconds, not at all a speed demon, this car will get you where you want to go quickly. The supercharger is responsive, with none of the lag you get from a turbo, and it's surprisingly quiet, with just enough of a roar to underscore the performance feel.

Since it is a sport-coupe, performance will also interest the buyer. Not as hard driving as the 3-series rivals from across town, the C-coupe is a litter softer than appreciated. Perhaps the boys forgot to make this Mercedes a sports car, and kept it the usual "cloud-with-an-engine." Easily called a Diet-3-series, the car lacks the stern suspension tweaks required for a "sports" coupe label. The comfortable seat do, however, keep you firm in the car, and make turns just that much more fun. Not by any means unimpressive, the car did perform. Just make sure you remember you're buying a Benz, not a Beemer.

The interior of the car definitely deserves the three-star badge. Comfortable leather buckets, and Mercedes COMAND system is the first thing you notice. With little things overlooked to aid in the cost-cutting mission, this car has everything you'd want, and nothing you wouldn't. Amenities include power-everything, CD-changer, Mercedes' Tele-Aid system, and a leather wrapped steering wheel. With such a low price tag, the car's interior is lavish and so elegantly tailored, you won't forget you're in a Mercedes, but your pocket book just might.

A nice little feature on this sportster is the sun-roof. The optional new Panorama sunroof, which is 30 percent larger than conventional sunroofs, can provide a lot of fun to a otherwise boring day. Requiring just one touch to operate, it covers virtually the entire roof of the C-Class Coupe-the only vehicle it will be offered on, at least for the time being. The green tinted safety glass sharply reduces ultraviolet transmission into the passenger compartment, but occupants can further darken the interior through the use of a two-section roller blind, much like a conventional home pull shade-in this case power-operated.

More than any manufacturer: There's no doubt this Benz will enter our market just like any other Benz, with open arms. With some optimistic sales goals, look for incentives and discounts to get the car moving. Being one of those cars you have to drive to love, the new C-Coupe is destined for yet another niche in the market. Should there be a surge in sales, look for a BMW 330ti to go head-to-head with the new Benz. But for the money, there isn't any better of a euro-cruiser. No other ones have as much elegance, class, and panache as the new kid on the block. And for a less than 30k, what more do you want? AZ/AutoNetDirect.com

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