Mercedes-Benz C-class Sport Coupe (CL203, facelift 2004) C 160 (122 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.6 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz C-class:

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a series of compact executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range, the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's line-up until the W168 A-Class arrived in 1997. The C-Class has been available with a "4MATIC" four-wheel drive option since 2002. The third generation was launched in 2007 while the current W206 generation was launched in 2021.
Initially available in sedan and a station wagon configurations, a fastback coupé variant followed and was later renamed to Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class. It remained in production until 2011 when a new W204 C-Class coupé replaced it for the 2012 model year....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Sport Coupe (CL203, facelift 2004) Overview:

Mercedes-Benz C-class (Sport Coupe (CL203, facelift 2004)). With 190 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1390 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.4 s). The top speed reaches 205 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

C 160 (122 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Entry-level petrol with adequate power for city driving, the manual gearbox offers more control than the automatic.

Fuel Economy

Decent fuel economy for a petrol manual, suitable for budget-conscious drivers.

Best Use Case: City / Budget Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Refined ride quality and comfortable interior for its class.
  • • Wide range of efficient diesel and powerful petrol engines.
  • • Distinctive coupe styling with Mercedes-Benz prestige.
  • • Good safety ratings for its era.

Cons:

  • • Rear seat space is limited, typical for a coupe.
  • • Some engines (e.g., early M271, M272 balance shaft) can have known reliability issues.
  • • Interior design, while refreshed, can feel dated compared to newer rivals.
  • • Fuel economy on larger petrol V6s can be high.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sport Coupe (CL203, facelift 2004): April, 2004 - April, 2005).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:C-class
Generation:Sport Coupe (CL203, facelift 2004)
Modification (Engine):C 160 (122 Hp)
Start of production:April, 2005
End of production:December, 2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:122 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:67.9 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:190 Nm @ 1500-4200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 271.921 More details about the engine M 271.921
Engine displacement:1796
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Supercharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.5 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:82 mm
Piston Stroke:85 mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.4-11.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.1-6.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):8-8.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):11.4-11.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):6.1-6.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8-8.3 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.4 sec
Maximum speed:205 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.4 kg/Hp, 87.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.3 kg/Nm, 136.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1390
Max. weight:1935
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:545
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1100 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:310 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1500 kg
Fuel tank capacity:62 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:730 kg
Size:
Length:4343 mm [Same length.]
Width:1728 mm [Same width.]
Height:1406 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2715 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:1960 mm
Front track:1493 mm
Rear (Back) track:1464 mm
Front overhang:788 mm
Rear overhang:840 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.76 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/55 R 16 V
Wheel rims size7 J x 16 H 2
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer

Is the Mercedes-Benz C-class the king of its class? Share your thoughts.