With the new Mer-cedes-Benz C-Class having been launched in Europe in January, I didn't expect to be offered a test-drive of the outgoing model. However, it will take some time for the new C-Class to reach Thailand, so to make the current model more interesting, Mercedes-Benz is offering a special version of the C230 which comes with a 2.5-litre V6 motor as well as sporty AMG accessories.

The C230 2.5 Avantgarde Sports AMG, locally assembled from completely knocked-down kits, is priced at Bt3.49 million, which makes it the most expensive model in the C-Class line-up in Thailand.

Thanks to the AMG treatment, the C230 2.5 carries a sporty appeal with good-looking aero parts plus 18-inch AMG alloy wheels wearing low-profile tyres (225/40 in front and 245/35 at the rear).

The car is lower than the standard version because of the AMG sports suspension kit while the front brake discs are perforated and the brake callipers come with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering, lending them greater consequence. The polished stainless steel tailpipe also poses a sporty look.

Inside the cockpit, you get special stuff such as sports seats, brushed stainless steel pedals with rubber studs, black leather upholstery and a shorter sports gearshift lever with an aluminium knob.

The interior also has aluminium trim (in the Avantgarde version) plus blue-tinted windows. I couldn't really tell whether they were blue because the car came with dark solar film, which is pretty unusual in a test-drive car.

The first thing you'll notice when driving this version of the C230 2.5 (there's also an Elegance trim, which is Bt200,000 cheaper) is the beefy steering and stiff ride, something for which the C-Class is not well known.

As a result of the sports suspension and the low-profile rubber, you feel every crack and bump on the road. However, cornering performance is significantly improved over the standard version.

The steering is precise and the car is quicker in corners. It suffers less from body roll, and the three-link/multi-link suspension, beefed up with AMG shocks and springs, offers a firm ride.

The performance may be superb - especially when it is considered that the C-Class is usually comfort-oriented - but those expecting any level of comfort when driving in Bangkok will be disappointed.

This is a car for the enthusiast, one that you can drive to Bangkok's watering holes and explore the nightlife. To drive this car at speed and not damage your inner organs from the shock and vibration, you'll need to stick to expressways and highways where the road is smoother.

On normal roads, it's wise to slow down a bit before you crack a wheel in a deep pothole or drag the underbody across a steep bridge.

The 2.5-litre V6 engine, also offered in the E-Class, is capable of pumping out 204 horsepower and 245Nm of torque (from 2,900rpm to 5,500rpm). The engine produces a unique sound, snarling like a wild animal as the revs climb up to the 6,000rpm mark.

The transmission is a seven-speed automatic (7G-Tronic) which is a special feature for this model, since the others come with a regular five-speed auto. Apart from an ability to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 8.9 seconds, the car has an acceptable level of fuel economy, averaging 9.6 litres per 100km. Its top speed is claimed to be 238kph.

I had the car during the weekend and regret that I didn't get a chance to drive it upcountry. The smooth winding roads outside of Bangkok would be a great environment for this car due to the accuracy of its steering (Mercedes calls it "Direct Control") and the no-nonsense suspension.

The brakes are powerful, coming with ABS and Brake Assist functions.

Like other C-Class models, the car has a long list of standard equipment (as well as "additional standard" equipment). It includes an Electronic Stability Program, bi-xenon headlights with washers and headlamp assist, a parking sensor, cruise control with variable speed limiter (hardly used in this country), a multi-function steering wheel, dual front airbags and side airbags for front passengers and side airbags for rear passengers as well as window airbags. There are also three-point seatbelts for all five seats, although the problem is getting the rear passengers to buckle up.

Both front seats are powered and come with a memory that also remembers steering wheel and mirror positions. You also get automatic climate control (dual zone) and a good-sounding audio system with CD changer.

Until we get our hands on the new C-Class, the C230 2.5 Avantgarde Sports AMG is presently the most attractive locally assembled C-Class on the market. For those who can't afford real AMG cars like the C55 AMG, this is the closest you can get.

Engine: 24-valve V6

Displacement: 2,497cc

Bore and stroke: 88.0 x 68.4mm

Max power: 204hp/6,100rpm

Max torque: 245Nm/2,900-5,500 rpm

Compression ratio: 11.2:1

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Suspension (f/r): three-link, anti-dive, coil springs, gas-pressure shocks,

stabiliser/multi-link, anti-squat andanti-dive, coil springs, gas-pressure shocks, stabiliser

Brakes: vented discs all-round

with ABS, BA

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Wheels: 18-in alloy Tyres

Front: 225/40R18

Rear: 245/35 R18

Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2,715mm

Track (f/r): 1,541/1,544mm

Length: 4,526mm

Width: 1,728mm

Height: 1,426mm

Turning circle: 10.8 metres

Weight: 1,530kg

Performance

0-100kph: 8.9 secs

Top speed: 238kph

Fuel consumption (litres/100km)

City: 13.5

Highway: 7.4

Average: 9.6

Fuel tank capacity: 62 litres

Price: Bt3.49 million

Distributor: DaimlerChrysler (Thailand)

Kingsley Wijayasinha

The Nation