Ok, here are the highlights. Basically AMS liked the C200 Kompressor and were quite enthusiastic about its handling and braking and comfort strengths. The trunk and load capacity are impressive for a car of this class. On the downside, the rear passenger area is quite small and the standard 17" Avantgarde rims decrease the comfort on uneven and rough roads.
Overall: AMS said the new C-Class combined traditional elements of Mercedes philosophy with newfound ideals like sport. They also said this car has the stuff to edge out the Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series and that a test against these cars will come shortly!
Here's AMS rating on the five main criteria's they tested on the C200 Kompressor.
HÄRTETEST (Brakes, Comfort etc.) = 5/5
DAILY DRIVING = 4/5
MULTIMEDIA/INTERIOR = 4/5
LONG DISTANCE DRIVING = 5/5
COSTS = 3/5
Here's the list of pros and cons.
+ Refined 4-cylinder motor
+ Handling + slalom
+ Responsive steering
+ Powerful brakes
+ Large trunk & load capacity
+ Interior ergonomics and easy to use controls
+ Build quality
+ Safety features
+ Powerful Xenon lights
+ Predicted low depreciation
- Comfort suffers with 17" rums on uneven roads (Avantgarde)
- Poor rearward visibility when parking (Park Assist a recommended buy for 815 Euros)
- Cramped rear passenger compartment
- Expensive options and prices
- Spartan interior design
- Loud engine at high Autobahn speeds (C200 Kompressor)
- Delayed engine response at low speed kickdowns