2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 250 Sport

The 2013 C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's compact entry, and it's the car that introduces most people to the three-pointed star. If you're also looking at a BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, this is the one that leans hardest on a plush ride and a rich interior. It's a comfortable cruiser that feels solid at highway speeds, though the steering is light and not especially talkative. The cabin uses high-quality materials, and the front seats are supportive, but the rear seat is snug for adults. The C 250 Sport is the sporty entry to the C-Class range, with a lower ride height, firmer springs, and sharper exterior styling that the standard C 250 doesn't get. Its 1.8L I4 makes 201 horsepower and pairs with a seven-speed automatic to drive the rear wheels, which returns 25 mpg combined. The sport suspension and 17-inch wheels give it a tauter feel on back roads, but the ride is firmer than the base C 250's.