Teresa’s View: What’s not to like? It’s just so classy

The C240 AWD Luxury Wagon was the perfect shopping companion for the pre-Christmas rush. Over the speed bumps and through the parking lots I zipped, maneuvering easily into tight spots SUV drivers could only dream of.

I was toasty warm on my side of the car thanks to the dual-zone automatic climate control. Heated leather seats are standard and Perry Como serenaded me, holiday style, on the upgraded harman/kardon sound system that came as part of an optional entertainment package.

The cargo space handled my packages, discretely hiding them beneath a clever, integrated luggage cover. New paint technology helped reduce those nasty door dings.

Mercedes 4Matic All-Wheel-Drive managed winter weather conditions with aplomb. The system intervenes using the engine and brakes to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle. Roadside assistance is there should things really go badly.

The C-Class is Mercedes’ entry-level offering, replacing the 190 model when it was introduced in the fall of 1993. Since then, two wagon versions were added. However, the C320 wagon was discontinued this year.

It’s been a few years since the girl got a major redo, so Mercedes revised the exterior and interior for 2005. The instrument cluster has been upgraded and higher-grade materials grace the cabin.

As the low-end model, the C-Class doesn’t get all the goodies its siblings enjoy. I miss the door-mounted, power seat controls most — the C240’s are located at the base of the seat.

What I like best about the C240 is it’s just so dang classy. Finely sculpted Teutonic lines are timelessly sophisticated.

What Is It?: The compact luxury station wagon from Mercedes-Benz is priced from $35K with AWD. It joins the ever-expanding C-Class lineup of coupes, sedans and a super-hot AMG edition.

The Back Seat: This is a German car and you know what that means — an ashtray and genuine lighter are located in the roomy back cabin.

Favorite New Feature: M-B introduces a subscription program for its navigation system. Until now, the only way to update ever-changing route information was to purchase a new navigation DVD. The subscription program promises to be substantially cheaper and will provide current data in a more timely fashion, updating both roads and points of interest.