Since the merger of Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler a few years back, the benefits of improved quality and technology began showing up in the American Mopar family. But the question is: would the merger compromise the legendary manufacturers focus on quality and performance? In other words, would we see a reverse trickle down that would negatively impact the quality of their cars? Joe and I got a chance to find out when we had the opportunity to drive the German marquee's entry-level model, a 2006 C230, which has a $33,074 price tag.

The Mercedes we secured to drive came to us by the way of a friend of Joe's. We met the new black-on-black C230 Sports Sedan in South Miami and were really impressed from the start as it made a great first impression. The Mercedes-Benz name is synonymous with European luxury cars, and the C230 does nothing to diminish that. In the end, we agree it serves the three-pointed star proudly. This is a car that has as much credibility checking out the beach scene as it does cruising past the million dollar homes in Pine Crest like we did during our test drive.

Under the hood is a very talented 201 horsepower, 2.5-liter V6 that pushes 181 foot pounds of torque. It has a high pressure die-cast alloy cylinder block with alloy heads and a counter-rotating balance shaft. It's far from the fastest car in Mercedes' stable, but it responds quickly, is tight in the turns and is fun to drive. If you want more speed and do not mind spending more money, there is the C280 model with a 228-hp, 3.0-liter V6; and the C350 with a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6.

When we headed out on the Palmetto, we were impressed with its top-end power and its ability to maneuver through the mess that is Miami-Dade's most congested piece of interstate. One of the reasons for its mid-range and top-end power is an intake system with dual overhead camshafts that have continuous variable intake and exhaust timing. The magnesium two-stage resonance intake manifold increases intake runner length at lower RPM for improved response. Electro pneumatic turbulence flaps at the start of the intake path help to increase intake airflow speed at midrange RPMs for greater air-fuel mixture swirling and stronger, more complete combustion.

There are a number of things that set this apart as a first-class ride. One thing that made major brownie points with Joe and I is the fact that this car has rear wheel drive. In addition to the power train, another feature that gives the C230 an advantage in traffic is that it has huge disk brakes. It is the new power train, the V6 and the beefed up brakes that make this model the best edition of the C230 since it first debuted in 2001.

The C230 interior is also stylish, although it feels cold and antiseptic to me. It might have something to do with the colors and textures. An E-Class model feels much richer inside; then again, I suppose that's what those extra thousands of dollars give you. Even though this is a compact car, its front seats are comfortable and supportive. The driving position is very good, with good open view over the instrument panel.

Our test car had a 10-way power driver seat with the controls on the door where they are much easier to operate. This $600 option also includes power adjustments in place of manual ones for the steering wheel and memory. Unfortunately, heated seats are not available. The rear seat remains quite tight with little room for adults over six feet.

The trunk is not only roomy for a compact car; it is large for an average size auto. But if you want to transport that surf board or fishing rod, you will need to spend $290 for the optional folding rear seat. It puzzles me that this tends to be an optional feature in premium sedans but is standard on the lowliest Korean and Japanese subcompacts.

Much of the automotive press calls sport sedans like the Mercedes-Benz C230 "near-luxury" cars, but we disagree. It has good looks, roomy front seats, a strong engine with power to spare, too many safety features to mention, it is constructed of quality materials and has a prestigious nameplate. To us that says luxury. And so what if price is just over $33,000! We think that spells "affordable luxury."