I have an auto '02 C230 Kompressor. I've always been extremely happy with it. However, I've never driven the standard one to compare performance. I find that the huge panoramic sunroof really changes the mood of things, 'specially if you've always driven a car with no sunroof at all. I was told the price was upped from the '02 Model ($33,950 CND Base to $34,500 CND base now). Also, the engine was shrunk from a 2.3L (hence the 230) to a 1.8L. I've personally never driven the 1.8L ('03 and up) models but I hear they're better (smoother). The only thing is it doesnt sound as cool. [8D]
Just a warning:
(Mini problems)
If you have passengers (specially big ones), the back does feel much roomier than other hatchbacks, BUT there's a plate at the corner of the front seat (where it folds in the corner) that has a tendency to break off. The chair doesn't slide forward enough that people will miss rubbing that part when they enter the back. I've had someone kick and break off that plastic piece twice in my car. I'm not sure if there were any changes at all (i doubt it) in the later C Coupe models, but that's something you might wanna check out.
Other than that, I'd give it a pretty good eval on the driving side. (I've blown past quite a few people on the roads, to my surprise even. Maybe it's just that i'm lucky not having to shift, and that i happen to come across newby shifters (much like myself) [

] )
All it comes down to is that you gotta test it for yourself. To me the power is great, the ride is smooth and I like that it's a small car.