Carspotting: Mercedes W203 wagon

What do you think about this wagon? I thought I would never get a Mercedes, especially a C-class. But this looks pretty sharp, especially in red. It's easy on fuel and is utilitarian. Are they reliable? Any fun to drive at all? RWD and AWD versions seem to sell locally from $8,500 to $14,000. I assume they were all equipped with slushboxes in America.