Mercedes’ small roadster the SLK has been success story since it was launched back in 1996, when its blend of sporty looks and hardtop folding roof were a relative revolution. Now in its third generation, Mercedes say the new SLK will appeal to a customer base previously unchartered by the small roadster - the enthusiast.
In this regard, things don’t get off to a great start - the main talking point of the SLK is a panoramic vario-roof with, ahem, ‘Magic Sky Control’. This doesn’t refer to Soviet like weather manipulation, Merc’s not that good... But, it does allow the driver to change the glass roof from dark tint to clear at the flick of a switch. Which is a neat trick.
The SLK will be priced from under £30K and will available in three variants, the 200 (184bhp), 250 (204bhp) and 350 (306bhp). Both the 200 and 250 are turbocharged 1.8-litre fourcylinder engines - the 350, a 3.5-litre V6.
The interior of the new car represents one of the biggest step ups. The dials look like they’ve been lifted from the SLS supercar, and all SLKs come with flashes of brushed aluminium.
Outside, the SLS theme continues. The front is far more imposing than the out-going model, its chiseled and aggressive looks points to this car’s more corner focused setup.
To take advantage of this sporty feel we’d suggest you opt for the 306bhp 350 with adaptive dampers, which should keep body roll in check, and variable rate steering which gives the helm a more direct feel. Whichever model you choose the SLK’s driving experience has been much improved.
It may not be the sportiest two-seater on the market, but it blends performance with refinement and practicality, in a way that makes it hard for us not to recommend.
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