Mercedes-Benz SLK200 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2004, 2005, 2008 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK as a used buy.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster was one of the earliest examples of the modern day open-top car. Earlier versions weren't really sports cars; rather, they were open-top tourers. With each new model, the SLK moved more in the direction of genuine sports driving, perhaps not a full-on sports machine, except in AMG variants, but getting mighty close.This was one of the first convertibles in modern times to use a folding hardtop, something that's become almost the norm since Mercedes revived the concept that dates back to the 1930s.A disadvantage of the hardtop that folds is the amount of space it takes from the boot when it's not in use. Mercedes has managed the compromise well, but check for yourself to make sure there is enough room for your specific needs.The second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster was launched late in 2004. It's larger than the original and followed a styling theme sort of based on the front of a Formula One car.The third generation arrived downunder in September 2011, only a couple of months after its European launch - illustrating the growing importance of Australia to the German head office. This time its styling made it look like a smaller version of the AMG SLS sports roadster. While the Mercedes SLK doesn't have a bonnet that stretches to the outrageous length the SLS's, it certainly does make a statement.The Mercedes-Benz SLK was launched only with four-cylinder engines, many of which were supercharged. Later models followed convention by being turbocharged instead.Servicing and spare parts aren't cheap, nor are they as expensive as you might expectA major revamp of the SLK in July 2000 saw a V6 being offered for the first time. Big-gun V8 models, heavily revised from the original by the AMG division, have stunning acceleration backed up by superb engine sounds.Most Mercedes SLKs use an automatic transmission. A six-speed manual option was offered in Australia only on the SLK200 Kompressor.Mercedes SLK is backed up by strong dealer networks. Servicing and spare parts aren't cheap, nor are they as expensive as you might expect.Insurance is generally moderately priced for a car in this class, but drivers with a poor record may have big slugs added to their premiums. Some companies will charge extra for the AMG variant.Many Mercedes-Benz SLKs are serviced by authorised dealerships and this adds to the value of the car at resale time. Ask to see the service books as proof. Smart owners then keep up the service record to maximise the value of their SLK when they eventually want to move onto another car.Feel and listen for correct operation of the roofLook over the interior for signs of an SLK that's been caught in the rain with its top down: water damage or stains, particularly in the dash top, instrument panel, seats and carpets. Lift the carpets to check for dampness. It's probably best to do this in the presence of the seller as technically you're pulling the car apart.Feel and listen for correct operation of the roof. Hesitation and/or creaks may mean it hasn't been lubricated correctly. Dealers tell us special lubricants are required.Check for signs of crash repairs: ripples in the panels when viewed end on are easy to spot, as are tiny paint spots on unpainted areas such as glass and badges.If crash repairs appear to have been carried out arrange for a full inspection by someone who specialises in upmarket cars.Always call in a Mercedes expert for the final wordThe engine should start promptly and idle steadily the moment it fires up. The four-cylinder units won't be quite as smooth as the sixes, but not that far from them.Check the gauge to make sure the engine warms up quickly.During your road test the engines should answer the throttle almost immediately. The supercharged 'Kompressor' units and the non-turbo engines will have a faster response than the turbo-petrols.After doing your own initial checks always call in a Mercedes expert for the final word.We check the condition of the left front wheel and tyre of any car before looking at anything else. A scratch probably indicates a poor driver. Multiple scratches and dings? Perhaps look elsewhere.

Four models will wear the SLK badge before the end of the first quarter of 2012. But for now, there's two - the SLK200 and SLK350 - separated by power, features and a wide $36,000 gap.VALUEThis is in the eye of the beholder and yet even the "cheap" SLK200 is well kitted out. Standard is a seven-speed automatic attached to a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. The electric steel roof goes down (and up) in less than 20 seconds, there are 17-inch alloy wheels, iPod/USB friendly audio, heated seats, solar-reflective leather seats and a 147mm colour screen. It's only when you factor in the extras in the SLK350 ($118,900) such as HDD sat-nav, multi-media Comand system, bi-xenon headlights and that big engine that you recognise the reason for the price difference.DESIGNThe SLK is basically the previous model with some heavy styling changes to the nose. It picks up the SLS design for the grille and the aluminium bonnet. From behind it looks a lot wider than the outgoing model, yet appearances deceive because the difference is only 33mm.The single-bar grille looks more masculine - an image Mercedes admits was the aim, yet was coy about putting that in words - and the use of LED running lights literally sparkles up the front. The cabin also takes hints from the SLS - big, round air vents, for example - and while it looks good straight out of the box, looks a whole lot better with the optional AMG kit.TECHNOLOGYThe supercharger in the Kompressor models of the previous SLK has been given the flick. Now it's a turbocharger doing all the blowing. And the whole car is better for it, particularly the reduction in engine noise. The Magic Sky roof - which changes from clear to heavily tinted at the switch of a button - is a $4550 option. Perhaps it's worth it for cities with extreme climates.The Airscarf, which blows warm air on your neck, gets approval for its value, as does the flip-out acrylic panels behind the head restraints that dramatically reduce cabin turbulence. The seven-speed auto - there's no manual unless you make a specific order - is an important inclusion . Same applies to the AMG package option which is $5900 for the SLK200 and $3200 for the SLK350.SAFETYFive star crash rating, six airbags (including a proper head-protecting curtain bag that rises from the top of the door) and all the best electronic aids for the chassis and brakes are standard Mercedes fare.DRIVINGThe package of a front engined, rear driven two seater pretty much indicates how the car will drive. The SLK and BMW Z4, for example, are similarly balanced. But the detail splits them apart. The SLK200 impresses with its strong little engine and impressive power spread from around 3000rpm to 6500rpm. The seven cogs in the auto play a big part in getting the best from the engine, but it won't disguise engine noise - which can get raspy despite a special acoustic box that introduces a more dramatic sound into the cabin.Ride and handling are designed for smooth roads - something lacking on the test route around Ballarat - so rutted bitumen really shakes the body (YOUR  body). Roof down in the SLK200 without the deflector is too breezy to hold a conversation. Steering is very good and, road surface dependent, the little car hangs on really well through fast corners. But though there's a huge financial yawn between the SLK200 and the SLK350, the later is a completely different car. It's fast, sounds like a sports car, has wind deflectors that allow comfortable roof-down touring and has a (slightly) better ride. Slightly, probably because of the weightier V6 eng ine up front.VERDICTAn improvement on the outgoing model but still a specialised purchase which puts it in the same league as the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4. But its powertrain offering - four cylinder, V6 and from early 2012, a 5.5-litre normally-aspirated V8 - widens its market and creates a convertible for nearly all needs.MERCEDES-BENZ SLKPrice: $82,900 (SLK200), $118,900 (SLK350)Warranty: 3-years/100,00km, roadside assistResale: 56% (est.)Service interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-starEngine: (SLK350) 3.5-litre V6, 225kW/370NmBody: 2-door 2-seat convertibleWeight: 1540kgTransmission: 7-speed auto, rear driveThirst: 8.3L/100km, 95 RON, CO2 194g/km"Family nose is only part of the evolution of this desirable roadster"

The heat is on to get younger - and young at heart - owners into the new Mercedes-Benz SLK. Droptop sportscar driving fun all year round is the aim for of the third incarnation of the Mercedes-Benz two seater.The new hard-topped convertible has been endowed with the styling cues of the SLS AMG and the more recent CLS, as well as more efficient BlueEfficiency powerplants - two-turbo four-cylinders and a petrol V6, claiming up to 25 per cent better fuel economy.Australian SLK buyers will be offered the SLK 200, 250 (in lieu of the 300) and 350 models with only the seven-speed automatic when the model line-up arrives in the third quarter, but a diesel model offered in Europe is unlikely to make it here.What will make it here is the next AMG model, but details on the high-performance model's engine choice and other details are yet to be finalised.VALUEPricing is not yet set but Mercedes-Benz says the prices announced in Melbourne at the Australian International Motor Show mid-year will be close to the $92,000 starting price of the current model, with extra features to more than off-set any small increase.The range kicks off with the SLK 200 and SLK 250, both powered by the 1.8-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder; the 200 delivers 135kW and 270Nm; the 250's outputs from the same engine jump to 150kW and 310Nm .The SLK 200 claims 6.1 litres of premium unleaded per 100km and a 0-100km/h time of seven seconds. The SLK 250's thirst is 0.1 l/100km more, but the sprint time drops to 6.6 sconds.The 3.5-litre V6 engine in the SLK 350 - also seen in the new C-Class (on which the SLK is based) but not on the Oz-bound list - generates 225 kW and 370Nm, claiming the sprint to 100km/h is completed in 5.6 seconds. The V6, which claims fuel use of 7.1 litres per 100km, has been revamped to use third-generation direct injection and piezo injectors.Among the features list is the stop-start fuel saving system, Bluetooth phone and music link, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seat trim, seat heaters, trip computer, centre infotainment satnav display, LED running lights, the Airscarf heaters and a veratile (if small) boot with a reversible floor.The new SLK also has three suspension set-ups - standard steel-spring suspension, a sports-tuned version of the conventional system or the Dynamic Handling option, which adds the Sports button to sharpen up the chassis with electronically-controlled dampers.TECHNOLOGYThe SLK range now features stop-start as standard, appeasing the greenie conscience a little, but the most obvious hi-tech feature is the clever roof.Anyone who likes transition spectacle lenses will love the new world premiere (optional) Magic Sky Control roof, which transforms from transparent to heavily tinted at the touch of a button.The glass pane of the roof panel is altered by electricity - the particles are positioned to allow light through, until the voltage drops, when the particles re-align and partially block the light.The Dynamic Handling package includes the company's Direct-Steer variable-ratio system and the torque vectoring brake system, which brakes the inside rear wheel on corner entry to help the car turn in.DESIGNThe SLK has been given the new family nose, with the long bonnet, rear-set cabin and abbreviated rump all combing to complete an aesthetically-pleasing package, roof up or down.The company cites its iconic 1950s 190 SL, the new CLS and the SLS AMG all as styling influences. The bonnet and front wings are made of aluminium, but use of composite materials in the rear and lightweight steel, the body remains rigid but 13kg lighter than its predecessor.The interior oozes ergonomic character and quality, thanks to materials used - more SLS cues can be found, with the four round, galvanised air outlets.SAFETYAs you'd expect there's no shortage of safety technology - active head restraints, adaptive headlights, tyre pressure warning system and day-time running lights.There are dual front airbags, including a head airbag for lateral protection in the head impact area, as well as a side thorax airbag in the seat backrest.Added to the SLK's list is the drowsiness detection system Attention Assist, PreSafe and PreSafe Brake - which can hit the brakes autonomously if the detects a rear-end collision is imminent.The SLK can also have Distronic Plus active cruise control, the Intelligent Lights and Speed Limit Assist, which spots speed limit signs using a windscreen-mounted camera.DRIVING The tight, twisty and mountainous roads of Tenerife gave the SLK plenty of scope to shine and in some ways it did.The small turbo four powerplant in the SLK 250 sampled first makes all the right sort of noises, thanks to a "sound generator" that enhances the powerplant sound track, particularly the intake noise. The extra plumbing works, but the powerplant feels a little hesitant to get into its stride coming out of tight hairpins.The ride quality in both the base and electronically-damped cars is very good - even on the steep, frost-bitten sealed goat tracks - delivering decent body control as well, but some more accuracy and feel to the steering wouldn't go astray.The 250 and the seven-speed auto seem a good team, with downchange blips when the transmission's sport mode is engaged, although the ratio change could be snappier - it is being touted as a sportscar after all.The V6 powerplant doesn't need fancy plumbing to make nice noises, delivering deceptively quick progress, although it felt a little light on low-down torque. The seven-speed auto tacked on the back of the V6 had "issues", defaulting from the manual change mode using the paddles to the full-auto Economy mode - on a couple of the V6 cars.Mercedes-Benz staffers suggested heat and altitude on a spirited hillclimb drive might have initiated a protection mode.The aerodynamic performance of air deflectors with the roof down was effective, which meant little in the way of cabin buffeting, even well above normal highway speeds; the heated seats and the Airscarf neck vents kept the sub-10 deg C ambient temperature at bay.VERDICTAs a year-round proposition, the SLK - in either guise - is a capable all-rounder, but drivers looking for a scalpel to carve corners will be looking elsewhere in Stuttgart.Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.Price: from around $92,000.Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder, 3.5-litre direct-injection V6.Transmission: seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.Power: 135kW, 150kW; 225kW.Torque: 270Nm, 310Nm; 370Nm.Performance (seconds 0-100km/h, top speed): 7.0, 6.6, 5.6; 237km/h, 243km/h, 250km/h (governed).Fuel consumption (litres/100km): 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, tank 60 litres.Emissions (g/km): 142, 144, 167.Suspension: independent, coil springs, gas-pressure shock absorbers, stabiliser bar (front); multi-link independent, coil springs, gas-pressure shock absorbers, stabiliser.Brakes: four-wheel discs, front venntilated discs, with anti-lock, stability control systems.Dimensions: length 4134mm, width 1810mm, height 1301mm, wheelbase 2430mm, track fr/rr 1559/1565mm, cargo volume 335 (roof up)/225 (open-top) litres, weight 1470-1540kg.Wheels: 16in (17 in on 250 & 350).

The Mercedes-Benz SLK was born at a time the world was waking up to a new age of sports cars. That was the late-1990's when sports cars were back in favour after years in the motoring wilderness.In a matter of a year or two buyers were out shopping for sporty drop-tops. They wanted to inject some fun into their daily motoring, and look good at the same time. Overnight it was cool to be seen in an open car.Carmakers responded with a raft of new models, among them Mercedes-Benz, which released its new age SLK two-seater sports car.  While it was built along the same lines as the old classic sports cars, the SLK delivered a level of comfort and convenience traditional sports cars couldn't.New-age sports cars like the SLK were more practical than their traditional predecessors; they could be used for daily transport without sacrificing the things we'd come to take for granted in the modern car.MODEL WATCHThe SLK arrived in 1997 and with it came one of the great innovations in sports car design, the folding metal roof.  It wasn't really new, the idea had been developed many years earlier, but those early attempts weren't very successful.Mercedes-Benz showed with the SLK that the folding metal roof could not only work, it could work reliably.  In the process it transformed sports car design. In the one car you could then have the comfort, refinement and security of a coupe as well as the fun and feeling of freedom of an open car. The SLK truly was a car for all seasons.On top of that the SLK's folding metal roof was simple to raise or lower. The driver no longer had to fumble with a clumsy frame while trying to erect it in a howling gale, and then attempt to drape a canvas top over it while being drenched in a sudden downpour.The SLK's roof could be raised or lowered in a matter of a few seconds simply by pressing a button.  The only downside to it was that once folded and out of sight in the boot it cut into the space available for luggage. It was necessary to travel light when you left home in an SLK.The new SLK that arrived in 2004 expanded on the original SLK theme, further refining it and making it even better.  While the basics remained the same - it was a two-seater with a folding metal roof - the details were quite different.For starters it was longer and wider, the extra space being used to enlarge the interior and make it more comfortable.  There were also reshaped seats, a new dash with a central computer screen, new switches, and new plastics for the dash and console that were more durable for top-down motoring.On top of the new dimensions was a new, more aggressive look with a droop snoot reminiscent of the McLaren-Mercedes Grand Prix cars of the time.  The snoot was central in a new grille and flanked by new headlamps.The engine choices ranged from a supercharged four to a V6, and on to a stonking 5.5-litre V8 if you had the wherewithal to afford an AMG-  tweaked SLK 55.The AMG model aside, the regular SLK delivered 120 kW and 240 Nm when powered by the 1.8-litre blown four, 170 kW and 300 Nm with the 3.0-  litre V6, or 200 kW and 350 Nm with the 3.5-litre V6.  The standard transmission was a seven-speed auto, but there was also a six-speed manual available. IN THE SHOPGenerally robust and reliable the SLK gives little mechanical trouble.  The folding metal roof is a complex piece of gear, make sure it works and seals properly as repairs and adjustment could be expensive. Check for oil leaks around the engine and transmission.  It can be worthwhile finding an independent specialist for servicing if you want to save a little money on maintenance.ON THE ROADThe original SLK was considered to be dull by many people, but the   new 2004 model couldn't be described in such a way.  With its stiffer body and larger footprint it was a great driving car, whether you preferred cruising or wanted a more spirited drive.The V6 engine in particular was smooth and refined, with wonderfully smooth power delivery over a broad rev range.  Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for the six-speed manual gearbox, for despite Mercedes' best efforts it was still an awkward, slow shifting unit.The auto transmission was a much better choice, and most buyers would have gone that route, given that the auto was the standard fit.IN A CRASHWith a taut, responsive chassis boasting anti-skid brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control, overlaid with a comprehensive array of airbags the SLK was well equipped to handle a crunch.AT THE PUMPThe fuel consumption of sports cars tends to vary quite markedly depending on the way they are driven, but despite this the SLK is   relatively economical.  On test the SLK 350 typically returned around 13 L/100 km, and would do better than that if driven with a soft pedal.LOOK FORMore aggressive looksSuper smooth V6 engines Sportier handlingRoomier cabinMore comfortableCoupe refinement,Roadster funTHE BOTTOM LINEOut with the dull, in with the fun, the updated SLK was a joy to drive.RATING 85/100

When most of us think of sports cars the image of a small, light, two-seater high on performance, but with few creature comforts, usually springs to mind. The image is a very British one, which can be explained by the predominance of British sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s when sports cars were a popular mode of transport.Anyone who cared, or dared, to look beyond the British brands, like MG, Austin-Healey or Triumph, would have found many other brands building distinctly different sports cars. Brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz were taking quite a different path with their cars, which didn’t fit the familiar British mould.Mercedes in particular was building sports cars on a much grander scale. Where British companies achieved levels of performance by using small mildly tuned engines in lightweight chassis, the Germans typically used bigger, more powerful engines in bigger cars.It was the same when the new wave of sports cars arrived in the late 1990s. The British sports cars were mostly confined to history by then, although MG enjoyed a resurgence and followed the old power-to-weight tradition by building a small light car with a tuned engine.Mazda mostly followed British tradition with the MX5, a small light car with a nimble chassis and a modestly tuned engine, while Mercedes followed its traditional path with the SLK, which was more sophisticated with lots of creature comforts to make the sports car experience a more enjoyable one for those not necessarily hooked on old time sports cars.MODEL WATCHThere was plenty of choice when Mercedes launched the SLK in 1997. Mazda had made sports cars popular once again and by 1997 there was a plethora of models on offer from a number of companies.No matter what your budget you could find a slinky drop top to suit your wants and desires.At $98,500 the SLK slotted into the middle segment of the market. It wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t the most expensive sports car on the market either.Typically Mercedes the SLK came packed with the latest technology. It had a clever steel roof that folded out of sight into the boot when you wanted to soak up the sun, but provided all of the security and comfort of a coupe when raised.It was the best of both worlds and the forerunner of many more models that would follow in the years after the SLK’s arrival.The only downside to the roof was that it slashed the available boot space once it was lowered. It was best to travel lightly if you were touring in an SLK.Chunky was the best word to describe the SLK with its wedge shape and large flanks, but it was attractive whichever way you looked at it.It was a little cramped inside, but it was stylish. The seats were typically ’Benz, flat and broad, which meant most people would fit in them, but they didn’t provide the best of support in the sports car tradition.The trim was a dashing blend of bright colours, leather of course, and there was a touch of nostalgia with the classical instruments and retro alloy touches on the centre console.At first there was just the one engine option available. It was a supercharged 2.3-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder unit that pumped out 142 kW at 5300 revs and 280 Nm at 2500 revs.When stirred into action the SLK230 was capable of accelerating from rest to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.As with the engine there was only one choice when it came to transmissions, and it was a five-speed auto. True, it could be shifted manually when you wanted to up the fun stakes, but it wasn’t in the class of the Porsche Tiptronic, and a long way short of a real manual ’box.Underneath lay independent suspension front and rear, four wheel discs with ABS, traction control and power steering.Inside there was standard air-conditioning, power windows, the roof was powered, remote central locking, immobiliser, and dual airbags.On the road the SLK behaved well. It handled nicely, rode comfortably, braked with assurance, but was geared more to highway driving than spirited driving down a winding country lane.A few months after the initial launch Mercedes offered a slightly cheaper SLK200 model with a 100 kW unblown 2.0-litre engine in place of the supercharged 2.3-litre unit.IN THE SHOPMercedes-Benz cars generally stand the test of time well, and with around 100,000 km on average on the odometer the SLK models are still in their prime when it comes to service.When checking one with the thought of purchase check for a service record because it’s better to buy one that has been cared for by a ’Benz dealer or at least an acknowledged specialist than one that hasn’t been serviced properly.Have it checked by a specialist who knows the make and model.Unlike some other sports cars the SLK is unlikely to be used in motor sport so they’re not normally abused.OWNERS SAYJanice Hyndman has travelled 54,000 km in her SLK230 and loves driving it, particularly on a sunny day when she can lower the roof. She loves the uncluttered, classical style, says it has sufficient power, and the boot is roomy enough for her needs. While she says it’s comfortable for her, her husband finds it a little cramped, particularly in the foot wells. Apart from a window winder motor that required replacing Janice says her SLK has been very reliable.LOOK FOR• Classical styling• great folding steel roof• comfortable ride• secure handling• good performanceTHE BOTTOM LINEGood looking drop top that makes a perfect cruiser on a sunny day.RATING90/100

It is being given a makeover for 2008, gaining revised looks, improved interior and more powerful engines. But the German carmaker is doing one of its now-expected tricks by achieving the power increase, along with a small gain in torque, with improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions.The SLK, a two-seater sports car, was introduced a decade ago as the smaller brother to the famed SL line of 'Benz sports cars whose price has slipped out of reach of most motorists.The SLK selling now is the second generation, with prices spanning $86,000-$164,000, while the 2008 model is a heavily revised version of that. Mercedes-Benz says it has 650 new parts over the existing model, so it's not just an engine do-up. The 2008 SLK has just been announced in Europe and will go on sale in right-hand-drive in the UK in April.Mercedes-Benz Australia tells Carsguide the new SLK is expected here soon after that, meaning it's only a few months away.The latest technology gets a look-in, too. A new audio and telematics system, NTG 2.5, will be in the SLK and is said to be easier to operate and offers a wider range of functions. The sound system will include a hands-free Bluetooth connection and a new media interface in the glovebox where mobile music devices, such as an iPod, can be connected and operated by the car's audio control system. A new three-spoke steering wheel will carry multifunction buttons. It is part of an interior revision that is aimed at being more driver oriented.It has a new instrument cluster, too.The 2008 SLK can be picked over the existing model by a new front bumper with modified air dam and a more pronounced arrow shape, picking up the feel of the more expensive, bigger SL series. The rear end has a diffuser-style lower section, suggesting more serious performance. And it has darkened tail-light lenses inspired by the Mercedes-Benz performance arm AMG. Larger exterior mirrors include LED turning indicators with a more pronounced arrow shape.The range will start with the SLK 200 Kompressor, a four-cylinder supercharged 1.8-litre where power goes up 15kW to 135kW and torque increases 10Nm to 250Nm — but gives 7.7 litres per 100km.SLK280 is the three-litre V6 good for 170kW but fuel consumption has been cut to 9.3 litres per 100km.Much work has gone into the 3.5-litre V6 engine of the SLK 350. It gains 24kW to 224kW of power at 6500rpm and 10Nm more torque for 360Nm at 4900rpm. The improvements come from changes including a new intake manifold, higher compression ratio and modified valve train.The SLK 350 has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard but the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission that is programmed to blip the throttle on downshifts is appealing.The six-speed manual is standard on SLK models, leaving a five-seed automatic optional on the 200 Kompressor and the seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic on the 280 and 350 models. The hot-rod SLK 55 AMG retains its 5.5-litre V8 engine of 265kW and 510Nm and 7G-Tronic with paddle shift. SLK has what 'Benz calls a vario roof — a hardtop coupe that converts to open roadster in 22 seconds.Optional in the UK and Europe and to be confirmed for Australia is a direct steering package, which is standard on the 55 AMG.Once the steering angle is past five degrees, the steering ratio increases rapidly for more direct response.It reduces steering-wheel rotations, aimed at making city driving less cumbersome and enabling sweeping, faster roads to be negotiated with only small steering inputs.

The compact droptop is the hottest item on the Mercedes menu in 2005, and the McLaren men usually get what they want when it's Grand Prix time.Also, there is a little hint of Formula One about the all-new Mercedes SLK.Squint when you look at the nose and you see how the drooping bonnet and road-sniffer snout were inspired by the McLaren-Mercedes grand prix cars.It also gives the SLK a visual link to the king-of-the-hill Mercedes-McLaren SLR. Most people would be hard-pressed to pick them apart in a 100m taste test – provided, of course, that Lindsay Fox brings Australia's only SLR back from Europe.But back to the SLK, which has become a sellout in Australia, with a waiting list that rolls back as faras demand for the demonic SL 55 AMG.Benz sold 350 cars in the second half of 2004 and is expecting solid demand through 2005 for a car that is bigger, bolder, brighter and much more refined than the first model to wear the SLK badge through the mid-1990s.Pricing starts at $86,900 for the SLK 200K, which is a lot for a Commodore shopper but a relative bargain for someone searching for something special in the prestige class. It also runs it up comfortably against rivals including the Audi TT Roadster and the Chrysler Crossfire droptop, which looks good but uses the mechanical package from the previous-generation SLK.The basics of the new SLK are the same, with a two-seat cabin and a folding metal roof, but Mercedes engineers went right down to the road to revamp the car for the noughties.They were working inside a bigger envelope, because the car is now 72mm longer and 65mm wider. It is space that's been put into the cabin, giving more room in every direction.Fine tuning includes a computer screen in the centre of the dashboard, Mercedes' latest seven-speed auto gearbox and an engine choice that runs from a supercharged four to a revamped V6, up to the stonking V8 that's fitted to the pocket rocket SLK 55 AMG.The initial focus for the new-age SLK has been on the 350 model, priced at $112,900. It has the latest four-valve V6, with variable valve timing and movable flaps in the intake system to release 200kW of power, and 350Nm of torque in a broad sweep from 2400 through to 5000 revs.The SLK comes standard with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, but Benz is also pushing harder with the six-speed manual, a saving of $3500, after working to improve the shift feel.There are all sorts of other changes, from reshaped seats and new-look switches to a tougher-looking plastic panelling for the dash and console to make it more usable in top-down conditions.ON THE ROADTHE SLK 350 is a terrific car. It looks good, drives very well and is nicely priced for the people who will be shopping in the Benz district for their next car.We enjoyed the extra space in the cabin, the extra stiffness in the body and the improved driving experience. The original SLK was a fairly dull and uninspired drive, but Benz has done a good job in tweaking the little two- seater without turning it into a car you have to drive all the time, like the BMW Z4 or Nissan's 350Z roadster. It is still comfy for cruising and that's a big bonus.But we cannot say the same for the six-speed manual gearbox in the test car. Benz says it is a lot better than earlier manuals, but that's not much of a plug from a company that sells almost exclusively automatics – even to its sports-focused AMG owners.We found the change was slow, and needed the clutch right on the floor for a significant pause to avoid baulking. It might save $3500, but the manual also has worse fuel consumption and a slower 0-100km/h time than the automatic.It's a pity because the latest V6 is a honey. It has a creamy surge of acceleration from less than 2000 revs, but gets barking from 3500 and is keen to rev right to the redline (most un-Benz). It means the car has the punch to back its looks and won't be embarrassed at the traffic lights, or in a tight overtaking sprint.The engine also makes curvy roads into fun runs, particularly with the sharper feel in the steering. We tried a seven-speeder briefly during our SLK time, and would definitely pick it over the manual, and not because it has nifty shift buttons on the steering wheel.We could feel the extra rigidity in the new SLK and, perhaps surprisingly, it was better with the top down.The roof itself is as terrific as always, the headlights are good, there is pretty good luggage space and the car is easy to park. It also did pretty well on fuel at 13.2 litres/100km, sipping less than nine litres on the highway. But we didn't like the new plastic trim, which gets dirty easily, and the outside temperature gauge in the test car often went crazy and spun around to 44.5C on a top-up 18C day. So the Benz isn't perfect.THE BOTTOM LINEThe update has made the SLK a sportier drive, and even more of a head-turner.

When we think of sports cars, we tend to think of small, light two-seaters high on performance but with few creature comforts.  The image is very British, which can be explained by the dominance of British sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s.  But many other brands, including Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, took a different path. Mercedes in particular was building sports cars on a much grander scale.The British were achieving new levels of performance by using small, mildly tuned engines in lightweight chassis, but the Germans were using bigger, more powerful engines.When a new wave of sports cars arrived in the late '90s, Mazda mostly followed the British tradition with the MX5, but Mercedes took its traditional path with the SLK. It was more sophisticated, with lots of creature comforts to make the experience more enjoyable for those not hooked on old-time sports cars.Model watchAT $98,500 the SLK slotted into the middle of the market. It wasn't cheap, but it wasn't the most expensive on the market either.  Typically Mercedes, the SLK was packed with the latest technology. It had a clever steel roof that folded into the boot when you wanted to soak up the sun, but provided all the security and comfort of a coupe when raised.The only downside was that it slashed the available boot space once it was lowered. It was best to travel light if you were touring in an SLK.  Chunky was the best word to describe the SLK with its wedge shape and large flanks, but it was attractive whichever way you looked at it.Inside it was a little cramped, but it was stylish. The seats were typically Benz, flat and broad, which meant most people would fit in them, but they didn't provide the best of support in the sports-car tradition.  The trim was a dashing blend of bright colours, leather of course, and there was a touch of nostalgia with the classical instruments and retro alloy touches on the centre console.At first there was just one engine, a supercharged 2.3-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder unit that pumped out 142kW at 5300 revs and 280Nm at 2500 revs.  When stirred into action, the SLK230 was capable of accelerating from rest to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.As with the engine, there was no choice when it came to transmissions – it was a five-speed auto. True, it could be shifted manually when you wanted to up the fun stakes, but it wasn't in the class of the Porsche Tiptronic, and a long way short of a real manual box.Underneath was independent suspension front and rear, four-wheel discs with ABS, traction control and power steering.  Inside there was standard airconditioning, power windows, power roof, remote central locking, immobiliser and dual airbags.On the road the SLK behaved well. It handled nicely, rode comfortably and braked with assurance, but it was geared more to highway cruising rather than spirited driving down a winding country road.A few months after the initial launch, Mercedes offered a slightly cheaper SLK200 model with a 100kW unblown 2.0-litre engine in place of the supercharged 2.3-litre unit.In the shopMERCEDES-BENZ cars generally stand the test of time, and with about 100,000km on average on the odometer, SLK models are still in their prime when it comes to service.  Check for a service record because it's better to buy one that has been cared for by a Benz dealer or at least an acknowledged specialist.Have it checked by a specialist who knows the make and model.  Unlike some other sports cars, the SLK is unlikely to be used in motor sport, so they're not normally abused.Owner's viewJANICE Hyndman has travelled 54,000km in her SLK230 and loves it, particularly on a sunny day when she can lower the roof.  She loves the uncluttered, classical style, says it has sufficient power, and the boot is roomy enough for her needs.She says it's comfortable for her, though her husband finds it a little cramped, particularly in the footwells.  Apart from a window winder motor that needed replacing, Janice says her SLK has been very reliable.Look forCLASSICAL stylingGREAT folding steel roofCOMFORTABLE rideSECURE handlingGOOD performanceRating18/20 Good-looking droptop that makes a perfect cruiser on a sunny day.

But if it is half as good the new, second generation SLK I regret missing out.In the course of a year we get our hands on a lot of flash sports cars here at CARSguide but the baby Benz impresses as easily the best example of the genre that we have driven so far.Even the entry level SLK 200 Kompressor with a relatively conservative 120kW of power is stunningly good.The small two-seat SLK sports car with its removable metal "vario" roof joined the Benz lineup in 1996.The current model which made its debut in September is available in two forms at the moment, the Kompressor with a supercharged four cylinder engine and the hard-hitting SLK 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 – an AMG V8 is still to come.Our test vehicle was the SLK 200 Kompressor, although we will be bringing you more on the V6 in the weeks to come.The Kompressor is a ball to drive, with snappy performance, an urgent note to the exhaust and pin sharp, point and shoot handling.The supercharged 1.8-litre in-line four cylinder engine is a lift from the larger C-Class range.It provides the same output but is claimed to use eight per cent less fuel than the previous power plant.The car lacks some punch off the line, but delivers strong mid- to high-range acceleration which is where you want it.Maximum power of 120kW is delivered at 5500rpm, while peak torque of 240Nm is available between 3000 and 4000rpm.Revs build quickly and the engine peaks easily in the lower gears, so short sharp changes are the order of the day.Our test vehicle was fitted with the optional six- speed manual transmission which actually reduces the price of the car by $3100 – a win-win situation for the enthusiast.The stubby shift lever falls easily to hand and is ergonomically sculpted to sit snugly in the palm, with a quick precise feel to the change.Reverse gear moves from left rear to left front in the revised transmission.A five-speed auto with F1 style change buttons is standard.The Kompressor returns a respectable 7.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash in manual form while the auto is a little slower at 8.3 seconds.But sports cars are more about style and twisting mountain roads than flat out, straight line performance.Point this car at a corner and revel in the experience as it rotates neatly about its own axis before sling- shotting out the other side, with almost perfect road manners.Equally impressive is the light way the car sips fuel, with the on board computer reporting average consumption at just 9.5L/100km from the 70-litre tank – we might add, without a hint of being driven sedately.The SLK is a striking car, much bolder and more visually impressive than the model it replaces, with its long swooping bonnet and large swept back headlights.Twin exhaust and chunky rubber herald the car's credentials from the rear.With its huge three pointed star dominating the front radiator grille, there is certainly no mistaking this car for anything else.Of course, there is only room for two inside, so it cannot be judged in terms of practicality.However, the electrically operated metal roof offers all the joys of open air motoring with none of the drawbacks.The SLK is just over four metres long and stands a shade under 1.3 metres tall, weighing in at 1390kg with a body that is 72mm longer and 65mm wider than the previous model, providing occupants with more space and greater comfort.Boot space is reasonable, with a hard plastic cover that must be in place before the roof has sufficient space to open.Opening and closing the roof takes just 22 seconds.About the only thing we disliked about the SLK is that long descent to the driver's seat and the large, wide opening doors which do not augur well for narrow driveways.The seats are also a little firm and the steering wheel a tad upright for our taste.Standard equipment includes climate controlled airconditioning and leather upholstery, driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, cruise control, stability control with anti-lock braking system, acceleration skid control and brake assist.The Mercedes-Benz SLK Kompressor is priced from $86,900.