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01/09/2011
REVIEW by EWAN KENNEDY
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The all-new Mercedes-Benz SLK has arrived in Australia only a couple of months after its European launch, illustrating the importance of this country to the prestigious German giant.
New Mercedes-Benz SLK has stunning styling that makes it look almost like a smaller version of the AMG SLS sports machine. Not the Gullwing with its swing-up doors, but the about to be introduced SLS 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 SLK’s near vertical grille with its central three-pointed star, side gills and short tail leave no doubt as to the heritage of this smaller, and much more affordable, Mercedes sports.
Inside, the styling is both sporty and elegant, with large clear dials immediately in front of the driver and circular ventilation outlets. The integration of the central information and satellite navigation screen is much neater than in most other cars.
The SLK is longer and winder than in the superseded models, so there’s plenty of room for two. My six-foot (1.82-metre) frame doesn’t require me putting the seat all the way back.
The driving position is excellent and we found the seats supportive and comfortable even when the SLK was pushed hard on the many miles of winding roads in the scenic areas of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
Having the convenience of a powered roof allied with the security of a metal top means the Mercedes-Benz SLK has been a hit since day one 15 years ago. This time around the roof has been taken a step further with the option of a Magic Sky glass roof that changes from opaque to almost transparent on demand. The clear setting makes it great for driving in bad weather because you still get a semi-open feel to the cabin.
Another option is the Mercedes Airscarf which blows hot air on your neck and shoulders. Allied with the normal car heater blasting on your feet it’s surprising how warm you can feel in a roadster during winter. Unfortunately, Mercedes managed to choose a period of surprisingly warm and sunny weather for the Australian launch so we didn’t get a chance to sample the winter setup at its best.
We reviewed the new SLK with both engine choices initially on the import list. A four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine has a capacity of 1.8 litres and produces 135 kilowatts. It is a willing worker with good torque and a great sound, the latter being partly fed into the cabin by way of a special exhaust system when you drive the car hard.
Many buyers who are simply looking for a smart cruising machine rather than a full-on sports model will be more than happy with the four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
On the other hand, the 3.5-litre 225 kW naturally aspirated V6 engine in the SLK 350 is delightfully smooth and powerful. We loved the immediate throttle response offered by this naturally aspirated powerplant that makes it nicer to sit behind than a turbo unit.
Both engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that has manual overrides. This new automatic works well, with fast changes and is generally in the right ratio for the conditions.
Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz Australia still offers the option of a manual gearbox in this sporting machine. But only if you put in a special order. It retails for the same price as the automatic.
Still to come is an ultra-hot AMG variant, the SLK 55 with a 5.5-litre 310 kilowatt V8. It’s due sometime in the first half of 2012.
The complete Mercedes-Benz SLK range, with prices (excluding dealer and government charges) is:
SLK 200 1.8-litre two-door convertible: $82,900
SLK 350 3.5-litre two-door convertible: $118,900
Contact any Mercedes-Benz dealer for driveaway prices. |
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