Insurance Group: 41
MPG: 41.5
CO2: 158
0-62 Mph: 7.3 secs
BHP: 184 BHP
Range: 548 miles
PROS: Classy interior, impressive refinement, superb folding metal roof
CONS: Limited practicality, mediocre fuel economy
The SLK 200 develops 181bhp thanks to its turbocharged, 1.8-litre petrol engine. 0-62mph takes 7.3 seconds and the top speed is 149mph. The engine can feel a bit wheezy at high speeds but it sounds great. The manual geabox isn't quite as crisp or a as delicate as you'd expect and the ride is a touch too firm.
The steering rack has been adjusted to make the steering feel more direct. Body control is also impressive and the SLK offers a very good all-round driving experience.
The SLK is a great looking car. Gone is the tacky F1 inspired bonnet design, replaced by a design which is more mature, classy and grown-up looking.
The interior of the new SLK is a lot more stylish. The dashboard has been cleaned up, improving space. The air vents and the large console are surround by aluminium, giving a sporty look. The fit and finish of the SLK is superb and, after a blip a few years ago, it seems that Mercedes is back on top form in the quality stakes.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch five-spoke alloys, a 5.5-inch colour screen, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, sat-nav, a six-disc CD player and the standard electric-hydraulic Vario roof without glass.
The boot holds 225 litres but when the roof is down luggage space is compromised. The roof mechanism takes less than 20 seconds to come down and can be operated when moving, but only at very low speeds.
Mercedes has a good reputation for building long lasting quality cars. It's still early days for the new SLK and it is still unclear how reliable it will be but there shouldn't be too much to worry about.
This SLK has yet to be tested in the EuroNCAP tests, but earlier models were awarded four stars. Safety kit includes PreSafe and Active Bonnet, designed to improve passenger and pedestrian safety respectively, AttentionAssist, Brake Assist Plus with optional Distronic Plus - a form of radar cruise control.
The SLK Costs £30,480. All versions come with engine stop/start, brake energy recuperation and a disengaging alternator. You'll get 41.5mpg on the combined cycle, which is pretty average for a car as small as the SLK, and CO2 emissions are 158g/km putting it in car tax band G.
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