The first details of the more powerful and more economical Mercedes SLK Roadster have been announced ahead of its April launch.

The Mercedes SLK has been given a minor facelift with the SLK 200 Kompressor and SLK 280 getting increased power and reduced fuel emissions.

The Mercedes SLK was the first modern convertible to have a retractable hard-top roof when it was launched in 1997.

The Mercedes SLK 200 now produces 184bhp and 185lb/ft of pulling power while managing an average 36.7mpg with emissions slashed by 27g/km to 182g/km, meaning an annual tax bill of £165 – a £40 reduction.

The mid-range Mercedes SLK 280 has power boosted now manages a combined 30.4mpg with emissions reduced from 231g/km to 220g/km – a £95 reduction to £205 a year for tax. 

Performance figures haven’t been released but expect the SLK 200 to have a slightly quicker top speed than the 143mph it currently boasts with the SLK 280 maintaining its electronically limited top speed of 155mph, but accelerating from 0-60mph slightly quicker than 6.3 seconds.

The range-topping Mercedes SLK 55 AMG’s 360bhp engine has remained untouched and comes with a seven speed semi-automatic gearbox as standard.

The new Mercedes SLK goes on sale in April with prices expected to start from about £29,000 for the entry-level 200 model rising to just over £50,000 for the top-end SLK 55 AMG.