Mercedes SLK convertible (2004 – ) expert review

The Mercedes SLK was launched as a stylish two-seater sportscar with a neat retractable roof in 1996. And the basic ingredients are still in place. This, the facelifted second-generation Mercedes SLK, had been beefed up with a new front including a bonnet which boasts a more pronounced V-shape. The exterior mirrors featuring arrow-shaped LED indicators and a diffuser at the rear is complemented by four-sided exhaust tailpipes and AMG-inspired darkened taillights.

The unfussy interior features high-quality materials fitted with the kind of care you’d expect from Mercedes. The interior features a new instrument cluster with red needles and chrome surrounds for the bezel tubes and clock/fuel gauge. It also now has a multi-instrument three-spoke steering wheel for a sportier interior.

The Mercedes SLK is a two-seater sports car so space is at a premium. However Mercedes has used what is there well. The boot features 208-litres of luggage space which can be increased to 300 litres when the boot is not in use. Plus there are enough storage solutions to enable driver and passenger to stow everyday items. The hard roof means the Mercedes SLK can be an all-year-round car

The Mercedes SLK delivers what a modern two-seater sportscar should, a fun drive and comfortable cruising when needed. It’s smooth to drive on the motorway but rewards enthusiastic driving on more twisting tarmac. The model we drove didn’t feature the direct steer option which comes as standard on the AMG model, but the models we drove on the Mercedes SLK launch did – we’d recommend the system which adjusts the steering response to the speed travelled is worth the extra expense.

There’s a choice of four engines: comprising the SLK200, 280, 350 and the performance SLK55 AMG. We drove the SLK200 at its UK launch. The 231bhp SLK280 sits nicely between the two, offering performance which can take the car from 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds for the 7-speed automatic and 6.3 seconds in the manual. Both boast a top speed of 155mph. We drove the automatic and while it offers very slick changes, we’d rather go with the manual option and get maximum fun out of the drive.

All the engines in the standard line-up are more fuel efficient than previously, as well as producing fewer CO2 emissions. The SLK280 returns an average 31mpg (30.4mpg for the manual) and produces 216-220g/km CO2 which currently puts it in car tax band F. The smallest-engined model, the SLK200, is the most economical, with 36.2mpg and emissions of 184g/km and group 16 insurance.

The Mercedes SLK has a history of reliability and while many convertibles introduced metal roofs in the last few years this is the car which set the trend, so problems are less likely there too. The car has a feeling of quality throughout.

All cars have electronic stability programme and electronic brake assist and anti-lock brakes. The 2002 Mercedes SLK was awarded four out of a maximum five stars following EuroNCAP crash tests. Parking sensors are available as an option.

Standard features on the Mercedes SLK include 16-inch alloy wheels, tinted glass, electric door mirrors, foglights, air-conditioning, electric windows, trip computer, sports seats, wind deflector and nine-speaker CD radio. The specification on the performance Mercedes SLK55 AMG is more sports-orientated. Options on our test model included neck-level heating dubbed the air scarf, which increases the attraction of roof-down driving beyond the height of summer, and the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) system which incorporates sat-nav, CD disc changer and voice control.

If you’re a fan of two-seater roadsters and your desires are split between an engaging drive and comfort then the Mercedes SLK has to be on your shortlist. And now it looks better than ever.