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Budget cruise. Image by Dave Jenkins.

Budget cruise
The 200K represents entry-level SLK ownership; makes sense too.

   



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| Week at the Wheel | Mercedes-Benz SLK |

Inside & Out: star star star star star

Such was the success of the latest SLK's styling that the recent facelift was a very minor nip and tuck aimed at adding a more overtly sporting exterior to complement the more driver focused chassis beneath the skin. Several years since it was released, the SLK's lines are sleek, modern and stylish, even in the entry level version we test here. The 200K is a deal more restrained than the AMG range topper, but doesn't necessarily suffer for that as the elegance of the base design is more evident when shorn of the majority of the addenda and bulges of the SLK 55.

Among the changes made during the facelift were a number of interior tweaks including a new instrument binnacle, sports steering wheel and material changes to improve the appearance and quality of the car and again, improve the driver focus. Mercedes also took the opportunity to integrate its latest infotainment and navigation systems. These updates have definitely refreshed the SLK, but given the Mercedes reputation as a premium, quality brand there are a number of areas in the car that appear to be cheaper than one may expect. The gauges and dials for example lack the crisp style that the SLK deserves - which is surprising given that they're new - and the needles within have a crude plastic finish.

Engine & Transmission: star star star star star

Despite the '200' moniker, the entry level SLK comes with a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine that, as the name suggests, is fitted with a supercharger. Outright performance is more than acceptable thanks to the 184bhp produced at a relatively relaxed 5,500rpm, but perhaps the more telling figure in terms of describing the nature of the SLK 200 is the 184lb.ft figure produced from 2,800- to 5,000rpm. In practice most of the driving is done relatively low in the rev range, as the torquey nature allows the driver to be lazy with the gears. Equally, the engine is rather uncouth at higher revs and begins to sound rather strained. With the roof down it's obvious that a lot of focus has gone into improving the experience with a crafted exhaust note drowning out the less then inspirational engine noise.

More enthusiastic drivers will find themselves longing for the added power and more cultured manners of the V6-engined 350, but for much of the SLK's target audience the 200 offers all the performance ever needed. That being the case, and to reflect its relaxed nature and also the less than perfect manual gearshift, the automatic gearbox is probably the default choice.

Ride & Handling: star star star star star

In practice the SLK 200 lacks the firepower to over extend the chassis and there's plenty more grip than power in virtually any context on the road; it has to be provoked into any loss of composure and then, even with the stability system deactivated, electronics reign in the chassis and prevent any over exuberance; something of a shame for a car that is intended to be driver focused and sporting. The steering feel isn't the best and lacks a little in terms of communicative prowess; it's also oddly reluctant to self centre, but it is swift and direct.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money: star star star star star

Standard equipment is reasonable rather than overly generous and, as has become the norm, the price of some of the extras is a little on the steep side. Metallic paint for example, an almost essential requirement, comes in at a heady £606. Given the current state of the market it shouldn't be too much of a surprise to read that it didn't take long to find a 12% saving off the £29,000 list price with an online search. Residual value of the SLK will depend a lot on the specification, which we'd suggest should include the right colour choice, heated seats and the desirable air scarf options at the very least.

Overall: star star star star star

The latest Mercedes-Benz SLK raised the levels of handling and performance significantly over the original and the recent facelift has further enhanced its appeal. The entry-level model will interest a broad audience, many of whom will use it as primarily as a boulevard cruiser, as the manufacturer intended. The keenest of drivers will still find more involving cars out there but for most the SLK does everything a roadster should.

Dave Jenkins - 23 Mar 2009



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2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK specifications: (200 Kompressor)
Price: £29,045 on-the-road
0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 147mph
Combined economy: 36.2mpg
Emissions: 184g/km
Kerb weight: 1390kg

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.



2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 






 

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