Mercedes SLK 200 Kompressor
Ask any Boxster owner if the previous-generation Mercedes SLK could tempt them out of their Porsche, and they wouldn't be able to stifle their laughter.
With such a talented brother as the SL, the SLK has a lot to live up to. However, Mercedes has squeezed nearly all of the super-roadster's talents into a smaller, cheaper package. A finely tuned chassis, beautiful exterior and comfortable cabin are all huge improvements over the previous version, and should put the SLK up there with class leaders.
Ask any Boxster owner if the previous-generation Mercedes SLK could tempt them out of their Porsche, and they wouldn't be able to stifle their laughter. Despite having a ground-breaking folding metal hard-top which has now been copied countless times, the outgoing SLK was never class-leading in any other area. It has done nothing for the image of Merc's sporting models, but its replacement looks set to shake things up...
Having already delivered our verdict on the new model in left-hand-drive form, we have now got behind the wheel of one of the first right-hand-drive UK versions on British tarmac. So has it got what it takes to beat the roadster elite? The first test for any sports car is in the styling department, and we reckon the SLK looks fantastic. With similar proportions to the SL, but smaller overall dimensions and an SLR-style nose, it is far more striking than its predecessor and drew plenty of admiring glances out on the road.
So it's a winner when stationary, but what about once on the move? Unfortunately, our test car had no more than 65 miles on the clock, so we had to treat it a little gently. However, that didn't stop the new model's obvious quality from shining through.
The cabin is one of the most attractively styled from the company in recent years. Both driver and passenger have plenty of space, and the sporty design theme of the exterior is continued with hooded dials and low-slung seats. Our test model was also fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox - another indication that the firm intends the SLK to be regarded as a genuine sports car. Take to the road and it's hard not to be impressed. While the ride is firmer than you might expect, the Mercedes still offers plenty of comfort for motorway cruising, getting unsettled only by large potholes and undulations. However, it's when you reach a twisty road that the improvements over the previous-generation SLK become blindingly obvious. The newly engineered box has a precise feel, and once you get used to the unusually weighty steering, you can start to enjoy the immense grip and taut body control. The car is not as overtly sporty as a Boxster or BMW Z4, but it is still more than capable on a challenging road.
And folding away the roof only adds to the fun. Mercedes still has one of the best coup
