Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Juke

2023 Nissan

Juke

26,754 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,000
View Juke
M240i Convertible

2015 BMW

M240i Convertible

53,000 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £16,650
View M240i Convertible
i8

2017 BMW

i8

30,000 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £34,786
View i8
TT

2023 Audi

TT

31,375 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £24,900
View TT

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

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,825 off RRP*Used from £8,904
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,998
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025