Skip advert
Advertisement

5. Mercedes SLK

The Mercedes SLK was one of the pioneers of the folding hard-top convertible, and the company has stuck with this design even as rivals have turned their back on it.

Mercedes SLK

The Mercedes SLK was one of the pioneers of the folding hard-top convertible, and the company has stuck with this design even as rivals have turned their back on it. The clever folding mechanism demands no compromises on styling, and the roof appeals to buyers by offering the security and refinement of a coupe.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The price is high, but the car has a strong image, while the latest efficient engines bring low fuel consumption and road tax bills – the diesels deliver up to 56.5mpg and emissions as low as 132g/km. Performance fans are well catered for, too, with a 418bhp SLK 55 AMG model, although there’s obviously a trade-off in efficiency and things like servicing costs and insurance group ratings.

But every SLK scores on the quality of its two-seater interior, and useful options include the AirScarf system, which blows warm air into the cabin at neck level from the headrests – ideal for fans of top-down driving all year round. And while space is tight, driver and passenger should have no problems getting comfortable. Just bear in mind that boot size is compromised when the roof is folded, with capacity cut from 335 litres to 225 litres.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £15,965
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,844
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025