Mercedes-Benz SLK 280 Automatic

Dec 5 2009 Enda Mullen

THERE'S no denying the enduring appeal of a Mercedes sports car.

For decades this prestige German marque has managed to be equally adept at turning out stylish sports cars and desirable saloons - no mean feat in anyone's book.

There are those who reckon the Italians have it sewn up when it comes to achieving the ultimate combination of style and sportiness but I would beg to differ.

Mercedes SLs from the fifties to the present day all seem to have that enviable essence required of a true and timeless classic.

As Mercedes these days are producing models to occupy virtually every niche in the marketplace it's no surprise the SL is no longer the only sports car in its range.

With a price tag that is more in the Premier League footballer bracket, the exclusivity of the SL remains, meaning the SLK is the next best thing.

It is certainly more of a genuine roadster, given its compact dimensions.

I liked the Mercedes premium feel from the off. Many roadsters make you feel a little cooped up but the SLK's cabin has the feel of a far roomier car.

The switchgear has that unmistakable feel of Germanic quality while the build is noticeably stiff and sturdy.

This car came with the lazy option of the 7G-Trionic seven-speed automatic transmission.

I expect many roadster lovers might prefer the hands-on engagement of manual transmission but I confess I enjoyed the ease of the automatic which still offers sizzling performance, taking you from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds.

The SLK 280 sits in the middle of the range between the 200 Kompressor and the 350 and has enough zip and zest to satisfy most, with the bonus of reasonable running costs. A combined economy figure of just over 30mpg isn't bad for a car that can be this much fun and its relative frugality impressed.

Out on the road the SL makes for a fun and pleasant drive, rear wheel drive adding to its composure.

A new addition is a direct steering system which combines a well-weighted feel with accuracy.

Its driving manners are a step up from the original, feted for its high-tech folding metal roof, which has become almost passé in the current world where every Ford, Vauxhall and Peugeot has one.

Even so, it offers tremendous insulation from the elements when up, to the point where it's easy to forget you're even in a convertible.

Is the SLK a classic in the making? Probably not in fairness but it still offers the opportunity to drive a Mercedes roadster for a lot less than an SL, though be prepared to pay a price for running costs that are definitely more premium than pedestrian.

FAST FACTS

Mercedes-Benz SLK 280 Automatic

Price: £34,061

Mechanical: 231bhp, 2,996cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 7-speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 6.2 seconds

Combined mpg: 31.7

Insurance group: 17

CO2 emissions: 207g/km

BiK rating: 29%

Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage