Mercedes-Benz CLK200 2005 Review

An inherent problem with this body shape is that the C pillar is way back behind the front passenger and driver seats so rear passengers have easy access.

But this puts the seat belt a long reach behind the driver's shoulder, hence the motorised "seatbelt feeder".

The bottom of the CLK cabriolet range is the 1.8-litre supercharged model, coming in at the entry level price of $83,600.

Despite being a little underpowered for hot heads, it copes quite well with the normal duties most owners of these convertibles will throw at it.

No, it's not a track day car. It's a convertible for touring and enjoying the attributes of the Sunshine State.

Still, put through its paces and you can enjoy the full output of the 120kW engine because the suspension is set up quite sweetly somewhere between sport and comfort.

A not-too-interventionist electronic stability program lets you play, while a well-sorted chassis ensures that the usual scuttle shake of a convertible is no more than a scuttle "shimmer" and doesn't translate through to the steering wheel.

And this convertible is rather quiet with its roof up.

Saab set new noise level standards with its new triple layer rag tops and, without jumping from one to the other, this CLK doesn't sound appreciably louder.

Outside, the CLK is smooth, with no fussy lines or awkward proportions.

Even the tell-tale proud five-star emblem is missing. Instead there is a small flush emblem and an tasty oversized star in the grille.

The rag top is taut and strong looking. Inside, it looks and feels like a conventional roof.

The interior is typically Mercedes with a long list of appointments from mobile phone pre-installation to the multi-function steering which is elctromechanically adjustable for reach and height and can be memorised, together with the electronically adjustable seats.

And with one of the best sound packages (six-stack CD changer and six speakers) yet put in a Merc you can even feel the bass warmly throbbing within the doors.