Mercedes-Benz SLK350 2011 review: snapshot

Seeing stars for as little as $82,900 is an offer few lovers of topless German cars can refuse. That’s the entry price for Mercedes-Benz’s new SLK200 - the two-seater, steel-roofed roadster that compared with its predecessor is a distinct step forward in

Is in the eye of the beholder and yet even the "cheap" SLK200 is well kitted out. Standard is the seven-speed automatic attached to the 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. The electric steel roof goes down (and up) in less than 20 seconds, there

The SLK is basically the same passenger cell but with heavy styling changes to the nose. It picks up the SLS design for the nose and the aluminium bonnet. From behind it looks a lot wider than the outgoing model, yet appearances deceive because the differ

The single-bar grille looks more masculine - an image Mercedes admits was the aim, yet was coy about putting that in words - and the use of LED running lights literally sparkles up the front. The cabin also takes hints from the SLS - big, round air vents,

The supercharger in the Kompressor models of the previous SLK have been given the nudge. Now it’s a turbocharger doing all the blowing. And the whole car is better for it, particularly the reduction in engine noise. The Magic Sky roof - which changes from

Five star crash rating, six airbags (including a proper head-protecting curtain bag that rises from the top of the door) and all the best electronic aids for the chassis and brakes are standard Mercedes fare.

The package of a front engined, rear driven two seater pretty much indicates how the car will drive. The SLK and BMW Z4, for example, are similarly balanced. But the detail splits them apart. The SLK200 impresses with its strong little engine and impressi

Price: $82,900 (SLK200), $118,900 (SLK350), Warranty: 3-years/100,00km, roadside assist, Resale: 56% (est.), Service interval: 15,000km/12 months, Safety: 5-star, Engine: (SLK350) 3.5-litre V6, 225kW/370Nm, Body: 2-door 2-seat convertible, Weight: 1540kg,

WE turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering - would you buy one?

What is it?

This is the new generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster, the 3.5-litre petrol model, one from the top when the AMG version arrives next year.

How much?

A competitive $118,900 ... with a hefty tax component.

Explore the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Range

Mercedes-Benz SLK350 2011 review: snapshot

What are its competitors?

Porsche's Boxster 3.4S (cost a lot more), BMW's long nose Z4 35is, Audi's TTS Roadster (a lot less).

What's under the bonnet?

Runs a sweet sounding, naturally aspirated, smooth as silk, 3.5-litre, V6 petrol engine with direct injection driving the rear wheels through a slick seven speed automatic, with paddle shift and multi-modes.

How does it go?

Like a rocket, good for a 5.6 second 0-100kmh sprint and offers stupendous performance across a wide engine speed range. Best in M (manual) mode if you want the full sporty experience. Handles like you'd expect - sharp as a tack, fast responses.

Is it economical?

Pretty good at 8.3-litres/100km combined but you'll need premium, of course.

Is it green?

Gets a 4.5 rating in the Green Car Guide.

Is it safe?

Engineered for a five star crash rating.

Is it comfortable?

Cabin could be tight for larger types but otherwise - the lap of luxury with plenty of flow down stuff from the SLS model and the multi drive mode system gives you choices in dynamics from comfort through to full-on sporty.

What's it like to drive?

Superb, trumpeting exhaust sings a sweet song, quick, composed, razor sharp steering, snappy gear changes in M for manual mode. A real sports car. Love the new Magic Sky Roof with variable tint or fold it right down for open tp motoring.

Is it value for money?

Right in the middle of the price range of its competitors. Bear in mind there's a hefty Luxury Car Tax imposition on this (and many other) cars.

Would we buy one?

Yep, in red.