The SLK is a compact roadster from Mercedes-Benz that was first launched in 1996. At the time it was one of the first modern retractable hardtop convertibles. Now in its third generation the SLK 350 is available in India with only one petrol engine option. The car competes with the Nissan 370Z and the Audi TT in terms of price, as well as the Porsche Cayenne.
Design & Styling
The SLK is a compact car and is just over 4 metres in length. The car sits very low to the ground and looks very small. The front section has got a long hood with aggressive attributes, and the front grille is small with chrome and elongated diamond shaped headlights. The mid section looks like a small scoop and the roof is very small and so it the boot. The car also sports air vents and alloy wheels to make this 2-door car look sporty on the road.
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Interiors
The interiors can be a little cramped and if you are a tall person its just not meant for you. It seems very compact and chick inside, almost as if it was designed for women. The seat are not the most comfortable and the ergonomics are not the best either, as the steering wheel is small and your knees hit against the door and lower end of the dash. It’s definitely not the best cabin we have seen from Mercedes.
Engine & Transmission
The SLK features the same 3498cc petrol engine found in the S Class and has the same power specs of 306bhp and 370Nm of torque. It is indeed a very well built engine and perfect for a car of this size. The engine is again mated to the same 7-speed auto gearbox found in most Mercedes models.
Performance and Handling
The SLK is very small and compact, and also lightweight, which means it performs very decently with the lower spec S Class engine. The acceleration is very nice, and the engine sounds very good. The steering is quite good but we feel it good have been a little more stiff as could have the suspension, which also seems to be just alright and nothing great. The worst thing is the low seating and the view of the road, its just not a comfortable position to drive in especially since the car is so small. Overall though the car can be fun to drive and with the paddle shifters the gear changes are very prompt and change instantaneously. It’s a good car to drive for a bit of fun, but not an everyday machine.
Fuel Efficiency
We did not drive the car long enough to get a fuel reading, but we would assume to get around 10kmpl on average.
Features
As standard equipment you get power steering and steering mounted controls, power windows, electrically adjustable seats and full automatic climate control, cruise control, multi function display, in-built audio system with very nice speakers and a central infotainment controller and now they also come with start/stop button, and that is exactly what the SLK Class features. It also comes with a panoramic sunroof and leather seats.
Safety
Once again all Mercedes cars come with standard safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, Acceleration Skid Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, adaptive brake lights, multiple airbags, and remote central locking. Then there is a PARKTRONIC system with reverse camera, ATTENTION Assist and Agility Control.
Quality & Reliability
This is the ultimate luxury machine, so quality is the best out there. It is also very well built and engineered to perfection, so it is highly reliable. Components can sometimes be a problem and servicing is expensive, especially in the monsoon seasons, electrical failures can happen.
Value for Money
It’s a very good car that is priced well and can be fun, so it has got good value for your money spent.
Verdict
Most men won’t be caught dead in this chick car, but that doesn’t stop the fact that it is still a very nice car to drive. It doesn’t look the best though and for a little less money you could drive a beautiful Nissan 370, or for a little more you could get a Porsche.
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