Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster arrives

Mercedes has released its new SLK range in Australia, eschewing the curvaceous design of the previous model (R171) for a more angular, aggressive style that tips its hat to the flagship SLS AMG Gullwing sports car.

Convertible buyers will also be chuffed to hear it's a more affordable proposition, and one that is packed with some clever technology designed to make drop top motoring more enjoyable, including a magnesium roof that is 6kg lighter than before -- and faster to open and close -- sun-reflecting leather upholstery, an air vent located in the seat back to keep your neck warm, and seven-speed automatic transmissions across the board.

The third generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class also pioneers a new type of panoramic glass roof which features Magic Sky Control, essentially an embedded LCD system that can change the tinting of the glass at the touch of a button.

As Mercedes-Benz Australia CEO Hans Tempel explained, the new generation SLK-Class will appeal to broader demographic thanks an improved design more affordable price.

"It brings new characteristics about the SLK as a model line; it brings a lot of passion about it. The second (generation) SLK was highly appreciated by female drivers and customers (but) the jury is still out on what this car represents," he said.

"We can offer this car at $82,900 -- $10,000 less than for the previous range's entry model. That's  significant increase in value for money," stated Tempel.

The range consists of two models at present, both petrol. The turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder SLK 200 and the naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 SLK 350 model. Pricing is as follows:

- Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Roadster $82,900
- Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Roadster $118,900

Local Mercedes-Benz representatives confirmed that the range will be swelled with two new models in 2012, the SLK 250 arriving in Australia in the first quarter of 2012, powered by the same up spec four-cylinder turbo as the C-Class 250 models, outputting 150kW/310Nm.

The range-topping SLK 55 AMG will is scheduled for the first half of 2012, powered by a tweaked 5.5-litre non-turbo V8 engine worth 310kW/540Nm of torque, providing the company four- six- and eight-cylinder models in the SLK-Class range.

There is also a diesel-powered version of the SLK but is a left-hand drive model and as such will only be sold in Western Europe. "It's not on our menu," said David McCarthy, Senior Manager Corporate Communications at MB Australia.

The SLK 200's 1.8-litre turbo four pumps out 135kW/270Nm and is good for a 0-100km/h benchmark time of 7.3 seconds, while sipping just 6.9 litres of fuel per 100km. The SLK 350 is a lot quicker, completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds, thanks to its larger displacement of 3.5-litres and increased power and torque of 225kW/370Nm. The SLK 350 has a claimed fuel consumption of 8.3L/100km.

Standard features on the entry-level Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 include 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights, six airbags, electronic stability control, the Vario folding roof system, heated leather seats with solar reflection properties, sports suspension and a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

The SLK 350 adds more equipment, such as 18-inch wheels, AirScarf neck warming system, full electric memory seats, thermotronic dual zone climate control, sat nav and an online multimedia system with a larger screen and internet browser,  the AirGuide wind deflector system, and red ambient interior lighting.

Slightly larger than its predecessor, the new SLK-Class gets a larger boot, up 35 litres to 335, and the roof now takes two seconds less time to open and close. We'll have a road test on the new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class soon.

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