Looking for relatively affordable and sexy topless German fun? You could spend an evening or two in Hamburg’s ‘Reeperbahn’ red-light district-- but an easier and more morally-acceptable alternative involves checking out the last-generation Mercedes SLK roadster instead. After hitting Canadian showrooms in 1997, this two-seat German drop-top began competing for shopper dollars against machines like the BMW Z4, Audi TT, Nissan 350Z and to some degree, the Mazda MX-5/Miata.
Designed to bring the brand’s knack for refinement, luxury and performance to the roadster market, the SLK originally hit the scene with a 2.3-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine with 185 or 190 horsepower. Initially, a five-speed automatic was the only available transmission-- meaning that earlier SLK’s were geared more towards sporty cruising than an all-out connection with driving enthusiasts.
For 1999, a five-speed manual transmission was added to the powertrain lineup, followed not long after by the brand’s 3.2 litre, 215-horsepower V6. In the SLK, this proven powerplant could be had with either a manual or automatic transmission.
Look for features like automatic climate control, full power accessories, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power heated leather seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, stability control and a six-speaker Bose audio system.
Perhaps most importantly, the SLK offered a well-insulated motorized hardtop with a glass rear window-- meaning drivers could enjoy a quiet and coupe-like drive in inclement weather. Best of all, unlike many soft-top models, the SLK’s cabin didn’t sound like the inside of tent when it rained outside.
SLK owners typically enjoy ‘solid’ handling, the refined drive enabled by the fast-acting power hardtop, and a feeling of all-around composure. Of course, styling, brand reputation and luxury were all responsible for attracting buyers to their SLK’s, too. Finally, most owners report decent fuel mileage, and an easy time of maneuvering and parking.
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| 2000 Mercedes-Benz Classe SLK (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
Designed to bring the brand’s knack for refinement, luxury and performance to the roadster market, the SLK originally hit the scene with a 2.3-litre supercharged four-cylinder engine with 185 or 190 horsepower. Initially, a five-speed automatic was the only available transmission-- meaning that earlier SLK’s were geared more towards sporty cruising than an all-out connection with driving enthusiasts.
For 1999, a five-speed manual transmission was added to the powertrain lineup, followed not long after by the brand’s 3.2 litre, 215-horsepower V6. In the SLK, this proven powerplant could be had with either a manual or automatic transmission.
Look for features like automatic climate control, full power accessories, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power heated leather seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, stability control and a six-speaker Bose audio system.
Perhaps most importantly, the SLK offered a well-insulated motorized hardtop with a glass rear window-- meaning drivers could enjoy a quiet and coupe-like drive in inclement weather. Best of all, unlike many soft-top models, the SLK’s cabin didn’t sound like the inside of tent when it rained outside.
SLK owners typically enjoy ‘solid’ handling, the refined drive enabled by the fast-acting power hardtop, and a feeling of all-around composure. Of course, styling, brand reputation and luxury were all responsible for attracting buyers to their SLK’s, too. Finally, most owners report decent fuel mileage, and an easy time of maneuvering and parking.
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| 2004 Mercedes-Benz Classe SLK (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |