The new car is a joy to drive, especially in V6 form. A satisfying growl emanates from its dual-exhaust, hinting at the pleasures awaiting an enthusiast driver willing to spin the tachometer up to redline. Spin it does, in contrast to its traction-control assisted rear tires that hold fast onto pavement, shooting the little roadster forward with serious intent. The 6-speed manual shifts smoothly, with equal ease at the clutch.
Pointing the front wheels into a sharp corner, the SLK reacts with assured predictability. It lacks the nervousness found in other two-seat sports cars, keeping firmly planted to the road surface and between the yellow lines. This could get addictive.
Speaking of addictive, acceleration junkies might want to opt for the 349-hp V6 powered C32 AMG, new for 2002. Unfortunately the 6-speed manual transmission isn't available, but its AMG SpeedShift automatic can still produce 4.6 second 0 - 100 km/h sprints. Racing brakes and AMG sport tuned suspension keep the power under control.
Control and safety are key issues at Mercedes, evidenced by a super-reinforced A-pillar, integrated roll bars behind each seat and emergency tensioning seatbelt retractors. Additionally, front airbags are joined by standard side-impact bags. Much appreciated by parents, a child seat occupancy sensor prevents the release of the passenger seat's airbag when a child is on board.
Active safety equipment includes Electronic Stability Program. ESP immediately applies the brakes to one or more wheels, or increases or reduces engine power, if the SLK goes into a skid. Adding more control, ASR reduces wheel spin while distributing the car's weight evenly on the road. The SLK's braking system is equally impressive. With tests proving that 90% of all drivers don't apply the brakes quickly enough or with adequate force in an emergency situation, Brake Assist (BAS) was developed. It works in conjunction with ABS, analyzing brake pedal force, recognizing an emergency, and applying maximum braking power accordingly.
Pointing the front wheels into a sharp corner, the SLK reacts with assured predictability. It lacks the nervousness found in other two-seat sports cars, keeping firmly planted to the road surface and between the yellow lines. This could get addictive.
Speaking of addictive, acceleration junkies might want to opt for the 349-hp V6 powered C32 AMG, new for 2002. Unfortunately the 6-speed manual transmission isn't available, but its AMG SpeedShift automatic can still produce 4.6 second 0 - 100 km/h sprints. Racing brakes and AMG sport tuned suspension keep the power under control.
Control and safety are key issues at Mercedes, evidenced by a super-reinforced A-pillar, integrated roll bars behind each seat and emergency tensioning seatbelt retractors. Additionally, front airbags are joined by standard side-impact bags. Much appreciated by parents, a child seat occupancy sensor prevents the release of the passenger seat's airbag when a child is on board.
Active safety equipment includes Electronic Stability Program. ESP immediately applies the brakes to one or more wheels, or increases or reduces engine power, if the SLK goes into a skid. Adding more control, ASR reduces wheel spin while distributing the car's weight evenly on the road. The SLK's braking system is equally impressive. With tests proving that 90% of all drivers don't apply the brakes quickly enough or with adequate force in an emergency situation, Brake Assist (BAS) was developed. It works in conjunction with ABS, analyzing brake pedal force, recognizing an emergency, and applying maximum braking power accordingly.