Fridae

The first SLK (R170) was launched in 1998 with tremendous fanfare and it was initially available with only one engine option, the turbocharged 230 compressor. It was fairly simple for Mercedes Benz, using the C-Class (W202)'s platform and pioneering the world's first folding roof. Footballer's wives and fashionistas all wanted one and it became a runaway success which had every other manufacturer scramble to have a folding metal roof convertible in their showrooms. Merely a decade ago, only Mercedes Benz had the badge kuodos to produce a "sports car" like the SLK without really having to put the "sports" engineering in the entire packaging. Think the first 190 SL back in 1955 and that would be the real fore father of the current SLK range. In short, the first SLK was pretty much all show and no one would really cares if there is any "go".

The second generation SLK (R171) faces much stiffer competition from the likes of the Audi TT and the BMW Z4, Mercedes Benz is pressured to inject the "sports" bits into its most junior roadster. Where else to look for such inspiration than its highly successful venture with Mclaren F1 team? Hence the homoerotic frontal treatment; some found it butch, others found it too vulgar. Its controversial front end stirred favourable showroom appeal and Mercedes Benz would certainly not want to mess with the successful formula; hence little cosmetic changes were made during its recent facelift.

In 2004 when the current SLK was first launched, it was a dark period for Mercedes Benz. Quality and build problems were turning customers away, in particular Mercedes's biggest seller, the E-Class, was outsold by BMW's 5-series and Audi's A6 for the very first time. Not to mention bed partners Chrysler and Smart were incurring huge losses. The reviews of the pre-facelifted SLK were not exactly rosy, as complaints of the poor worksmanship were making headlines. I recall Top Gear UK's presenter Richard Hammond explaining how he only wanted to move his seat forward, only to have the roof and lights going berserk (Season 4, Episode 9). A pity really, as the SLK's driving abilities were pretty impressive.

Fridae's Auto Club was handed the keys to a brilliant silver test car. Upon close inspection, the facelifted SLK was built properly, as every panel gap is consistent and every switch performed its task promptly with the precision one would expect from Mercedes Benz of 2008. The deep set twin instruments cowl is a work of art as every time I look at it, there is a satisfyingly sense of luxury and sportiness at the same time. Seating position is sports car low and all controls fall into the driver's hand with ease. There is ample space all round for the driver and the lucky passenger. And in case you're wondering about the roominess, let's just say that attempting to get cosy in this strict two-seater roadster would be a challenge if at least one party isn't a gymnastics practitioner. The tacky silver plastic satellite remote buttons on the old steering wheel are thankfully banished. The revised steering wheel is of a high quality and feels excellent to hold and use. Interestingly, the SLK's roof operation is notably quieter than the other foldable hardtops I had tested so far. Overall, the SLK's interior is a classy and refined place to be in, especially with the improved levels of perceived quality.

The facelifted SLK 200 Kompressor features an updated 1.8 litre supercharged engine with 184 hp, 21 hp more than before. Hence the century sprint takes 7.9 secs, an improvement of 0.5 secs over its predecessor. These performance figures are hardly sports car material but to be honest, this engine is perfectly fine for an open top vehicle. While the SLK 200 Kompressor may not be as fuel efficient as some rivals, it's still gutsy enough for urban traffic brawls and there are incentives for having a small engine capacity (tax friendly for Singapore). This boulevard cruiser could prove to be an excellent buy for both the heart and mind for potential owners. When the roof is down, all that matters is how cool you look driving it. While the engine is not as powerful as I had hoped for, its relative light weight did wonders to the agility for the SLK 200 Kompressor. The steering setup of the car is amazingly direct and is a joy to behold on all roads. Our silver SLK comes fitted with a puny set of 16" alloys which adds to the suppleness of the excellent ride quality.

The new SLK 200 Kompressor's most notable change for passersby would be the new inverted V apron in its lower front bumper. While one may be hard pressed to notice the changes Mercedes Benz has implemented, the improvements are certainly skin deep and welcomed. The SLK 200 Kompressor is ideal for leisurely drives and posing. Also recommended would be the SLK 350, with a healthier 305 hp for further exploits of the superb chassis. The second generation SLK is certainly now both show and go. Now, where do I go looking for that sugar daddy?

	Mercedes Benz  SLK 200 Kompressor
Engine	1,796 cc Supercharged in-line 4
Transmission	5-Speed Automatic Gearbox, Rear-wheel Drive
Max. Power	184 BHP @ 5500 rpm
Max. Torque	250 NM @ 2800 rpm
0-100 km/h	7.9 secs
Top speed	232 Km/h
Fuel Economy	12.1 L/100km (combined cycle)
CO2 Emissions	184 g/km (Euro IV compliant)
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4,103mm X 1,777mm X 1,296mm / 1,390 kg
Price with COE*	$196,888*

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.