Overall reader verdict 3 out of 5 stars

  • What's it like to drive
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Running costs
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Quality, practicality and equipment
    4 out of 5 stars

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Mercedes-Benz SLK Open
2 reader reviews for Mercedes-Benz SLK Open.

  • 250 CGI (Euro) 2dr

    Neil Oxley Date: 15/05/2012
    • Overall verdict
      2 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      2 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      2 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      3 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      28.4

    My car

    Hmm... The difficult "third album". I was intrigued by the promise of the SLK250; a turbo-charged 1.8 with 200ish bhp, 0-62 in 6.6sec and fuel economy to make a diesel blush (false claim alert!). Also, Mercedes claims that this car is more driver focused than the MkII SLK (of which I own a 280 model), with improved levels of quality and build. Well... It's not what it's cracked up to be. I think MB have got it wrong. They have tweaked the 350 (3.5 V6) to deliver over 300bhp, with pretty impressive mpg and CO2 emissions to boot. Surely they could have done the same with the 3.0 V6 (tuned to about 250bhp) and not bothered with the turbo-charged four pot? This engine simply does not belong in this car. The SLK suits the V6 engines. The V6 with heated seats and airscarf are what the SLK is about - otherwise, buy a TT. Turbo-chargers are for Corsas on council estates, driven by teenage lads with tyre-fitter haircuts. They don't belong in the SLK. It feels wrong, sounds wrong and behaves at odds with the car's driving style. What is more, it doesn't work with the (great) automatic transmission... You can here them debate between a downshift or a turbo boost and then nothing happens until it's too late and a bus passes by. Other things that are wrong... It's limp-wristed to drive; the steering is weak and lacks feel or precision. The COMAND system is a pain as well. My suggestion; Buy an SLK350 or an Audi TT 2.0TFSI. Avoid the COMMAND system and buy the direct steering pack.

  • 200 CGI BlueEff. AMG Sport 2dr

    Jeremy Harvey , Derbyshire . Date: 26/10/2011
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      32

    My car

    Third SLK and have enjoyed all.I believe this one with AMG kit is the classiest.Used as second car so mileage tends to be low per year.Interior much improved over the other two.The cut out system takes some getting use to particularly on automatic.Not so sure the turbo engine compared to previous supercharged type but performance seems similar. It is an expensive car but the solid roof is what has always swayed me over its competitors,on this one we have had the panoramic roof system. Hopefully the car will provide another six years of trouble free motoring as the other two previously.

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