{ MOTORING REVIEW }
I MERCEDES-BENZ SLK250 CDI
SMOOTH OPERATOR
TECHNICAL STUFF: Model tested: SLK 250 CDI Engine: 2,143 cc Performance: 0-62mph 6.7 seconds Top Speed: 151mph Economy: 56.5 combined Price from: ÂŁ33,150 As Tested: ÂŁ36,965
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have always been a fan of the SL Mercedes models as they are full of style, luxury and, best of all, speed. Therefore, the compact version of the SL, the SLK, is an interesting review as when I spot them on the street, from the front I instantly think SL until it pulls alongside and you see the shortened length dictates the SLK. Itâs very pretty, but until now l have never driven one. Letâs start with the power plant range. The four petrol engines are a very diverse bunch: 1.8s, 3.5V6 and the gorgeous 5.5V8. The V6 and V8 are strong units that will pull you up the road at quite a lick, although l do find the 1.8s a little underpowered and short on performance. Like the BMW Z4 1.8, I find them a tad disappointing, but they sell well enough, proving that, for many, the looks are more important than the get up and go. It is a bold move from one of the worldâs leading manufacturers, who for the first time have dropped a diesel engine into the range which is impressive in terms of stats, such as 56.5mpg from a twin-turbo-charged four-cylinder, but I am not a huge fan of the usual diesel rattle on