Car Reviews 2011 Mercedes Benz Slk
The Mercedes-Benz SLK is a dream car, one of the best-looking sports cars ever made, a true icon of style and refinement. And for 2011 the German manufacturer has developed a third generation of the cult roadster.
As you would expect, the new SLK is highly responsive and offers excellent comfort. The car is meant for everyday, all-weather use but also offers top performance – every day will be a lot of fun. The striking design emphasizes the car’s classic roadster proportions, with a long bonnet, a compact passenger compartment positioned far back and a short tail end. For this third generation model, the bonnet and wings are now made of aluminium.
One of the first features that will catch your eye is the wide upright radiator grille which sports the new-take on the Mercedes-Benz brand star and comes complete with a chromed fin. The headlamps – which use all-LED technology - have a retro look, resembling those from the 190 SL of the 1950s. The designers, however, have also created an appearance which ties in with the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG ‘gullwing model’ and the new CLS.
An optional feature on the trend-setting 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is a panoramic vario-roof with a piece of wizardry called Magic Sky Control. This clever piece of kit switches the roof to light or dark at the touch of a button. The SLK is known for its vario-roof. Back in 1996, the first generation of the car caused a stir with the roof which transformed it from an open roadster to a coupe with a fixed roof in a matter of seconds.
The driver and passenger will enjoy the highly-appointed interior. The centre console and other trim parts come in brushed aluminium, while walnut or black ash can be selected as options. Round dials sit alongside an information display and the car also has an unusual detail – an analogue clock on top of the dashboard. The SLK has a multi-function sports steering wheel with a thick leather crown and also features Airscarf neck-level heating which was introduced in the second generation of the model.
New direct injection four- and six-cylinder engines featuring a start/stop function have been created for the SLK. And the good news is that they are up to 25 per cent more efficient than the previous power units. Initially there will be three models of the SLK available – the 200, 250 and 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. The four-cylinder 1796cc 200 develops 184hp and with the optional seven-speed automatic transmission it returns 46.3 mpg on the combined cycle and goes from 0 to 62mph in seven seconds. Its top speed is 147mph (150mph with manual transmission). The V6 3498cc engine on the 350 produces 306hp, accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. Its fuel economy on the combined cycle is 39.7mpg. There are three suspension options to choose from, including a sports suspension with harder springs and dampers.
Safety is a priority for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK and it features several advanced systems including a drowsiness detection system and an optional automatic braking system should a collision be likely.
