RELIABILITY:
It's a Mercedes -build quality is peerless and reliability almost unrivalled but
Mercedes service history still essential.
VERDICT:µµµµµ
HISTORY:
NOV 1996 SLK 230 Kompressor
(supercharged, 193 bhp) rear wheel drive Roadster launched in UK with 5-speed
automatic transmission with cruise control, electro-hydraulic steel 'Vario-roof',
power assisted steering, remote central locking, immobiliser, dual front and side
airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electric windows, electric heated
mirrors and radio cassette. JUN 1998 Revisions: standard air conditioning, adjustable
steering column, 'Brake Assist' braking system and standard Sony audio system.
COMMENTS:
Good value new but no cheap ones used. Too sedate for serious sport-lovers but
for everyone else it's the ultimate toy. Very clever, very Convertible, very chic.
Turns from Convertible to snug Coupe in seconds in the touch of a button. In the
Sports sector the single most important feature, the braking system, has been
developed beyond all recognition - SAFETY is the watchword with some of the quickest
machines on the road. "Pedestrian-friendly" bumpers, bonnets and headlights have
been developed but I still think it quite "unfriendly" to have a fast two seater
bearing down on you! Despite being fitted with many passive saftey features the
SLK failed to find a place in the top 10 of a recent research laboratory safety
test surprisingly. In a very competitive sector of the market even one mediocre
test result will make a manufacturer sit up and take note. The testers will be
hoping that Mercedes look carefully at the results of the anti-lock brakes I'm
sure.
Interior:
The table below shows the standard interior equipment available on a C-Class Sport
Edition in addition to the entry level standard equipment.
•
Aluminium interior trim
• Electric folding exterior rear mirrors (C 350 SE only)
• Fabric seats standard (Black only)
• Floor mats - front with "SPORT Edition" lettering and silver edging
• Leather trimmed sports gearshift with aluminium knob
• Modified instrument cluster
• Multi-function leather three-spoke sports steering wheel with thumb rests
• Pedals with stainless steel inserts and rubber studs
Good
value new but no cheap ones used. Too sedate for serious sport-lovers but for
everyone else it's the ultimate toy. Very clever, very Convertible, very chic.
Turns from Convertible to snug Coupe in seconds in the touch of a button. In the
Sports sector the single most important feature, the braking system, has been
developed beyond all recognition - SAFETY is the watchword with some of the quickest
machines on the road. "Pedestrian-friendly" bumpers, bonnets and headlights have
been developed but I still
think
it quite "unfriendly" to have a fast
two seater bearing down on you! Despite being fitted with many passive saftey
features the SLK failed to find a place in the top 10 of a recent research laboratory
safety test surprisingly. In a very competitive sector of the market even one
mediocre test result will make a manufacturer sit up and take note. The testers
will be hoping that Mercedes look carefully at the results of the anti-lock brakes
I'm sure.
JUL 1997 CLK Sport and Elegance
Coupes launched in UK: 200 (136 bhp), 230 Kompressor (supercharged 193 bhp) and
320 (218 bhp), with 5-speed gearbox (200/230k) or 5-speed automatic (optional
on 200 and 230K, standard on 320), sports suspension, power assisted steering,
anti-lock brakes, ASR traction control, twin airbags/front side airbags, alloy
wheels, electric sunroof, mirrors and front windows, remote central locking, alarm,
immobiliser and split rear seat. Elegance
models also have 'Comfort' suspension
and walnut trim. 320 models have air conditioning (instead of sunroof), cruise
control and adjustable steering column. JUN 1998 Cabriolet range launched: 230
Kompressor and 320 V6, with Sport or Elegance equipment. Revisions: CLK 200 and
230K have air conditioning, adjustable steering column and uprated stereo; Automatic
models have cruise control.
"For
some this enormous, highly engineered, sumptuous, palace on wheels is the ultimate
symbol of the plutocrat. Ownership usually has more to do with wealth and status
than environment awareness, Thirsty with horrendous servicing costs at Mercedes-Benz
garages but making a statement never comes cheap. "
The
New C-Class Coupé Dynamic design, sporty appearance and efficient
engines
The
New SLK This edition of the roadster from Mercedes-Benz
impresses with its dynamism, efficiency and stylish comfort
The
New CLS This autumn the new CLS will cause hearts to
race and a whole new spark with its athletic design
