Mercedes-Benz is presenting the third generation of the SLK, a retractable
hardtop convertible it ... SLK 55 AMG in Canadian showrooms in the spring of
2012.
2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 250
Mercedes-Benz is presenting the third generation of the SLK, a retractable hardtop convertible it rightly calls a coupe roadster. It is still a rear-wheel drive, and there is no change in wheelbase. The other dimensions are essentially the same, give or take a few centimetres. The SLK 250 (1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder) joined the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG in Canadian showrooms in the spring of 2012. Interior and trunk Access is difficult, especially for tall people, because of the car’s low stance, small door openings and wide, often grimy door sills. The seats are very comfortable, even in the absence of lumbar adjustment. The slide release lever should be relocated, from the console side to the door side of the front of the seat or, better still, run the full width of the seat to make it easier to position the seat before getting in. The driving position is excellent. Headroom and legroom are relatively generous, though there is less legroom on the passenger side. The seats can be equipped with the optional AIRSCARF system. Introduced in the previous generation, the system pulses warm air at neck level, to allow for a longer top-down driving season. There is also a classic, easy-to-install wind deflector that is particularly good at reducing air turbulence, for a less breezy, more pleasant ride. The small trunk brings new meaning to travelling light, especially if driving with the top down. The roof opens or closes in just 20 seconds, but only when the car is stopped. Convenience and safety features The cabin is impeccably finished in quality materials. It could, however, be better isolated from road noise when the roof is in place. There are not many storage compartments, and total storage capacity is rather modest. The sun visors slide horizontally for better coverage. Gauges and controls are well laid out, and everything is lighted at night. The air conditioning is efficient. Safety equipment includes dual front, side, side curtain and knee airbags; four-wheel anti-locking disc brakes; stability control; brake assist; drowsy-driving detection; active head restraints; and good headlights. The directional headlights are efficient. Visibility is very good everywhere but on a three-quarter-rear angle. The sun can create glare for the driver when it hits the chrome trim in the centre of the steering wheel.
Photo: Mercedes
Engine and transmission The 1.8-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, for relatively lively acceleration. It isn’t explosive, but it is energetic and supple, provided you keep it running above 2,500 rpm. The uninspiring exhaust note is anything but sporty, despite the best efforts of the engineers. The six-speed manual transmission is easy to use, though reverse is a bit disinclined to engage. The shifter is precise, and clutch uptake is smooth and progressive. The gears are well spaced. A hill-hold mechanism keeps the vehicle from backing up on an incline for the few seconds it takes to move from the brake to the accelerator pedal. On the road As an option, the SLK 250 can add an electronically dampened suspension system with comfort and sport modes. The system automatically and continuously adjusts to conciliate ride smoothness and sporty cornering capability. In comfort mode, the suspension delivers a superb ride on practically all road surfaces, with only the occasional firm reaction. Overall, the ride qualifies as silky smooth, despite the short wheelbase and 18-inch 40-profile-front/35-profile-rear tires. That says a lot about the engineers’ suspension mastery. Handling is very good; not quite as sporty some of its competitors, but still fully adequate and satisfying on our road network. Sport mode firms up the suspension and steering somewhat but in a relatively discrete fashion. The power steering is well weighted, stable, precise and quick. It transmits very little road sensation. The turning circle is small. Braking is smooth and powerful, with good fade resistance. Inspection An inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre showed that the SLK 250’s sturdy platform is well protected against corrosion. The front-and-left placement of the small, 3.5-litre wiper fluid tank is less than ideal for a roadside fill-up. The engine’s overhead camshafts are driven by a chain. Conclusion This SLK 250 is a pleasant surprise. It is not best in class for performance, but it will be appreciated for its fine overall balance and keenly satisfying road comportment. The four-cylinder engine is a good fit for drivers who do not list brute acceleration as a top priority. It is quite vigorous all the same, and fuel consumption is moderate. PROS: smooth ride, handling, comfortable construction, smooth powerful brakes
seats,
retractable
hardtop,
quality
CONS: access, perfectible soundproofing, modest low-speed torque, small trunk, insufficient cabin storage, wiper lever should be relocated
2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK Engine: 16-valve, turbo, 1.8-litre 4-cylinder; 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6; 32-valve, 5.5-litre V8 Horsepower: 201 hp at 5,500 rpm; 302 hp at 6,500 rpm; 415 hp at 6,800 rpm Torque: 229 lb-ft from 2,300 to 4,300 rpm; 273 lb-ft from 3,500 to 5,520 rpm; 398 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual; 7-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 243 cm Length: 413.4 cm (SLK 55: 414.6 cm) Width: 200.6 cm (with mirrors) Height: 130.3 cm (SLK 55: 130 cm) Weight: 1,500 to 1,610 kg Tires: front : 225/45R17, rear : 245/40R17; front : 225/40R18, rear : 245/35R18; front : 235/40R18, rear : 255/35R18 Maximum towing capacity: forbidden Airbags: dual front, two side, two knee airbags and two curtain airbags Fuel consumption with 1.8-litre engine and manual transmission Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 9.1 L/100 km (30 mpg) Highway: 6.1 L/100 km (46 mpg) Test result: 8.6 L/100 km (32 mpg) Test temperature: 14°C to 35°C CO2 emissions: 3,565 kg/20,000 km Fuel tank capacity: 60 litres (SLK 55: 70 litres) Fuel requirement: premium grade gasoline Acceleration with 1.8-litre engine and manual transmission 0–100 km/h: 7.7 seconds 60–100 km/h: 4.8 seconds Competition: Audi TT, BMW Z4, Nissan 370Z, Porsche Boxster Warranty:
Full basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km Powertrain: 4 years/80,000 km Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 km Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited km Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system).
Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $1,574 (AMG styling package) Front brake disc: $179 Brake pads: $136 Front shock absorber: $689 (Dynamic package) Front fender: $716
Price according to trim level (freight and preparation included): SLK 250: $53,895 SLK 350: $68,495 SLK 55: $81,495 Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,500 (SLK 250) Options packages: $800 to $6,990 Price as tested (freight and preparation included): $61,870 Dealers: Quebec: 10
Canada: 59
© August 2012. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec
