Merc reveals new SLK 17 | 01 | 2011

THIS IS the first look at the all-new Mercedes SLK which goes on sale across Scotland later this year. The two-seat roadster not only has a new rear-wheel drive platform, but also get a diesel powerplant pitching it directly against the Audi TT. Engineers also claim the new SLK sits on a more sporting chassis and looks less aggressive than the outgoing model.

The newcomer will again use a clever folding hardtop, as Mercedes continues to ignore the option of a lighter fabric roof. Owners though will get the choice of a standard aluminium, fixed-tint glass or electro-magnetic variable-tint glass panel.

From launch there will be a choice of three petrol engines — a pair of turbocharged 1.8-litre units, producing 184bhp in the SLK200 and 204bhp in the SLK250, and the range-topping SLK350, which features Mercedes’ new V6 — and, for the first time, a 2.1-litre turbodiesel churning out 204bhp.

While the SLK200, with its standard six-speed manual gearbox, has a claimed 0-62mph time of 7.0sec, the 3.5-litre V6 delivers 306bhp, has a claimed 0-62mph time of 5.6sec and a combined 39.8mpg.

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