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The third-generation Mercedes SLK has been revealed, prior to its public debut at the end of January, and its UK launch in June.

As with the first two generations, the new Mercedes SLK will feature a folding hard top, which is available in three forms.

While the standard roof is made of aluminium, buyers can also choose to have tinted glass in the top panel. Most interesting of all though is the Magic Sky Control option.

This allows the SLK's occupants to choose between clear or tinted glass at the touch of a button, thanks to a layer of liquid crystal beneath the glass.

The new SLK will also be the first available with a diesel engine, although this won't be available at launch. Instead, there will be three petrol engines:

• SLK200: 1796cc, 184bhp, 46.3mpg, 7.0sec 0-62, 150mph top speed (147mph for auto)
• SLK250: 1796cc, 204bhp, 45.5mpg, 6.6sec 0-62, 150mph top speed
• SLK350: 3498cc, 306bhp, 39.7mpg, 5.6sec 0-62, 155mph top speed

All the engines carry BlueEfficiency badging, so they're fitted with fuel saving measures such as stop and start along with high-tech fuel injection.

The SLK200 features a manual gearbox as standard, with a seven-speed auto available at extra cost - this transmission is standard on the SLK250 and SLK350 however.

Buyers can choose from three suspension systems. Standard will be a conventional set-up, with a firmer sports system also available. Most costly of all though will be an electronically controlled package that automatically adjusts to suit the conditions.

Safety is also key, with Attention Assist, Intelligent Lighting and Speed Limit Assist all available. The latter detects the speed limit as the car passes a road sign, and flags it up on the dash so the driver can more easily keep to the limit.

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