Verdict
The third-generation SLK is the sportiest and most engaging version yet. The comfort, refinement and luxury are still there, but it now feels even more like a junior Mercedes SL.

Expert rating: 3.9

Pros
• Interior
• Ride and refinement
• Folding roof oozes quality

Cons
• Other rivals are sportier
• Auto gearbox can be slow
• Pricey

1. Exterior: 4/5
Mercedes' new grille offers some much-needed presence. Whereas the old car's design was a bit messy, it's now much tidier, the shutlines are much cleaner and the subtle concave surfacing on the boot lid adds a touch of class.

2. Interior: 4/5
The interior of the SLK is much more stylish than its predecessor, with a 5.5-inch screen that offers internet access via a mobile phone. Red lighting strips along the door cards and centre console lift the cabin's evening ambience, while the Magic Sky Control roof allows owners to alter the amount of light that enters the cabin by changing the transparency of the glass roof.

3. Practicality: 3/5
Space and versatility aren't strong points, but there's storage in the central arm rest and behind the seats. The roof takes less than than 20 seconds to electrically unfurl and can be operated when moving (at very low speeds). When folded, the tight boot aperture means even shopping bags require a decent push to fit.

4. Ride and handling: 4/5
The platform is shared with the old SLK, but the steering rack is more direct. Combined with impressive body control, the new SLK feels sportier and confidence-inspiring. Optional variable-rate steering and adjustable dampers are available as part of a Dynamic Handling Package, but the standard spring set-up feels well resolved.

5. Performance: 4/5
The best-selling 181bhp SLK 200 has a turbocharged 1.8 petrol engine. The 201bhp SLK 250 feels well balanced and light footed, and gives 0-62mph in 6.6secs. The SLK 350 features a 302bhp 3.5-litre V6 that gives 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds; it will run out of road before it runs out of performance. The SLK55 AMG will use a new 422bhp 5.5-litre V8. Only the SLK 200 gets a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but it can also be specified with the seven-speed auto that's standard on the rest of the range. The manual gearbox feels notchy and a bit vague, while the auto 'box is luxuriously smooth but a little bit slow.

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6. Running costs: 4/5
All SLKs get stop/start, brake energy recuperation and a disengaging alternator as standard. The SLK 200 auto and SLK 250 return 43.5mpg and 42.8mpg, respectively, while the SLK 350 returns a barely believable 39.8mpg and 167g/km of CO2. By Christmas, Mercedes expects to introduce the SLK 250 CDI BlueEfficiency, a 201bhp 2.2-litre diesel that will offer 60mpg and emit less than 130g/km.

7. Reliabilty: 4/5
Mercedes is known for its robust build quality and long-lasting designs. The third-generation SLK is a development of the previous model which, after a limited recall for incorrect control unit software, has fared well in later life.

8. Safety: 4/5
Standard features include PreSafe and Active Bonnet, designed to improve passenger and pedestrian safety respectively, in the event of an impact. AttentionAssist constantly monitors 70 parameters to ensure driver alertness, and Brake Assist Plus with optional Distronic Plus, is a form of radar cruise control. Intelligent Light System manages the main beam in low light conditions.

9. Equipment: 4/5
Standard equipment includes 17-inch five-spoke alloys, 5.5-inch colour screen, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control and a six-disc CD player. The Sport adds leather upholstery, AMG bodystyling, 18-inch AMG alloys and sports suspension.

10. Why buy? 4/5
If you want a two-seater sports car that puts more emphasis on refinement, luxury and comfort than ultimate performance, the SLK is it.