Whoever came up with the version name of the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 was something of the genius. The "SLK" is evocative - in English, at least - of "silk", "glossy" and "glossy", all of which are proper to this classic European sports coupecabriolet. Stunning - looking with a F1inspired nose, the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 invites the audience to appreciate the journey and come inside. Top up or top down, it seems really good.

These add up to a powerful engine with loads of torque. However, on a hill drive, that intelligent gearbox is going to do its best to maintain the revs between the engine's favourite speed of 4000rmp and the redline of 6400rpm.

The dual climate control guarantees that you and your one lucky passenger will probably be comfortable, as well as the side airbags and front ensure you will probably be safe. With the top up, the MercedesBenz SLK 280 provides loads of visibility and is quiet. Other choices accessible to add to passenger and driver comfort include the Airscarf neck warmer, and heated and powered seats. The handling is assured and reactive to what you ask of it via the leathercovered multi function steering wheel, making the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 a pleasure to drive.

Disadvantages of the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 are the storage space both within the cottage as well as within the boot is pretty small, notably with the roof down (but what would you expect in a sporty coupecabriolet, that is the motoring equivalent of alluring, body-hugging spandex as opposed to cargo pants?) and the ride is pretty bumpy and noisy over rough surfaces. Some reviewers have mentioned the absence of the multi-stacker CD player for a disadvantage, but within this author's view, the conventional single CD player is very enough to add to the enjoyment of driving the Mercedes Benz SLK 280.

To sum up, the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 is a sporty, alluring and trendy small coupecabriolet that guarantees to become a pleasure to drive around town or on the open highway.

Mercedes Benz SLK 280 Promo Video