HiTech Review Network

As 2009 comes to a close, we're going to go back to the early part of 2008. In April of that year, the new and improved Mercedes Benz SLK Roadster was launched with the promise of better fuel economy, improved emissions and an "even more emotionally charged driving experience".

However, in June of this year (2009), Mercedes Benz decided to offer something for the summer - the special edition Mercedes Benz SLK 2LOOK. Potential customers who like exclusivity might be pleased to learn that there were only 150 2LOOK cars available in the UK. That was the original intention but I have since found out that in response to the demand, the 'run' was increased to 450 units. It makes it a little less elite but you are unlikely to see two in the same area.

The Mercedes Benz SLK 2LOOK takes the base SLK 200 Kompressor and adds some special goodies, but the main caveat is that you have to like black and white as that is the theme. For a start, the bodywork comes in Calcite Black or White but Obsidian Black Metallic is an option and the exotic designo Mystic White is available as a special order, adding a hefty £1,830 to the price. The test car came in this colour and although it is listed as metallic, it has more of a pearlescent, satin finish, which is very attractive.

Mercedes Benz SLK-Class

The standard Mercedes Benz SLK 200 Kompressor has an OTR price of £29,445, while this Special Edition carries a price tag of £31,235. That is before some of the optional extras have been added. A quick calculation shows a price difference of £1,790 but the actual customer benefit is more in the region of £2,395. Exclusive and a bargain.

The Mercedes Benz SLK range underwent a substantial facelift in 2008, during which the 200 Kompressor gained new 16-inch alloys with a 5-spoke design and powered and heated door mirrors, twin chrome tailpipes, chrome framed foglamps, a car-wash-friendly aerial on the rear wing, green tinted glass, sports seats and a good many other things, except leather upholstery.

The seat covering and door panel are some of the most outstanding and distinguishing features of the Mercedes Benz SLK 2LOOK. The seats continue the black and white theme with white designo, fine nappa leather upholstery as the main colour and broad, black-leather edging running around the outer edge and shoulders. This is embellished with contrasting top-stitching and beautiful as it is, my first thoughts were penguin and how difficult would it be to keep clean?

This same soft leather can also be found covering the rake- and reach-adjustable steering wheel and the centre armrest-cum-storage. The roof lining is in black and the Mystic white exterior colour is carried over inside the cabin, in the form of a strip that breaks up the fascia. Furthermore, the Mercedes Benz SLK 2LOOK has black, velour carpets with white edging and 2LOOK logo.

The black dashboard is made from a textured, soft-touch material for a practical but comfortable feel. Some of the interior upgrades seen during the last revamp have been retained for the Mercedes Benz SLK 2LOOK. The three-spoke, multifunctional steering wheel for example and the new 3D bezels that surround the crisp chronograph-style instrument dials.

The Mercedes Benz SLK 2LOOK's centre console houses the standard Audio 20 system comprising radio and single CD player, nine speakers, a 5-inch full-colour screen, which in radio mode, is reminiscent of an old fashioned tuning bar but using buttons to change stations, in place of a dial. The system also features a telephone pad, and also comes with Bluetooth hands-free. There are plenty of audio upgrades available including the Harman Kardon Logic7 system, which greatly improves the clarity and sound quality, especially during open-top driving.

The central tunnel seems quite high when ensconced in the hip-hugging sports seats but the stubby, short-throw gear shift falls nicely to hand, as does the equally short parking brake handle. Just ahead of this is the button for the vario roof.

Mercedes Benz SLK-Class Review

It takes 22 seconds for the hard-top to open or close, moving in balletic fashion from coupe to roadster or vice-versa. The Mercedes Benz SLK 2LOOK has a transparent wind deflector between the seats in place of the standard fabric and although heated seats are an option across the range, as is the AIRSCARF both are included in this Special Edition. The AIRSCARF blows heated air through a vent in the seat, at neck level. It has three settings and helps to keep you snug and warm for open-top motoring on crisp, bright winter days.

2008 also saw some changes to the exterior. At the front, where there was one large intake, there is now a modified air-dam, resembling a 'splitter' and a more pronounced 'V'. The three-pointed star is a little more prominent thanks to sharper contouring and the overall effect is almost brutally aggressive and altogether sharper. The same can be said of the rear end with its new diffuser-style, lower bumper and AMG-inspired darkened tail light lenses.

Although the 16-inch alloys are the norm for the Mercedes Benz SLK 200 Kompressor, the 2LOOK gains 18-inch, twin-spoke alloys in Titanium Silver or Chrome Shadow and the car is further differentiated by black surrounds to the light clusters and a 2LOOK badge.

The words 'crisp' and 'sharp' have appeared quite a lot in this report and for good reason, but they apply to more than cosmetic features. The Mercedes Benz SLK 2LOOK's steering is exceptionally 'crisp' and positive. It feels a tad weighty but not overly so - more a comfortingly solid feel that goes with the taut handling, which is best experienced on that open road and fast bends. It also goes a long way to illustrating why the SLK is something of a cult car.

Mercedes Benz SLK-Class

The Mercedes Benz SLK range all come with ABS with Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), which, while good to have, can spoil the party somewhat. However, some of the functions can be switched off but for some newer drivers, it might mean that they put the full set of airbags to the test.

The Mercedes Benz SLK 2LOOK comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox that is very user-friendly with nicely spaced ratios. That said, for some reason first gear feels just a smidgeon retarded. It is hardly noticeable but you can feel the difference once into second gear, which is when the car really gets going.

While the top of the range, Mercedes Benz SLK 350 houses a new and improved, 3.5-litre V6 engine and the SLK 300 has a 3.0-litre V6 the 2LOOK, as mentioned is based upon the SLK 200 Kompressor. Now this may be a relatively small 1.8-litre engine, it has the magic word 'Kompressor' in the title and that means supercharged.

It produces 184PS at 5,500rpm and 250 delicious Nm of torque between 2,800 and 5,000rpm. It takes 7.6 seconds to complete the 0-62mph sprint and the top speed is 147mph. It may not be quite as quick off the mark as the other two, and certainly no competition for the Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG but it is fast enough for UK roads and provides a exhilarating but safe drive.

The fuel consumption figures are posted as: 25.2- for the urban cycle, 47.1- for the extra-urban and 35.8mpg for the combined, during which cycle, CO2 is emitted from the twin tailpipes at a rate of 188g/km.

The Mercedes Benz SLK has more than a hint of the Riviera about it and the 2LOOK just piles on the chic, if that is not a contradiction of terms. The on-board goodies make it a bargain that is too good to miss and, if you are quick, you might just catch the last of them in a showroom near you.

Mercedes Benz SLK-Class Road Test Conclusion
Performance
Ride and Handling
Ease of Use
Safety and Security
Comfort and Refinement
Interior Styling
Exterior Styling
In Car Entertainment & Navigation
Build Quality
Value for Money
Overall	68%

 Source:CarPages.co.uk