Have it? Flaunt it... :-). Review on Mercedes Benz SLK230

The government, it seems, can't make up its mind regarding import of CBUs into this country, but Mercedes Benz have gone ahead and decided to import some selected models anyway. Amongst these, are the SLK-Class (coupe/convertible), the CLK-Class (cabrio), and the M-Class (off-roader) cars.

The SLK230. Let's do the numbers first. Rupees Four Million (or thereabouts). And a 4-pot 2295cc Supercharged (''Kompressed'' in Kraut-speak) DOHC engine that pumps out 197 horses, which, from a standing start, propel the car's 1310 kilos to 100 km/hr in less than 8 seconds! Hmmm! :-) The press launch of the car was in Lonavala, and it rained heavily on the day, but that certainly did not deter loonies like me from wringing the SLK's neck to the max.

Top speed is in the region of 230 km/hr, which we did up and down the Pune Expressway. Yes, there is ABS, so those speeds are generally safe-ish... I was a bit unhappy with the 5-speed auto box though. Sure, it performs without a glitch, and upshifts and downshifts are clean, and instant, but I would rather have a 6-speed manual in a car like this.

Decent 16-inch alloys shod in 205/55 (front) and 225/50 (rear) rubber, and firm, taut suspension settings meant that I could take the Expressway's fast, sweeping bends at full clip. No backing off. Not one bit! Unlike other Mercs in India, the SLK feels more gruff, more rough and ready. Other Mercs generally woofle along in quite elegance, but the brash SLK makes more of a statement. The superb hard-top auto retracts in less than half a minute - all you do is push a button, and there she blows! It is actually the SLK's favourite party trick - people gape and point and stare... :-)

This car has two doors, and two seats (no 2+2 like, say, the CLK-Class...), and the interiors are quite business-like. No elegant wood here. Aluminum trim and carbon-fibre accents is what the SLK gets, and these go with the car's character quite well. Unlike other Mercs, this one also gets a proper handbrake. None of those crappy foot-operated parking brakes for the SLK, thank heavens for that :-)

This car is for making a statement. Dramatic looks, high performance, and good handling. Take faaa....aaaast bends flat-out, and there is very little or no wallow. The chassis remains calm and composed at high speeds, and even at 200+, you feel safe.

The ideal car for smooth twisty mountain roads. The only thing you can wish for, is Cameron Diaz coming with you for the drive..... :-)