2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 review from UK and Ireland

This is not really a drivers car. The steering response is a bit like stirring custard. I lost traction doing about 20 mph round a 90 degree corner with the traction control on and on a dry road! The last car I drove that cornered that badly was a Ford Fiesta. The firm seats aren't very comfortable and you never really find the perfect driving position. The dash is appallingly designed - The 0 to 80 mph markings on the speedo are almost always entirely obscured by the large steering wheel unless you have it on the highest setting as though you are driving a truck. I's infuriating not to be able to see your speed. It would have been so much more sensible to put the speed dial on the right hand side so the business end of the dial was always visible - A rev counter is not much use on an automatic. The on board computer is also obscured by about half the steering wheel settings.

Drop-dead gorgeous looks. It makes the pulse race just to walk up to it and click it open. Few cars on the road look this stunning.

The driving experience is a little dissapointing - it's not 'man and machine in perfect harmony'. You almost have to keep reminding yourself you are driving a quality car.

The interior is plain with some small and irritating design flaws.

The engine sound is niether smooth and quite nor sporty and throaty - just an unhappy compromise.

The list of optional extras is endless as the prices are on the typically very steep. Definately consider the lighting package - Press the door button and it lights up like a Christmas tree. There are even lights in the foot wells and under the doors.