Mercedes-Benz SLK

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLK is smart and functional, without setting the world alight when it comes to design or quality. It feels reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz SLS supercar, and there are brushed aluminium accents on the door handles, jet-like air vents and gear selectors. At the centre of the dash is a large 5.8-inch screen that also has the option of offering internet access through a data enabled mobile phone. Further party pieces include Campari red lighting strips along both the door cards and centre console to lift the cabin’s ambience at night. In the day, customers can play with the Magic Sky Control roof. This allows passengers to alter the amount of light that enters the cabin by changing the transparency of the glass roof. Sounds like an expensive, optional extra (it is) but in hot weather it does keep you cool with the roof up. The overall finish of the Mercedes-Benz SLK feels decent but it falls just short of the BMW Z4 by a couple of instances – the minuscule clock that sits on the dash feels tacked on, while the elasticated door pockets also look cheap. A Porsche Boxster and Audi TT Roadster both feel considerably more premium inside, with smaller panel gaps and more space.