2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK320

First DriveWith its sporty, elegant styling and trick power-convertible hardtop, Mercedes-Benz' SLK230 Kompressor has never had trouble attracting positive attention. Where it falls off the enthusiasm curve is in the power department. The original supercharged 2.3-liter/185-horsepower inline four-cylinder engine just didn't deliver the satisfyingly quick output the sporty lines seem to promise. For 2001, that problem's solved.

The new SLK320 takes advantage of Mercedes' 3.2-liter V-6, which brings 215 horses and 229 pound-feet of torque to the open-air party (up a welcome 29 pound-feet over the SLK230). During our driving session in the far-away Canary Islands, we found this drops a full half-second off the 0-60-mph time, which should equal about 6.3 seconds and put it head-to-head with the likes of a BMW Z3 2.8 and only 0.3 second off the pace of a Porsche Boxster. Mercedes quotes top speed at a rollicking 152 mph.

The V-6 finally fulfills the original promise of the SLK, blending quickness with refinement and a wonderful high-revving engine note. This can be coupled with a seamless six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with Touch Shift. Meanwhile, completing the package is a well-controlled suspension and responsive steering that provides good feedback and a precision feel.

To complement its added performance, the SLK also gets a freshened look with new body-color front and rear aprons, rocker panels, and door handles, as well as two-color taillamps. The cockpit offers handsome wood trim, power seats, telescoping steering wheel, and TeleAid emergency response system.

The SLK320 is still not a thoroughbred sports car; that's not its mission. This sophisticated roadster is a refined alternative to the raw adrenaline rush of, say, the more boisterous Boxster. It's a convertible when the weather's good, a securely sealed two-seater coupe when it's not, and an inviting choice for everyday driving, any day. Now with V-6 power, the SLK also rates a couple notches higher on the fun scale, as well.