Rearview mirror: Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) - 2004 to 2011

Although the current SLK is only into its third generation with the upcoming R172, Mercedes-Benz has had a long history with small roadsters, with the lineage including the 190SL and the 230SL ‘Pagoda' among others.

At the 1994 Turin Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz showed off the first of two concepts for the SLK, for a smaller, more compact version of its iconic SL roadster model, with SLK standing for Sportich Leicht Kurz (Sporty Light Short in English). The Turin car though, didn't have a roof and so at the Paris Motor Show later that year, the second incarnation of the SLK concept appeared. This time with a folding metal hardtop roof Mercedes calls the Vario-roof.

The SLK concept's electro-hydraulically operated Vario-roof might not be the first of its kind in the history of the automobile but it became the first to be used in the modern era when the production SLK dubbed the R170 went into production in 1996. The steel roof provides added protection normally found in a coupe with the enjoyment of a convertible at the same time. The technology was considered advanced as its rivals still had folding cloth tops.

Just like its 190SL spiritual predecessor, the first generation SLK range consists mainly of four-cylinder models, like the SLK200, SLK200 Kompressor and SLK230 Kompressor with only the SLK320 and the supercharged SLK 32 AMG having V6 motors. Despite having strong competition from the likes of the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3 at that time, the SLK was an instant success thanks to its clever roof design and elegant styling.

The R170 lived on as the Chrysler Crossfire until 2008, sharing substantial elements of the SLK including engines and interiors.

The third generation SLK, dubbed the R172, continued where its predecessor left off. It made its world debut in January 2011 at the Detroit Motor Show. The design follows the themes of both the first and second generation, mixed with contemporary Mercedes styling themes that first appeared on the SLS AMG and hence shares a similar front end look as Mercedes' latest supercar. The new SLK looks a whole lot more butch and muscular thanks to the SLS-style nose and design cues.

The new generation SLK continues with the two-piece metal folding roof known as a Vario Roof, and also comes with the option of "Magic Sky Control" which turns a glass panel in the roof from transparent to opaque at the push of a button.

At launch, the R172 range will include two 1.8-litre turbocharged four pots making 184 bhp in the base SLK200 CGI and 204 bhp in the SLK250 CGI. The SLK350's new V6 features direct injection technology to produce a healthy 306 bhp. The previous four-cylinder models' five-speed automatic gearbox has thankfully given way to the 7G-TRONIC transmission. The R172 looks set to arrive in Singapore within the next couple of months.

Credits: Story by Raymond L Photos by Mercedes-Benz and Raymond L