Sequels are usually rubbish – anyone remember Grease 2? Although Hollywood sequels are generally flogging a dead horse, Mercedes’ sequel to the original SLK is more attractive, more powerful and sportier than its predecessor – making the only horse involved the increased horsepower.

The second generation of this two-seater again captivates the eye with its sophisticated design featuring details reminiscent of Formula motor racing. A further development of its vario-roof transforms this roadster into a coupé in just 22 seconds. The range of standard equipment also includes head-thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters. Mercedes engineers have added even more sports refinement to the suspension, steering and manual transmission.

As a global first, Mercedes-Benz is offering the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. This delivers a flow of warm air from the headrests at the touch of a button, thereby enabling SLK occupants to keep the roof down even when there is a chill in the air. This extends the top-down driving season to the full calendar year. Automatic climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light, COMAND and the unique 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission add to the technological innovations, which can now be supplied as options to the SLK-Class for the first time.

The design and technology employed in this second generation of the SLK-Class place even greater emphasis on sports performance. With more powerful engines, redesigned suspension, direct steering feel and a responsive six-speed manual shift system, the new model offers an even more athletic driving experience than ever before. The body size has grown by 72 mm in length and 65 mm in width, affording driver and passenger more space and even higher standards of comfort than the previous model.

From an initial glance, the design of this car reflects the sporty and altogether more powerful character of the new SLK-Class. A long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen, wide doors and short boot are the typical characteristics of a roadster and the new SLK underlines these even more emphatically than its predecessor.

The beautifully shaped body of the new SLK also stands out for its technical merits: no other roadster in this class matches its superb Cd value (0.32), its exceptional standards of body strength, an equivalent fuel tank capacity (70 litres) or a comparable size of luggage compartment (300 litres when vario-roof is closed).

An ultramodern design procedure, a 40 % increase in the use of high-tensile steel alloys and many other additional measures allow the new SLK-Class to surpass the high safety standards set by its predecessor. The occupant protection systems respond to the prevailing situation: for the first time, Mercedes-Benz is using adaptive airbags in this model range, which deploy in two stages depending on the severity of the accident.

The belt force limiters, now standard equipment, also function in two stages and adjust to the severity of the accident. In instances of side impact, recently developed head-thorax airbags spring into action and protect the occupants’ head and upper body. A special sensor also triggers the side airbags and both belt tensioners in the event of the vehicle rolling over. Robust steel tubes in the A-pillars and solid roll-over bars behind the seats offer additional protection in accidents of this kind.

The new model offers a choice of three new engines. The SLK 200 Kompressor offers a relatively moderate four cylinder 120kW / 163hp engine – advantageous as it only consumes 8.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometers. Meanwhile, the SLK 350 offers a 200kw / 272hp engine with a torque of 510Nm – allowing the car to reach a speed of 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. A very impressive engine by most standards, but if you want more power than the SLK 350, your wishes have been answered. Mercedes-Benz is the first carmaker in this segment to respond with an eight-cylinder engine to the wishes of performance-minded car drivers. The new SLK 55 AMG now sets a new benchmark in terms of power (265 kW/360 hp), torque (510 Nm) and acceleration (0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds).

To keep SLK driver and passenger entertained and informed, optional equipment includes the Audio 20 CD stereo car radio, the Audio 50 APS with integrated colour display and a navigation system or COMAND APS, which features a DVD/CD player, colour display and separate DVD drive for the navigation system. Another option is the surround sound system with eleven speakers and a 380-watt amplifier for that ultimate acoustic experience.

With high performance as standard, and a plethora of optional extras, the SLK sequel is as much of a fairytale ending as you could ask for. And with a car this fantastic, there’s no doubt the SLK class will develop into a trilogy in the future.