MERCEDES' SLK in AMG Sport tirm is a smooth and sophisticated coupe/cabrio.

In 250CDi turbo diesel form it is reasonably sweet and it comes with a standard seven-speed automatic gearbox.

A short drive showed that the car is quick from any speed and the gearbox very smooth changing.

Paddles behind the wheel can be used to change gear manually, but very few owners will ever bother.

I found the ride smooth and comfortable and it also had tremendous road-holding, strong grip and very even balance.

There is too much road noise on coarse surfaces and while it is good, it cannot match the handling of cars like the BMW Z4 - or deliver the same amount of fun.

Avoid the sports suspension, which coarsens the ride and costs you more money into the bargain.

The cabin is a very pleasant place to be and this model comes particularly well equipped, with air con, cruise, electric roof, multi-CD with MP3 connection, alloys and Bluetooth.