MERCEDES-BENZ looked both behind and beyond when the third generation of its cult roadster the SLK hit the streets.

Looks that hark back to the legendary 190 SL from the 1950s, regarded by many as being the original SLK, defined the car's low-slung style with its long bonnet, set back cabin and short tail end.

But it wasn't just the past that engaged the Benz designers as they also created a close visual link with both the stunning SLS AMG gullwing model and the latest Mercedes CLS.

The result with the SLK AMG Sport is both futuristic and classy, with LED head and tail lights, a centre console in brushed aluminium or high-gloss wood, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and analogue clock that sits on top of the dashboard.

A common concern of potential sports car buyers is whether their chosen model will prove as enjoyable to drive in the dank winter months.

Well the boys at Benz have every eventuality covering with a car that's a true four-season roadster. So much so that on sitting in the car for the first time it's easy to doubt that the roof does actually come down - to be exact in 20 seconds at the touch of button.

There's actually a choice of three metal hardtops - a standard version painted in the vehicle colour, a dark tinted panoramic vario-roof and something called Magic Sky Control, a glass roof which switches to light or dark at the press of a button.

The latter, a £1,995 option, was tested in Death Valley, California, where a switch to the dark setting resulted in a cabin temperature 20 times cooler than with the roof down.

At the opposite end of the scale if you fancy driving in near-freezing winter sunshine there's the Airscarf high-level heating system, which blasts warm air around your neck from seat vents and the world first Airguide, which varies the degree of airflow through the cabin.

The engine line-up comprises 1.8-litre SLK 200 and 250 petrol plus the 3.5-litre V6 350 and fiery V8 55 AMG model, along with the first diesel to grace the line-up, the tested 2.0-litre 250 CDI.

While the diesel is a tad on the noisy side it is also strong and frugal, though you do well to get close to the official fuel average of 56.5mpg.

Progress is swift though, the car feels planted on the road and the steering is nicely weighted.

Start/Stop is standard across the range along with Mercedes' fuel-saving BlueEFFICIENCY measures and prices are from £29,985 for the 184PS six-speed manual SLK 200.

The AMG Sport adds the likes of front and rear aprons plus side skirts to what is a comprehensive equipment, connectivity and safety list as standard.