Mercedes SLK reaches 500,000 milestone

Mercedes' most popular premium roadster has reached a 500,000 milestone after 12 years. With the creation of the SLK, Mercedes-Benz carved out a new niche in the market for the premium compact roadsters segment with innovative features such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF. This first generation went on to sell 310,00 units until it was replaced by an all new model in 2004.

The second generation (2004 +) so far was just treated to a mid-life facelift featuring a re-designed front and rear with some slight interior modifications resulting in a much sportier appearance. This model sold in excess of 190,000 units with the UK market taking 40,000 SLK's. The engine range for the SLK also received some mid-life tuning from the Mercedes engineers, the manual transmission SLK now consumes 1.1 litres/100km less than its predecessor whilst power has gained 33 hp bringing the grand total up to 305hp.

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Volkswagen Passat CC pricing announced (UK)

The entry level 1.8-litre TSI 160bhp Passat CC will start from £21,040 rising to £31,120 for the flagship 3.6-litre V6 300bhp.

Only 2 grades will be available; CC and GT. The CC will come with 17” ‘Phoenix’ alloy wheels, 2Zone Climatronic air conditioning, touchscreen CD stereo system with six-disc autochanger, six-way electrically adjustable sports seats, a multifunction leather steering wheel, six airbags and ESP. The additional extras on the GT model include the CC specification plus 18” ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels, ‘silversprint’ upholstery, tinted windows, front foglights and Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC).

Volkswagen UK hopes to sell 6000 units annually with the diesel engine likely to be the most popular.

With the Passat CC, VW is entering into a new market which was previously monopolised by the Mercedes CLS and will give consumers a non premium option in the 4-door coupe segment.