New Mercedes SLC 2016 review ~ station of gear

5 Apr, 2016 5:00pm Richard Ingram

The SLK has a new name but is the new Mercedes SLC equipped to challenge a field of talented rivals?

Despite its new name, the SLC is essentially a facelifted version of the evergreen SLK. However, with a new badge comes new responsibility, and with a host of recently updated rivals – can the baby Merc roadster still cut it with the class best?

Styling-wise, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the SLC with its SLK predecessor. The changes are slight, with new bumpers front and rear, a diamond grille, full-LED headlights and revised tail lamps. Mercedes says the slimmer lights at the back give the illusion of a squatter, sportier stance.

It’s no different inside, either. The SLK’s high-quality but slightly dated interior is carried over almost unchanged, and save a larger seven-inch screen, new sports steering wheel, Nappa leather seats and fresh trim options, the cabin looks no different.

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But it’s under the skin where Mercedes claims to have made the biggest tweaks. The SLC is allegedly now better to drive, faster and more economical than before, while it also heralds the start of AMG’s new half-fat 43-badged models. The new 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 and revised nomenclature debut here on the SLC 43 – ahead of the C-Class, E-Class and GLC SUV later this year.

But 70 per cent of SLKs bought here in the UK last year were sold with a humble 2.1-litre diesel engine. As a result, Mercedes has decided not to fit the cleaner and quieter 2.0-litre found in the new E-Class – instead ploughing on with the ageing four-cylinder from the previous-generation SLK.

On start up, that usually familiar diesel clatter is well supressed, though. It’s not unrefined or unpleasant, but listen hard and the characteristic hum is present – especially with the roof down.

Disappointingly, the SLC still has a tendency to jolt and shake at low speeds, with bigger bumps and potholes sending tremors reverberating through the cabin. It’s a common problem with drop-top sports cars, but not one that makes inner city cruising any easier to bear.

That said, on the open road the extensive suspension and damper tuning are clear to see. Mercedes’ Dynamic Select system allows you to tweak the car through five modes to best suit your driving style. Comfort, Sport, Eco and Individual each do as they suggest, with the harshest Sport+ setting tightening things up and improving responses for more spirited driving.

The steering is direct and there’s very little body roll; with the car turning sharply into even the tightest hairpins. It’s no Porsche 718 Boxster, but the usual twist and flex associated with convertibles is well disguised on the diesel SLC.

And at higher speeds, that normally ragged four-cylinder diesel is surprisingly responsive, with plenty of torque and enough shove for most overtaking manoeuvres. The 0-62mph sprint is covered in just 6.6 seconds, which half a second faster than a TDI-powered Audi TT Roadster. It’s even relatively calm with the roof lowered, with the neat wind deflector eliminating all but the worst motorway turbulence.

As before, you can spec the optional Airscarf to facilitate year-round top-down motoring, while Merc claims the folding hard top will now lower at speeds of up to 25mph – providing the sequence is started from a standstill.

The nine-speed automatic gearbox suits the car perfectly, too, coming as standard on all but the entry-level SLC 200 petrol. You can take complete control by using the steering wheel-mounted paddles, or you can leave the car to silently switch cogs of its own accord; providing an ideal blend of performance and economy.

And that’s where this SLC really stands out. Opt for the diesel and you’ll benefit from 70.6mpg fuel economy and impressive 114g/km CO2 emissions. That’s an improvement of more than 14mpg and 18g/km over the old SLK 250 CDI.

That – added to the longer list of standard kit – will make it an extremely enticing proposition for company car drivers. It’s safer, too, with active braking, blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist standard across the range.

Despite its new name, there’s no avoiding this SLC feels a lot like a spruced-up SLK. Rivals like the more modern Audi TT Roadster feel superior inside, while a Porsche 718 Boxster is bags more fun from behind the wheel. That’s not to say Mercedes hasn’t made its improvements – the SLC is more responsive, cheaper to run and better equipped – but as facelifts go, this one can be filed under minor and largely inconsequential.

Model: Mercedes SLC 250d AMG Line
Price: £36,995
Engine: 2.1-litre 4cyl diesel
Power/torque: 201bhp/500Nm

Transmission: Nine-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
0-62mph/Top speed: 6.6s/152mph
Fuel economy/CO2: 70.6mpg/114g/km
On sale: Now

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