What's New for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class?
A new Mercedes-Benz SLK280 model joins the existing SLK350 for 2006. The SLK280 features a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 engine. And as on the SLK350, a seven-speed automatic transmission is optional. The SLK280 undercuts the SLK350 by a few thousand dollars; the tradeoff, besides the engine, is 16-inch wheels instead of 17s and a slightly more limited options list.

Advantages of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class:

• Retractable hardtop that's a cinch to operate
• Strong V6 engine in the SLK350
• Head and thorax side-impact airbags
• Optional Airscarf neck-warmers

Objections to the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class:

• Folding hardtop eats potential cargo space
• Clunky manual transmission shifter
• Poor outward visibility with top up

Editor's Advice:
Last year's all-out redo of the SLK caught quite a few people by surprise. No longer a poseur roadster, the Mercedes SLK is finally for real. It's handling is sharp and secure, and the 350's V6 has enough torque and horsepower to give enthusiastic drivers something to work with. And while the SLK's price is lamentably in line with Mercedes' typically premium approach to MSRPs, at least there's a quality interior and special features to make the purchase easier to rationalize. Among its peers, which include the BMW Z4, Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster, the SLK holds its head high.