The SLK's rigid body structure reduces shakes and rattles and improves handling. The rack-and-pinion steering is precise, and well suited for point-and-shoot blasts through tight hairpins turns. Unlike the previous generation SLK, the current models seem to relish spirited driving, and do so with no degradation in ride quality. In fact, because it shimmies and vibrates less, the current SLK is much more pleasant than its predecessors for profiling at a leisurely pace.

The ultimate SLK, of course, is the V8-powered SLK55 AMG. This hot rod is intended to sell in the hundreds, and it's priced accordingly. It's the SLK for those who must have the most horsepower, grip and stopping power. Take the SLK350 at its most exhilarating, multiply times two, and you get a hint of the AMG. We wish this model were offered with a manual transmission. Still, its beefed-up seven-speed automatic, with full manual shift control via buttons on the steering wheel spokes, can make for a truly engaging driving experience.

Summary

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is Mercedes' best small roadster yet. Its retractable hard top is unique in the class, offering the best of two worlds, and it delivers the cachet many people associate with the three-pointed star. This is a sports car in the purest sense.

Michelle Krebs filed the original report for NewCarTestDrive.com.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Mercedes-Benz SLK280 ($42,900); SLK350 ($46,950); SLK55 AMG ($61,500)

Engines:228-hp 2.8-liter V6; 268-hp 3.5-liter V6; 355-hp 5.5-liter V8

Transmissions:6-speed manual; 7-speed automatic

Safety equipment (standard):front airbags; side-impact airbags; knee-protection airbags; anti-lock brakes with brake assist, Electronic Stability Program, Tele Aid telematics for emergency response

Safety equipment (optional):none

Basic warranty:4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled in:Sindelfingen, Germany