Test drive Mercedes-Benz SLC: small and funny
This year marks exactly 20 years since Mercedes released a small roadster called the SLK. Then-Mercedes designer Bruno Sacco drew a short, cute (but not quite masculine) model with a folding hardtop and car image for those who are more interested in the wind in their hair than driving performance - although the first generation also had a 32 AMG version with 354 "horses ". The second generation, which hit the market in 2004, also finds itself in a similar situation when it comes to sporty and fun driving. If it were necessary, then it was possible, but the feeling that the car was created to encourage the driver to even more was somehow not there, even with the SLK 55 AMG.
The third generation hit the market five years ago and with this update it has been given (among other things) a new name – and when we talk about AMG versions, also a completely different character.
The new entry-level model is the SLC 180 with a 1,6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 156 horsepower. They are followed by the SLC 200 and 300, as well as a 2,2-liter turbodiesel with a mark of 250 d, 204 "horsepower" and as much as 500 Newton meters of torque, which is almost at the level of the AMG version. Even the latter works surprisingly well on a twisty road, especially if the driver chooses a sport mode in the Dynamic Select system (which controls the response of the engine, transmission and steering) (Eco, Comfort, Sport + and Individual options are also available). and puts the ESP into sport mode. Then the car can easily make a series of turns without interfering with the ESP when it's not needed (like on serpentine exits when the rear inside wheel wants to go a little), and at the same time the ride can be far from limit so the car as the driver. Sure: the weaker petrol and diesel aren't sports cars and don't even want to be, but they're nice cars that are great on the city's waterfront (well, except for the slightly louder diesel) and on the less demanding ones. Mountain road. Weaker petrol engines are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard and an optional 9-speed G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, which is standard on the three engines.
To make the SLC seriously different from the previous SLK, it is enough to use a completely new nose with a new mask and headlights (under the exterior of the new Mercedes, of course, Robert Leschnik is signed), new taillights and exhaust pipes to make the SLC attractive. eye. brand new car) and heavily processed interior.
There are new materials, lots of aluminum and carbon fiber surfaces, new gauges with a better LCD screen in between, and a bigger and better central LCD. The steering wheel and shift lever are also new - in fact, only a few details and pieces of equipment resemble the SLK, from the Air-Scarf, which blows a gentle warm breeze around the neck of both passengers, to the electrochromatic one. a glass roof that can be dimmed or dimmed at the touch of a button. Of course, the range of safety accessories is rich - it is not on the level of the new E-Class, but the SLC does not lack anything from the list of safety-critical equipment (standard or optional): automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping system, active LED lanterns (
The star of the SLC range is, of course, the SLC 43 AMG. Instead of the old naturally aspirated 5,5-litre V-4,1, there is now a smaller and lighter turbocharged V-4,7 that is weaker in power but has nearly the same torque. Previously (including due to acceleration, which increased from 63 to 503 seconds), all this was noted as a step back: it should also be noted that Mercedes engineers have put a lot of effort into reducing weight, as well as the fact that they the chassis is handled boldly – and that is why the SLC AMG is now a completely different car. More manageable, more playful, and while he's always ready (by sweeping ESP) to sweep his ass, he does it in a playful way, and the old AMG liked to evoke a frightening and nervous feeling at such times. When we add in the great sound (humming downstairs, sharp in the middle and above, and with more crackling on the gas), it becomes clear: the new AMG is at least a step ahead of the old one - but the SLC will get an even more powerful version of the 43 AMG with XNUMX horses with four-liter turbocharged eight-cylinder engine. But it will also be more difficult, and it is quite possible that the XNUMX AMG is the perfect middle ground for maximum driving pleasure.
Dušan Lukič, photo by Ciril Komotar (siol.net), institute
