Mercedes-Benz SLK: If looks could thrill...

Let's face it: the Mercedes-Benz SLK is getting on a bit. Pitching an SLK against its mighty foes, the new Z4, 370Z and Boxster S, is like going to battle blindfolded and with one hand tied behind your back. Although a new version, expected to follow in the footsteps of Merc's forthcoming SLS halo car, is on the way and should be able to give its rivals a good hiding, it's at least a year away.

The current SLK is in its last throes, but Mercedes is hell bent on squeezing every last bit out of the ageing drop-top. For 2009, they have spruced up the old girl and the end result is a shiny new 2Look Edition. With a production run of just 300 units, only 30 of which will make it to the region, the spesh SLK can be had in black or white. That's not an awful lot of choice, but the point is, if it's just bragging rights you're after, the 2Look Merc should be right up your street.

Mechanically, the car still has the SLK 300's 231bhp, 3.0-litre V6 which doesn't have the urgency of its fresher rivals. The steering is deliciously chunky, although a tad short on feedback and feel.

At Dh204,419 the 2Look SLK300 is priced perilously close to the standard, bigger-engined SLK 350, but it's packed to its gills with kit and acres of rapper-spec créme leather.

Apart from nappa sport seats you get special 2Look badges all around, including the glass diffuser - so everyone can see it's not a run-of-the-mill SLK when you're cruising with the roof down - special 18in five-twin-spoke alloys, white dashboard trim, black roof lining and white edged floor mats with 2Look logo. So should you pay the extra dosh for what's essentially a bog-standard SLK with different seats, carpets and a few badges?

There are sharper sports cars around for the 200K price tag this SLK commands, but if it's looks and exclusivity you're after, which is the entire point of this special model, the 2Look SLK is a great deal.

Let's put it this way: if your mind's already set on an SLK go for the 2Look Edition, but if you're still deciding on which sports coupé to buy, there are better cars out there.

Specs