Of course, you don't buy a roadster based on trunk capacity. It's an emotional decision fueled by driving excitement. That's where the SLK shines. Picture yourself on the Moyenne Corniche overhanging Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, in the mountains of the French Riviera. You're slicing through corners at their apex without the engine ever running out of breath or the steering lacking assistance. In front of you, the owner of a Mazda MX-5 has the impression of driving a Citroën 2CV, seeing how powerful and intimidating your SLK appears in his rearview mirror.

The engine is often a determining factor in the purchasing process, particularly in this market segment.

My tester was a brand new SLK 350. With other journalists also invited by Mercedes-Benz Canada, we climbed Moyenne Corniche and travelled hundreds of kilometers in the Alpes-Maritimes region, in southeast France. The SLK-Class is the latest addition to the automaker's 2009 lineup. Its new 300-hp V6 allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 5.4 seconds, regardless of your transmission choice (6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic with manual mode). Performance enthusiasts will quickly point out that two tenths of a second have been taken away from the time achieved by the old 268-hp 3.5L V6 (2008 model).

Three-prong lineup
In Canada, the SLK-Class will still be available in three trim levels. The base SLK 280 becomes the SLK 300 but keeps the same 3.0L V6. The SLK 350 grows more powerful thanks to a new V6. Finally, the fearsome SLK 55 AMG comes back with the same 5.4L V8 that allows 0-100 sprints in 4.9 seconds. Excluded from the North American market is the 184-hp, 4-cylinder SLK 200 Kompressor (a direct competitor of the MX-5).

While Mercedes likes to talk about the "new" SLK, the car is still instantly recognizable. Redesigned bumpers represent the main styling upgrade. Up front, the two lower air intakes have been enlarged to further emphasize the sharply tapered nose and focus the attention on the massive three-pointed star on the grille. Meanwhile, the lower section of the rear bumper is more sculpted to further accent the new trapezoidal exhaust tips.

The new SLK only boasts minor styling upgrades.

As for the AMG model, it sports a new front fascia with black-colored slats, small side air outlets and circular fog lights. Together, they give the car even more presence.