Two-stage airbags for driver and passenger plus head and thorax side bags and seatbelt force limiters are all standard fit as is the sophisticated traction and braking control system. The previous model scored four stars in the NCAP test and this model would likely improve on that if it were tested.

For a couple, the SLK offers reasonable practicality – especially for a roadster. There’s a half-decent boot with 300-litres of luggage room (although it’s restricted to 208 litres with the roof down) which is similar to the BMW Z4. There’s a reasonable amount of room inside and it’s possible to pack a couple of weekend bags and still have the roof down.