While that news might be a cause of consternation for some, the only real question is why hasn’t it been done before? After all, diesels now feature in most manufacturers’ cabriolet ranges, and Audi already offers the TT Roadster 2.0 TDI.
Power for the SLK 250 CDI comes from a four-cylinder engine that develops 201 bhp (150 kW / 204 PS). With common-rail injection and two-stage turbo charging, it takes full advantage of diesel’s two great strengths.
The first is efficiency. As would be expected, average fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg (4.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 128 g/km easily better the 42.8 mpg (6.6 l/100km) and 153 g/km achieved by the equivalent petrol SLK, the 250 BlueEfficiency.
But perhaps more significantly, the SLK 250 CDI also beats its only true rival, the diesel TT. Despite having 33 bhp (25 kW / 34 PS) less than the Mercedes-Benz, the Audi can only manage 51.4 mpg (5.5 l/100km) and 144 g/km.
The second is torque, which is critical for quick mid-range acceleration times. The SLK 250 CDI boasts a massive 500 Nm (368 lb/ft), allowing the benchmark 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint to be completed in 6.7 seconds. However, it’s the more relevant 50 - 75 mph (80 - 120 km/h) increment that really impresses, as it takes just 4.3 seconds.
For now, the diesel SLK is only available with the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission, although a six-speed manual gearbox is promised for the second quarter of 2012.
UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, but in Germany the SLK 250 CDI costs €41,828.50 including VAT. That’s around £36,365 at today’s exchange rate.
It just remains to be seen how long it’ll take BMW to join in and launch a diesel Z4.
Related post:
Brabus tweaks the new SLK
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