Car Statistics: Mercedes - SL Series 02 (4 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

Like its predecessors, this SL's design is already ageing well. A fine looking car from the outside, although some of the cabin switchgear is starting to feel a bit old.

Handling (4 stars)

Don't come here looking for a white knuckle ride. The SL is supremely composed over twisty roads with effortless, safe roadholding.

Comfort (4 stars)

Impressively refined with the roof up and with a pleasingly pliant ride quality over broken road surfaces.

Quality (4 stars)

Solidly constructed, if not quite up with previous generation SLs in terms of perceived indestructability. Some of the switchgear, from last generation S Class, is starting to feel old.

Performance (5 stars)

Basic 350 V6 gives strong urge, with the rest of the range getting progressively sillier. The 65 AMG version has performance to embarrass everything except the most exotic supercars, but comes with a pricetag to match.

Roominess (3 stars)

Only two seats, but spacious by roadster standards for two occupants. Boot capacity is impressive with the roof up, but is small and difficult to access when the roof is stowed.

Costs (2 stars)

Residual values are still impressively sturdy, but the high initial asking price means there's plenty of value to lose. Servicing and insurance are both expensive and the fuel economy of all but the basic 350 V6 is fairly terrible.

Value (3 stars)

More expensive than most obvious rivals, including the Jaguar XK coupe. Standard equipment levels are excellent, though.

Stereo (4 stars)

The powerful audio system copes well when the roof is in place, although it struggles to make itself heard above boulevard-cruising speeds with the roof down. Satnav is excellent.