Mercedes-Benz is introducing an SLC 180 as a new entry sports car that's expected to undercut the Mazda MX-5 RF on monthly finance payments.
The new entry-level SLC 180 has a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, producing 154bhp and 184lb ft, mated to a manual six-speed gearbox. The car can sprint from 0-62mph in 7.9sec and on to a top speed of 140mph.
While this makes it 0.6sec slower from 0-62mph than the 2.0-litre-engined MX-5 RF, the SLC 180 offers better fuel economy, with 48.7mpg to the MX-5 RF’s 47.1mpg, and lower CO2 emissions, outputting 134g/km to the RF’s 161g/km.
The SLC 180’s smaller engine and manual gearbox make it the lightest model in the SLC range, weighing in at 1435kg. Like the rest of the 2017 SLC range, it's now only available in AMG Line trim, which adds AMG-designed bodywork and 17in alloy wheels.
Mercedes has confirmed to Autocar that the SLC 180 is on sale now, priced from £32,039, which is £2681 less than the previous entry-level model, the SLC 200.
That list price is £8644 more than the entry MX-5 RF and £2419 more than another rival, the Abarth 124 Spider, but a Mercedes spokesman said that the SLC would have lower monthly prices due to its better residual values, making it cheaper on a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) deal.
Production of the SLC 180 is scheduled to begin in June and first deliveries are expected at the end of July.
The current best selling SLC model in Britain is the SLC 250d, which accounts for close to 70% of total model sales. The UK is the SLC’s biggest market, with around 4000 units sold here each year.
Join the debate
Mikey C
I guess...
ianp55
Mercedes Benz 180SLC
xxxx
£8,000???
Could you tell what these £8,000 of extras are to make the car north of £40,000? And on what evidence do you base this on. Also, how much would they spend on a 370Z?
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
TS7
xxxx wrote:
Driver Assist £1695, Memory Pack £1030, Metallic Paint £685, Different interior trim from £995, Parktronic £695, Airscarf £395, Heated Seats £330, SatNav £595, Auto Gearbox £1600. There are more, but 'tis (relatively) easily done.
centenary
ianp55 wrote:
Yeah not everyone wants a roadster just so they can win the traffic light grand prix or show the next idiot along that their car can 'go faster' than theirs.
Bishop
PCP
Mikey C
But then not everyone buys a
centenary
Mikey C wrote:
Totally agree.
TS7
De-Badging option...
TS7
Or just re-name it...
Add your comment