Mercedes CLK Cabriolet test

Intro: A KNOW HOW REVISITED

A quiet little road near Palma de Majorca... Frequented by numerous cyclists who come to suffer on the flanks of the mountain, it is all of a sudden invaded by the brand new CLK convertible from the Mercedes family. At the wheel of the car, black cap over his pale eyes, you’ve no doubt recognised Jean Alesi. The Mercedes DTM driver has come to take us for a short trip, his ebulliant sense of humour his only baggage.
ITV Alesi
"I’m finding out about this convertible at the same time as you. So I am delighted that we have got such great conditions... it’s not too hot... because when it’s hot, you can’t take the roof off or you cook ! But this is really great. AND the engine, suspension, brakes, etc, I knew all about them already. But I hadn’t tried them on the convertible. But it all goes very well together ."
Given the fact that he drives in DTM, the Frenchman is obviously driving the 55 AMG version of the CLK convertible that is recognisable by its sharp radiator grill and its 18-inch wheels. The overall design of the convertible keeps the natural elegance of the new CLK coupé. Superb.Roof on. Roof off. Jean Alesi need not worry. Mercedes have thought of everything at ths level with a totally electric system that is controlled from the console or by the remote control. The car’s occupants have nothing to do, the locking onto the windscreen being automatic too. Note, while we are watching, the kinetics of the roof, like the sculpted shapes of the cover behind the headrests. A design that is both nostalgic and sporty.The 55 AMG crowns, if that is the way to put it, a range that includes 4, 6 and 8 cylinder engines. According to Mercedes, the most popular should be the CLK 240 with its V6 and 170 horsepower.
The company’s fans will not be disappointed by the finish. It is irreproachable.
Compared to the old version of the CLK, the 2003 vintage, which will go on sale at the beginning of May, has even more space on the inside thanks to an increase of 71 mm in the length, 25 mm in the wheel base and 23 mm in the head room.All that makes this four seater convertible even more comfortable and its major asset is that it can be enjoyed with friends or the family. Not something that can often be done within the small world of the convertible.in the safety front, the passengers can sit back and relax : head and chest airbags and automatic roll bars are waiting in the wings.But the convertible can also be enjoyed selfishly, especially when, like Jean Alesi, you can enjoy the 55 AMG version.
Roof off, wind break and windows down, the air is still slightly chilly in spite of the sun, but it doesn’t spoil the driving at all. We just feel a slight draught down the back of our necks. Everything has been done to minimise the aerodynamic noises too.
A problem for topless cars : their rigidity. By using high resistance alloys – 40 % greater than on the previous model – this new convertible has further improved its resistance to torsion and at the wheel, even when containing the force of the AMG cavalry, the road holding is of an extremely high standard.
All this work has a price` : 200 kilos heavier than the CLK coupé, the convertible is not as sharp as the coupé. It also requires a bit more of its mechanics. The "little " 200 Compressor and 240 engines are going to struggle a bit. Which was hardly the case for the 5.5 litres of the 55 AMG, which propelled the convertible into some amazing acceleration.
What more can be said : Mercedes lets their know-how shine through. (by Patrick Rivet)