LARGE COG IN A SMALL MACHINE

A traditional roadster and a brash V8 is an inspiring combination, says Oliver Young

MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 55 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is like a squirrel wielding a handgun: so small yet so powerful. What we have here is the German brand's baby roadster (in R172 guise) that, as if by magic, has had a 5.5-litre V8 engine squeezed under its bonnet. It's a unique and captivating proposition, yet one that's actually rather affordable.

And we don't just mean to buy, either, because its engine made this SLK the most fuel-efficient V8powered production car in the world on its debut in 2011. This is thanks to the unit's stop-start system, highpressure direct injection, intelligent ancillary power management and clever cylinder deactivation tech.

It emits 195g/km of CO2 and averages 33.6mpg officially. As a result, you won't pay extortionate amounts in fuel or tax, the latter of which comes in at £330. Without such reasonable running costs, the SLK 55 would probably be confined to weekend toy duties, but no, this hot rod can be a viable daily driver more so than its R171 predecessor.