The interior of the SLK models was also updated for 2009. Most noticeable is a new three-spoke steering wheel—though only a 2008 owner would likely know—with new multifunction controls, and a new instrument panel and bezels.

Mercedes-Benz is now equipping the SLK with new NTG 2.5 generation of audio and telematics components. That surely means something to someone somewhere, and if it does to you, well, there you go. BlueTooth is a standard in the SLK-Class and there’s an optional plug in the glove box for audio devices such as an iPod or other mobile media, allowing control of these devices by the standard instrument controls. Unfortunately there’s no lock on the glove box door.

Alas, our test SLK300 did not have the optional harman/kardon Logic7 audio system that can be optimized for top up or down driving, the best yet for its roadster, Mercedes claims. Still, we were impressed with the standard AM/FM/WB radio with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and nine speakers.

Other standard “comfort/convenience” features standard with the SLK350 include leather upholstery, 8-way manual sport seats, dual-zone climate control and remote central locking with standard “Smart Key” keyless starting and access.

Our SLK300 was also equipped with options including the Premium 1 Package which includes Sirius satellite radio, the iPod/MP3 interface, 8-way power seat and 4-way (telescoping and tilt) steering wheel adjustment with three-position memory, auto-dimming driver’s side and interior rear-view mirrors, infrared remote roof actuation (cool), rain-sensing wipers and an interior ambient lighting package that uses LEDs for an automotive version of mood lighting—though there’s just one mood. This group has a price tag of $2,950.

Our test roadster also had optional digital automatic climate control, which allows setting of a specific temperature rather than just a warmer/cooler control. That costs a rather stunning $730. It should be standard equipment, no?

Also included and to our opinion a “mandatory” option is the lighting package that includes bi-xenon headlamps, cornering fog lamps and high pressure headlamp washers. The brighter headlamps alone are worth the $1,030 cost of admission.

Another thing that Mercedes roadster owners should not do without is the heating package which bundles Mercedes’ exclusive “WindScarf”, heated seats and a cloth windscreen. The latter is transparent black mesh fabric taken straight a Frederick’s of Hollywood catalog and stretched between the headrests to block wind swirling between the seats. The WindScarf is cool. Or warm actually, basically a hairdryer in the seatback that blows heated air on the occupant’s nape of the neck. Turn on the heated seats, fire up the WindScarf turn up the heater, slip on that Frederick’s of Hollywood windscreen and raise the side windows to create a bubble of warm air that can make al fresco driving in cooler temperature without it being too fresco. It’s a $990 package, but by letting you enjoy more of what you buy a convertible for it’s certainly worth the price.

Our tester was equipped with the Sport Package which includes 18-inch AMG five-spoke wheels (replacing the standard 17-inch rims), AMG front air dam and aero trim including a rear deck spoiler and—worth the ticket to sports car drivers—sport suspension. It all adds an extra $875 but sport handling is why one buys a sports car, no? (Admittedly we didn’t have the opportunity to drive a non-sport package SLK300, but if it were going to be our car…).

Of course, sport suspension doesn’t a sports car make. Indeed, driving is the true test, and there the SLK300 shines. It’s easy to prefer the bigger-engined models. More horsepower in a sports car is always a good thing, right? And 235 horsepower isn’t that special anymore, almost common in mid-level sedans. We’ll have to confess, however, that Mercedes did well by the SLK300 with its 3-liter six. The engine is smooth and if peak power doesn’t wow ’em, the broad spread of torque, 221 lb-ft from 2500 to 6000 rpm, gives a flexibility and ready punch to the SLK300 to accelerate, if not in a berserker rush, in a solid and even manner.