A final note to a summer love: The SLK350 roadster

The Virginian-Pilot (MCT) - The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 is like one of those love-at-first-sight summer moments. It's true romance, but it's wrapped in speed-swept lines and filled with cylinders, connecting rods and sex appeal.

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Unlock the SLK350 and hop in the bucket seats. Twist the ignition fob. The 3.5-liter double-overhead cam springs to life. You hear its siren rumble with speed, menace and thrills.

You could have opted for the less expensive 228-horsepower SLK300 or the more powerful 355-horsepower SLK55. But something about this car is just right.

Hold the top button down and wait about 15 seconds for the roof to stow itself into the trunk. Of course, when the top goes down, it's easy to become smitten with any car.

Snap the transmission, either the six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic, into gear or the car responds like an autobahn storm trooper. Although it's sportier this year than last, it's still more of a grand-touring car than a true sports car.

But it's still fun.

Mash the throttle. Waaaa-aaahhhhhh. Yup _ 300 horsepower.

The wind tussles your hair artfully and works through the cabin without getting obtrusive. The SLK has the true roadster spirit _ athletic, stylish, strong and sophisticated. Its petite size adds to its allure.

It's just right, not a bit of wasted effort.

Before you know it, you'll be creating excuses for weekend getaways.

Like anyone you're smitten over, it's easy to appreciate the smallest details: the turn signals in the mirrors that are visible only from the sides; the retractable hardtop that gives the car a solid structural feel when raised, or the air scarf, which blows warm air on the nape of your neck in chilly weather.

New love is always rapturous, but as the summer wears on, the love dims somewhat. You notice things you wish were different.

Yes, the controls are easy to use, but the cupholders seem like an afterthought. Set just below the air-conditioning vents, they'll cool your coffee quickly on a warm day.

The trunk holds more than you might expect but make sure to pack flat items to maximize cargo space.

And then there are the rock-hard seats and the average audio system. I suggest trying the optional Sport Package on your favorite crater-choked road before you make a commitment. You're welcome.

Life is not perfect, and neither are our loved ones. It's easy to consider the car's quirks character traits, not character flaws, because the SLK350 is so lovely and so expertly executed.

Like any summer love, the SLK 350's good outweighs the bad.

Days pass, and the sun's angle is slightly lower in the sky. The weather's cooling, and summer turns to fall.

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This little roadster is a star, one that I will miss next week. My test drive is over, but for you, I hope, it has just begun.

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WHAT WE SAY: A SUMMER LOVE THAT'S GOOD ALL YEAR LONG

Pro: Nice car to drive

Con: If you skip the Sport Package

Stats

Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC V6

Wheelbase: 95.7 inches

Length: 161.5 inches

Weight: 3,252 pounds

Cargo space: 7.3-10.6 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 18/26 mpg

Fuel economy: 22 mpg

Fuel type: Premium unleaded

Base price: $49,950

As tested: $59,745

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© 2008, The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.).