STUTTGART: After 20 years since the birth of the Mercedes-Benz SLK in 1996, it will soon receive a new nomenclature and subsequently a re-launch in March 2016 - afterwhich it will be known as the Mercedes-Benz SLC.

The name change acknowledges its close relationship with the C-Class which derives much of its technology from, and will be released in five variants starting with the entry-level SLC 180 and followed by the SLC 200, SLC 300, SLC 250 d (diesel) and finally, the range-topping Mercedes-AMG SLC 43.

Pricing will be announced when the orders books open in January and the cars arriving in showrooms from April 2016-onwards.

Visually, the German coachbuilder is calling the SLC a facelifted version of the SLK with a new front section that features a steeply raked diamond radiator grille as standard that elongates the appearance of the arrow-shaped bonnet.

The company continues making the electrohydraulic panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control available as an option, which can be operated up to 40kph, and will feature an automatic boot separator that ensures the roof doesn’t come down when all 335 litres of bootspace has been utilised.

To emphasise its SLC’s sporty nature, it gets striking air intakes, chrome trim, integrated LED daytime running lights, rear diffuser, narrower LED tail lights and depending on model - the SLC will roll on 16 to 18-inch light-alloy wheels.

The entry-level SLC 180 (not available in the UK) and SLC 200 are fitted with a six-speed manual, while the sport/comfort-oriented nine-speed 9G-Tronic is available as an optional extra and is fitted as standard in the SLC 300, 250 d and 43.

Four engine options are available starting with a turbocharged 1.6-litre providing 154bhp and 250Nm for the SLC 180, while the 2.0-litre turbocharged mill is used for the SLC 200 with 180bhp/300Nm and the 300 gets 180bhp/300Nm of performance.

The SLC 250 d is provided with a 2,143cc turbodiesel with 200bhp and 500Nm, while the range-topping SLC 43 by AMG gets a 2,996cc twin-turbo V6 with 360bhp from 5,500 to 6,000rpm and 520Nm from 2,000 to 4,200rpm – allowing it launch from 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 250kph.

Also standard in the last three models is Dynamic Select, which adjusts the engine, transmission, steering and suspension accordingly based on the five presets of Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco and Individual.

Both the SLC 300 and 43 will receive an AMG Sport exhaust system with an adjustable exhaust flap that adapts the sound to the selected mode.

Inside, the SLC features new light (standard) or dark aluminium trim parts with a carbon fibre finish, nappa leather, new instrument cluster with a 4.5-inch multifunction colour TFT display, an analogue clock, electrically adjustable seats with memory and optional paddle shifters,

Its three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel is also wrapped in nappa leather, while the central grip area is trimmed with Dinamica microfibre with red stitches.

The high-resolution colour media display has grown from 5.8 to 7.0 inches and comes with a DVD player, navigation, Mercedes-Benz Apps, Internet radio, Bluetooth, voice control, two USB ports, SD card slot (for Garmin Map Pilot), and iPod/iPhone interface connection.

Other options include the Dynamic Handling package that lowers the vehicle by 10mm, installs an adaptive damping system that reacts to the five Dynamic Select presets, mechanical limited-slip differential, direct steering, electronic stability programme with dynamic cornering assist and an AMG Night package.

The list continues with a selection of 18-inch wheel options, exclusive designo paint finishes, leather upholstery, COMAND Online infotainment and communications system, a Harman Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound system, ambience lighting in solar red, polar blue or polar white and the vario roof in contrasting dark brown, blue, red or black.

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