C209 CLK

Mercedes puts pressure on the upper-end Saab 9-3 convertible with its first sub-$100,000 CLK200 cabriolet, fitted with the new 120kW supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit found in other C-Class-based Benzes.

Performance isn’t too shabby, with the eager supercharged 120kW 1.8 engine easily able to engage the 220Nm of torque on tap for brisk acceleration.

It’s a comfortable and refined four-seater soft top with superb residuals and envious onlookers virtually guaranteed. And, if you want more, there’s a smorgasbord of options including the CLK280, CLK350, CLK500 and CLK55 AMG.