Mercedes-Benz SLC 180 arrives to prop-up the roadster range

Mercedes-Benz has expanded its ageing SLC roadster line-up with a new entry-level SLC 180 model, utilising a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and 6-speed manual gearbox.

The SLC moniker arrived in 2016 alongside a mid-life refresh of the old SLK, the name better aligning the folding-hardtop roadster with the rest of the Mercedes-Benz family. Now the SLC has an improved value proposition with the £32,039 180 model slotting in at the base of the range.

>Click here for more on the Mercedes SLC roadster

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Primarily designed to reduce the entry price of Mercedes-Benz’s smallest roadster, the SLC 180 produces a mild 156bhp and will only be available in AMG Line trim - as will the rest of the SLC range from now on.

As standard the SLC 180 comes well-equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, Artico leather (ie. man made) seats, active brake assist, cruise control and air conditioning. In typical Mercedes-Benz style the options list is vast and expensive and we suspect one of the most popular options will be the nine-speed automatic gearbox.

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Thanks to the now standard AMG Sport trim, all SLC 180’s will receive a firmer suspension set up and larger brakes. With less weight in the nose than other SLC variants, the SLC 180 could well be the sweetest steer in the range.

Prices start at £32,039, putting the SLC 180 on par price-wise with the BMW Z4 sDrive18i M Sport which shares the same 156bhp power output. Meanwhile, for something a bit more sporty, the Abarth 124 Spider is both lighter and more powerful with 168bhp and costs from just under £29k.