Mercedes Is Gunning For The MX-5 RF With A New Entry-Level SLC
Mercedes is about to release an SLC that will be cheaper to put on your drive than the Mazda MX-5 RF – in monthly payments, at least.
The company is planning a four-cylinder SLC 180 that will offer cheaper finance than that of the hard-top Mazda, with ballpark performance, too. Longer gearing means fewer gear changes on the way to the benchmark sprint time.
It’s six tenths slower to 62mph than the RF, but it’s a whisker better on fuel, claiming to return 1.6mpg more. For CO2 it’s worlds better, with 134g/km versus the MX-5’s 161g/km, but both will cost the same to tax after the first year.
The SLC is a hell of a lot heavier than the RF, though, leading us to suspect that the performance and economy figures might not be telling the whole story. Although the SLC 180 will be the lightest version in the range, at 1435kg, the heaviest RF is almost 400kg lighter than that.
Despite being over £8600 more expensive than the cheapest RF, though, the SLC 180 will have much better residual values, says Mercedes. That means the buyer is paying for less depreciation and has lower monthly payments.
Which one would you have? The lightweight, short-geared but small MX-5 RF or the larger, more spacious SLC 180 with lower payments but a sacrifice in driving fun?
Via: Autocar
Comments
The MX-5 is for the person who likes to drive and is a car enthusiast… however the SLC is targeted at the poser who wants brand value. I would definitely have an MX-5 (soft top even better tho) over the SLC.
SLC is for the person who wants their neighbors to think they’re doing better than they actually are.
MX-5 any day.
Exactly. Won’t be surprised to see most SLC180 with AMG badges all over them
The SLC is for people who think brand names are everything. As in they want to tell people it’s a luxury MX-5
They aren’t really in the same class in my opinion. I think comparing it with an entry level tt would be a better comparison.
Just Buy a MX5 RF put a turbo in it and you will be much faster than a SLC.PLUS the MX5 RF looks Sooo much better.
I’m sure the turbo is fun, Milos, but ya honestly don’t need one. Maybe just a little suspension message. The real beauty of the Miata is that you can have a ton of fun at speeds that are minimally north of the legal limit. Overall balance is really sensitive to throttle input and you can hang the ass out at normal traffic speed. I get thumbs up all the time. Try doing that it a heavy German car. And the brembo brakes aren’t really necessary, either. The car is so light that the standard brakes work like ya tossed out an anchor.
Who would want to buy a cheap Mercedes?
The MX-5 is better than the SLC in every aspect. You name it, looks, performance, price and so on. Mercedes just want to sell their cars by claiming it’s better but it’s not and it’s also quite ugly IMO, I prefer the SL.
Those who want the mercedes badge, but can’t afford a proper mercedes
People who suck Mercedes’s d!ck
a fine example would be Salomondrin and his crew.
Nice try Mercedes, but I’d still spend my money on the RF. Just the looks are already worth the extra money
Its either: You buy the Mazda and be seen as a nice and likable guy who tends to be a good driver. Or you buy the Merc and become a poser douche who drives like a tw@t
What if you’re a woman looking for something comfier than an MX-5 that does not scream cheap, yet is not quite as expensive or big as the SL???
Stereotyping claims another one. Tut tut.
The MX-5 is one of the best cars is that car available inPremium Car Hire London because I want in a premium condition means with full accessories
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Special ludicrously cheap “mercedes”
“special leasing cheap”
People will stay with the obese SLC 43 AMG anyway.
A cheap Mercedes….what world am I living in???
Where have you been for the last 20 years?
The MX looks more appealing and more purpose built. Mercedes have chopped an SLK to make a “cheapo” entry level roadster, and it just doesnt look right. They have done it with the other class ranges to get the customers that would otherwise not be able to get into a new merc.