Car Buyers' Guide: Euro style under $100k

Jack Biddle
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The Mercedes-Benz SLK can be bought for under $100,000. Photos / Supplied

The Mercedes-Benz SLK can be bought for under $100,000. Photos / Supplied

Kay is currently driving a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 280 which she loves but is thinking about an upgrade to another luxury car.

"A 'head turner' is definitely what I'm looking for, not a boy racer power machine," she says.

"I used to drive a BMW Z3 then went to the SLK 280 convertible which I still love so a new car would have to be really nice. Another convertible probably but not a necessity and just a two-seater is fine." Kay says she's not really badge conscious but prefers European cars. 
I envy your dilemma, Kay. Is there a bad car in this price range? Probably not. It all comes down to personal choice and what you feel looks the most stylish.

Here's a selection of European vehicles and comments from each distributor.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 250

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The facelift of the SLK-Class has enhanced the $89,000 price tag for this stylish convertible even further.

Equipped with the 7G-tronic plus 7-speed automatic transmission, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 exhibits classic roadster proportions, and offers dynamic handling and sporty performance to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds. With a hard-top roof, the convertible also features 18" wheels, sports suspension, COMAND Online navigation and multimedia, an Intelligent Light System and electrically folding mirrors as standard.

Audi S3 Cabriolet

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It's new to the market and arrives in dealership showrooms early this month. The 2-litre TFSI Sport S tronic ($93,900) is an all-wheel drive convertible that seats four with ease, offers a roomy boot, a roof which folds back in just 18 seconds and provides an extremely comfortable and very elegant ride. But if you wanted to spend a little more, you can get the A5 Cabriolet 2- TFSI quattro S tronic ($103,750).

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

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This vehicle builds on the style and image of the new 4 Series Coupe (released late 2013), but includes the added practicality of the two extra doors and a liftback-style boot. 


Priced at $99,800, the car is 99 per cent identical to the Coupe but has a 10mm higher roofline and is 100mm longer. You also keep the sporty, lower-set driving position of the Coupe and the back seat is a 2+1 arrangement. Perfect for grandchildren! 

The 428i Gran Coupe is a two-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol mated to an eight-speed automatic.

 

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