The range starts with a supercharged 1.8 petrol in the 200 Kompressor, which needs working hard if you want to make the most of the CLK's sporting side. Both the 3.0 V6 and 3.5 V6 provide a decent turn of speed. As you'd expect, the 5.5 V8 and pricey CLK 63 AMG are very swift. The 3.0-litre diesel is very quick, the 2.1 is merely adequate.

Using the same chassis as the C-Class, the CLK covers all surfaces with the same aplomb as the saloon while having a slightly firmer set-up to give it great poise through bends. The steering is improved and is quicker to return to centre, for a more enjoyable drive.

If you want to cross Europe in a day, the CLK could well be the car for you. It cruises motorways with little road or wind noise. The engines are muted when cruising, while the V6s make a pleasing growl when extended. The five-speed automatic blurs changes with silken smoothness.

There are few better places to put your cash. Prices are steep, but this is offset by excellent resale values, while leasing costs are competitive and your wallet won’t be taxed too badly at service intervals. However, higher carbon dioxide emissions than some rivals could put off company users or steer them towards the diesel model.

The CLK’s cabin appears brilliantly built and free from rattles or squeaks, despite the lack of a central roof pillar. The Merc’s mechanicals are largely proven and should provide years of faithful duty with nothing other than routine servicing.

All CLKs have anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution to stop the car whatever the surface, as well as electronic stability control and twin front, side and curtain airbags. An alarm and remote central locking are fitted, but Merc doesn’t fit deadlocks, saying they may prevent easy exit in an accident, even though this reduces the car’s ability to repel thieves.

The instruments are clearly in view, while the controls are easy to reach and operate. The steering moves for height and reach and the seats permit the perfect driving position and all-day comfort. The pillarless sides not only look great but allow excellent vision.

The words coupé and practical are not always happy bedfellows, but the CLK is both. A tray replaces the centre rear seat, making the CLK a spacious four-seater. There’s plenty of space in the front, and two adults can fit in the rear without problem, although headroom is restricted for six-footers. A large boot completes the package.

Copy: The only real differences between Elegance and Avantgarde spec are in the alloys and interior trim. Cruise control, climate control and four electric windows are standard. The 320 adds electric adjust for the steering wheel and front seats, and the 500 has leather seats, as well as Mercedes' 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox. The AMG has larger alloy wheels, sports suspension and firmer seats, and that 7G-Tronic gearbox, too.