Car Buyers' Guide: Euro style under $100k

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

Jack Biddle looks at three of the best in European style

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

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

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

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.