Mercedes-Benz has announced the launch of its latest SLK model, the 250 CDI – yes, it’s a diesel drop top. But don’t think it will be a tiny mill which is only engineered to save fuel.

The 2.1-litre engine propels the SLK 250 CDI from 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds, thanks to its abundance of power and torque. How much, I hear you ask? Get this – 150kW and a staggering 500Nm.

Efficiency certainly plays a role in this car, with the official fuel consumption figure listed as 4.9-litres/100km. Thanks to a seven-speed automatic, the SLK 250 CDI certainly keeps the engine on the boil, using its huge torque figure to its advantage – 80-120km/h rolling acceleration is done in 4.3 seconds.

Next year, a manual transmission will be available, however like most diesels, to get the most out of it, the auto is the way to go.

For those interested in keeping their emissions low, the SLK will do that too, with 128g/km of CO2 emitted.

The SLK 250 CDI is also available with a panoramic vario-roof using “MAGIC SKY CONTROL”. It’s a glass roof which can be changed from dark to transparent at the touch of a button.

Speaking with CarAdvice today, Mercedes-Benz Australia’s David McCarthy said that the Australian arm was currently doing its sums.

“We’re crunching the numbers at the moment to see if this will fit with our current plans. We’re considering it, and if it did make it here, it would be in the first or second quarter of next year,” said Mr McCarthy.

“Each model has to stand on its own two feet, and so we’re investigating whether a diesel SLK will stack up.”

Would you like to see a four-cylinder diesel SLK down under, given its power and torque potential? Tell us in the comments below.