smartreviewarchive.co.uk

THERE aren’t many cars powered only by a 700cc three-cylinder engine that you can justifiably call a pocket rocket.

An exception is the Smart roadster and roadster coupe – particularly when they have been souped up by joint venture company BRABUS. It is their wizardry that manages to transform a modest little two-seater into something able to compete on equal terms with cars twice its size.

According to the company, the BRABUS ethos is “to offer fans of leading edge design and technology the ultimate in exclusive and sporty products”.

Well, it certainly revives the spirit of the small, light, low-cost, low powered roadsters of the fifties and sixties, but with 21st century safety and reliability.

It’s great fun although the steering can be a little sluggish to react and gives too little feedback. The semi-auto gearbox is also a little hesitant in full self-shifting mode.

With just over 100bhp from its mid-mounted turbocharged engine, lightweight construction and high levels of grip, the tiny Smart coupe is a highly entertaining package.

Even before you drive it, it’ll grab your attention with its funky styling, squat looks, and wheels pushed out into the corners – making it unashamedly appealing to those buyers who place fun before everything else on their priority list.

The coupe, which costs just under £17,000, comes with a large glass hatch for luggage, complementing the surprisingly roomy front boot.

The interior is as stylish as the exterior. Oddment storage is restricted but I am not sure where they could add any in.

Performance is brisk rather than sensational but I’ve rarely had such fun at such sensible speeds. A 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds is hardly orgasmic, nor is a top speed of 119mph, but when you remember that the swept volume of the three-cylinder turbocharged engine is only seven tenths of a litre, the word “impressive” springs to mind..

Even more impressive is the sense of speed generated by the ultra-low driving position and the roadster’s apparent ability to take bends at straight-line speeds. The sports suspension is quite firm but not to the extent of being uncomfortable.

Roof on or off, the sound signature of the lively powerplant constantly assails the consciousness. Most of the noise comes from the 17-inch alloys clad only on thin rubber.

They clatter quite a lot on sharp bumps and they provide a constant backdrop of black noise on all but the smoothest of surfaces so it can be difficult to hear the stereo and conversation with a passenger sometimes has to be almost shouted.

You get plenty of kit as standard, including electronic stability control and braking aids, two airbags, air-con, electric power steering and a good stereo/CD system.

The interior features a leather trimmed fascia, alloy-effect panels, neat instrument graphics, aluminium pedals and BRABUS floor mats

- Alistair Coull

EXCLUSIVITY, especially in the world of cars, is a much-sought commodity – which only a lucky few acquire.

The Smart Brabus models are a case in point, as DaimlerChrysler UK Smart intend only to ship in a few hundred of these very desirable, fun and sporty machines.

Things may change, but for the moment limited supplies in the UK will strengthen the kudos of the Smart roadster Brabus and coup̩ Brabus which have taken pole position in the design scheme of things in this sector.

Their unique profiles, like the Smart forfour, have gone down a storm: individuality rules the day. And when such originality is matched by across-the-board interest, the manufacturer cannot go wrong. Such is the case with the Smart pocket rockets.

While they may not equal the out-and-out 0-62mph dash of close rivals, they provide a verve and zest that cranks up the driving experience in other ways.

The Smart roadster-coupÌ© Brabus on test showed that its three-in-line cylinder engine could deliver the goods. The 698cc unit punches out a commendable 101bhp, but its sprint to 62mph isn’t breathtaking at 9.8 seconds.

Nevertheless, the amazing grip and handling of the coup̩ make up for the less than inspiring sprint figures with an impressive performance that speaks volumes for the agility of this little sporty two-seater.

The electric steering, again, doesn’t over-inspire. It fails to transmit the information you would like to have relayed to the fingertips, but the coupe feels great in other respects.

The semi-automatic sequential six-speed transmission is different. The coup̩ actually responds better, certainly more smoothly, using the manual paddles mounted on the steering wheel and when you become familiar to the system.

The paddles are easy to use and enhance the driving experience. In automated form, progress through the transmission is hit and miss and kickdown often jerky.

Despite these reservations, the Brabus-tuned coup̩ proved a treat to drive. The fun is in the handling and cornering and the rear-wheel-drive Smart felt safe, assisted by the electronic stability program and ABS.

The Coup̩ has a top speed of 119mph, yet it can return an amazing combined fuel figure of 53.3mpg. Even in town it manages 43mpg; on extra-urban cycle it can achieve 61.4mpg.

These kind of fuel returns are rarely seen in a sports model specification and, with its relatively cheap price tag of £17,000, the CoupÌ© Brabus is setting new criteria in this market segment.

Add to this low emissions, which puts the two-seater in the 15 per cent company car tax band, and the whole package is quite amazing.

Sports suspension is firm but not harsh and helps ensure the Coup̩ maintains good road adhesion, along with the electronic stability program and the hydraulic brake assist, which further improves safety.

A high degree of protection is provided by the tridion safety cell but the safety aspects don’t dull down the fun and certainly not the image of the CoupÌ© Brabus.

It is one of the best-looking two-seaters in its class – and beyond – and its two-tone livery and 17-inch alloys make it look every inch the leader of the pack.

The Smart car has pedigree quality from nose to exhaust pipe and, as a limited edition, maintaining high residuals will never be a problem.

- Val Jessop

FAST FACTS

Smart Roadster Brabus

Price: £16,695

Mechanical: 101bhp, 698cc, 3cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via automatic gearbox

Max speed: 119mph

0-62mph: 9.8secs

Combined mpg: 54.3

Insurance group: 14

CO2 emissions:122g/km

BiK rating: 15%

Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 6yrs anti-rust