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Smart City Coupe Pulse

Car designers rarely subscribe to the theory of fixing something only if it's broken, but Smart's stylists have never taken the conventional approach. So this latest facelift version isn't actually facelifted at all - it's merely updated under the skin.

By Chris Thorp

April 2003

Car designers rarely subscribe to the theory of fixing something only if it's broken, but Smart's stylists have never taken the conventional approach. So this latest facelift version isn't actually facelifted at all - it's merely updated under the skin.

This is no bad thing, since the car's looks are among its most popular features. Conversely, the ride, handling and transmission have all come in for criticism - so we grabbed one of the first right-hand-drive versions in the UK to see if the changes have led to significant improvements on the road.

Take a test drive and the first thing you will notice is the extra power. With engine capacity increased from 599cc to 698cc, base Pure models produce 50bhp, as opposed to 46bhp, while the Pulse and Passion get an extra 7bhp each, at 61bhp. Our Pulse City Coup

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FIRST OPINION

    True Smart fans have always put up with its flaws, but in order to attract more customers, several problems had to be addressed. The revised suspension, engine and box make it faster and more comfortable. We'll have to wait to try the power-steering, but the paddleshift is worth every penny.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Revised Smart City Coup
 
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