Smart Roadster-Coupe Brabus
Few cars have caused as much tension in our office as the Smart Roadster-Coupe Brabus. After a lukewarm review of the left-hand-drive version, we've been after a right hooker for weeks. But now we have one, the water is muddier than ever.
Drive the Brabus edition of Smart's Roadster-Coupe and you will see it either as a thrilling range-topper or as a compromise of the car's original brief to provide affordable fun. The harsher ride seems to take the edge off the handling, so we reckon most buyers will be better off with the cheaper standard version.
Few cars have caused as much tension in our office as the Smart Roadster-Coupe Brabus. After a lukewarm review of the left-hand-drive version, we've been after a right hooker for weeks. But now we have one, the water is muddier than ever.
Three Auto Express staffers have taken to the wheel and delivered different verdicts - the question is, who won the argument? The first driver to grab the keys is a luxury car enthusiast, and he simply couldn't get on with the flagship Smart's incredibly firm suspension, and still thinks the Roadster line-up is overpriced. Next up was a performance fan, who found the uncompromising design of this 101bhp sportster to be spot on.
Finally, a Roadster aficionado was left cold by the modifications which he thought added very little except a hefty £2,482 to the price. We all agreed the Brabus bodykit gave welcome muscle to the Smart's cheeky shape, and the tuned powerplant brought impressive performance. At £16,995, this is an expensive little car, but given its extra trim, it is only £575 more than a similarly specced standard Roadster-Coupe.
