Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,788 off RRP*Used from £11,795
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,837 off RRP*Used from £11,900
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,249 off RRP*Used from £14,350
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,538 off RRP*Used from £14,000
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025
New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried
BYD Seal 6 Touring - front tracking

New BYD Seal 6 2025 review: talented estate should have BMW worried

BYD’s latest arrival isn’t an EV, but efficiency is still key
Road tests
3 Sep 2025