The Smart Roadster, a small sports car designed to resemble legendary British roadsters from the past, came out as the company's answer to bigger and more expensive roadsters of the time, like the BMW Z4 and Toyota MR2. The goal was to offer a city-friendly vehicle that was also attractive and fun to drive.
From today's perspective, it’s easy to see that Smart engineers did an excellent job with the Daimler-Benz’s Smart Roadster. Even today, two decades after the initial launch, this roadster draws a lot of attention, thanks to its futuristic design and pocket-size proportions.
Unfortunately, the production ended in 2006, and we never saw a successor.
The First Generation of Smart Roadster (2003-2007)
The history of the Smart Roadster starts in the mid ‘90s. When Daimler-Benz established this brand, the main goal was to offer a lineup of urban-friendly vehicles that are perfect for city juggles.
The first model, called Smart Fortwo, was already launched in 1998. Despite great reception, the management realized that the company needed some kind of a halo car, something that would make this brand more visible on the global market.
Of course, a British-style roadster was a natural choice, especially considering that small cars were the only pretension of this manufacturer. A good thing was the fact that the original Fortwo model featured a layout that perfectly suits a sports car, so the starting point was pretty good.
In August 2002, the new model was officially launched. Soon after, it was offered around the globe, while the Australian version debuted in 2003. It remained on offer only until 2007, but even today, you can find a decent number of Smart Roadsters for sale in Australia.
Smart Roadster’s Design
As already mentioned, the starting point for Smart engineers was pretty good, thanks to the layout of the Fortwo model. We are primarily talking about this tiny car’s rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel-drive platform that seemed perfect for a small roadster.
Of course, certain modifications were required, and engineers did an interesting thing.
The car was stretched, but the engine remained pretty much in the same position. As a result, we got a mid-engine car with rear-wheel drive, which was perfect in terms of weight distribution, handling and other things that play an important role in designing a sports car.
The result? A futuristically designed two-seat convertible! The company also offered a so-called Coupe Convertible model with a removable Targa roof or an electrical softtop. Both designs were pretty futuristic that they would turn heads on the street even today.
Of course, the driving experience was a top priority. So, besides the super-light total weight (under 800 kg), the Smart Roadster also features a pretty decent suspension setup.
At the front, there is a typical McPherson strut with anti-roll Bar, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, among others.
Another interesting element is the rear axle’s old-school design that includes a De Dion tube, which was typical for older generations of sports cars. Still, it features a more complex layout, with hydraulic shock absorbers and coil springs instead of leaf springs.
On the other hand, brakes were a simpler and cheaper part of the setup. With the vehicle's weight, it was obvious that drum brakes on the rear wheels would do just fine. Front wheels were equipped with disc brakes.
Smart Roadster Dimensions
Although it rides on a stretched platform of the original Smart Fortwo, this roadster remains a tiny car. It measures just 2360 millimetres in the wheelbase, making it super manoeuvrable and easy to drive. After all, the turning circle is just 10.7 metres.
Other dimensions are also very city-friendly, with a total length of 3427 millimetres, a width of 1615mm, and a height of only 1192mm high. The kerb weight is under 800 kilograms.
Smart Roadster Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2360mm
- Length: 3427mm
- Height: 1192mm
- Width: 1615mm
- Ground clearance: 126mm
- Kerb weight: 840kg
- Turning circle: 10.7m
- Rear track: 1392mm
- Front track: 1357mm
Engine
The Australian version was offered with just one powertrain option. Of course, we are talking about the familiar 0.7-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine designed by Mercedes-Benz, featuring an aluminium head and block, and weighing 60 kg.
This engine has a max output of 60kW and 110Nm of max torque. It comes coupled with a 6-speed automated manual transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels.
Despite these modest numbers, this engine pumps out a relatively decent performance, mainly because of its lightness. The Smart Roadster needs around 11 seconds to hit 100 km/h, while the top speed is 175 km/h.
In terms of fuel economy, it averages at 5.3 L/100km, according to the manufacturer.
Smart Roadster Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 698cc
- Number of Cylinders: 3
- Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Petrol
- Forced Induction: Turbocharged
- Maximum torque: 110Nm
- Maximum power: 60kW
- Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 10.9s
- Top Speed: 175km/h
- Fuel tank capacity: 35L
- Fuel consumption: 5.3L/100km (combined)
Smart Roadster Brabus
There were several Smart Roadster modifications, but most of these versions ended as prototypes. One of the rare models that were actually on sale was the Brabus-tuned version. This model features all kinds of upgrades. One of them is the engine upgrade, with increased output to 74kW.
The Smart Roadster Brabus also features upgrades like a sport-tuned exhausts system, lowered suspension, side skirts, bumpers, radiator grille, to name a few. On the inside, you can find aluminium pedals, exclusive floormates and a unique handbrake.
Are Smart Roadsters any good?
Considering the overall design, it's obvious that Smart Roadsters are fun to drive. While its acceleration won't blow your mind, you will be impressed by its super-nimble handling, which is a result of its light weight and good suspension setup. What’s more, its tiny dimensions make it great for city jams and small parking spots.
The main complaint goes to the lack of cargo space and mediocre interior quality. Most of the cabin surface is made from hard, scratchy plastics, while the sound insulation is poor, especially at higher speeds.
Also, there are complaints about failing fuses, which are quite expensive to repair. Engine overheating is also a common issue, and many owners have reported leaks on the driver's door.
Why was the Smart Roadster discontinued?
There are a few reasons why the Smart Roadster was discontinued. Some sources suggest that the company management considered this model a kind of a halo car and that the second generation was never planned.
However, the fact is that this car has a considerable number of issues, such as leaking, which requires a serious amount of warranty work. According to US sources, the average spend on each produced car was 3,150 American Dollars.
Need replacement parts for your Smart Roadster? The only thing you need to do is register on our website, request the part you’re looking for, and we will find the best deals for you.
By Nebojsa Grmusa