| Driven - Quick Test - Smart Roadster
Greetings from Manchester ! Am over for a two week stint.
First job was to give a second opinion to my cousin who is looking at buying a SMART Brabus Roadster. Only the plain vanilla roadster was available for the test.
Looks - The Brabus in black looks hot - the monoblock wheels make it look butch. Interiors look good with the chrome inserts. Plastics are a bit hard and brittle.
At the wheel - you sit real low - especially when one jumps in from an X5. Everything falls to hand. Key unlocks the gear lever. You have the choice of the auto or tiptronic. Snug for my 6 ft frame. Bit of an effort to get in
Start her up - felt at home - throb of the three cyl engine reminded me of my wifes car. With 80 bhp, it really moves. Gearshift is a bit slow witted. YOu would need to plan your down shifts well ahead.
Handling and Steering - Boy it is chuckable and holds the road. Amazing what fun you can have with a basic car with a good power/bhp ratio. However, the electric power steering spoils the show - pls refer my comments in the swift test drive. Ride is bumpy but this is a raw sports car
Verdict - a great car with character for an enjoyable commute. The Brabus looks classy. I enjoyed it and look forward to driving the Brabus next time I am hear. As it is being discontinued, resale will be good.
Have some photos on my phone as i am travelling, it will be uploaded once I am back.
Well, I wonder what I drive next - who know's, may be the old man does !!! | 
31st May 2005, 14:32
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