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Smart roadster / coupe

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With an engine output of 60 kW and a weight of just 790 kg, the smart roadster and smart roadster-coupé's power/weight ratio of 13.2 kg per kW sets it apart from its competitors.

According to DaimlerChrysler these two sporty Smarts offers a unique driving experience where the focus is not on the destination, but on the journey to get there.

The smart roadster and smart roadster-coupé each boast a different roof system which clearly differentiate the two models from each other.

The smart roadster features an electrically operated folding soft top that can be fully opened and closed even when driving at top speed.

The smart roadster-coupé caters for the more conservative amongst roadster drivers, featuring a two-piece removable hardtop that can be stowed and transported in the rear luggage compartment.

The short body overhangs, pronounced body-contoured wheelhouses, big wheels and low vehicle height give the cars a sporty appearance.

DaimlerChrysler says the designers' goal was to create a modern interpretation of the classic roadster, and therefore attached great importance to balanced proportions, giving the cars an elongated bonnet and moving the passenger compartment far back.

Contrasting areas at the front and rear with integrated lamp units together with a characteristic radiator grille demonstrate the development of design features specific to smart.

The design of the interior is characterised by a modular construction, the use of identical fabrics for the instrument panel and door trim, and formal independence of the control elements.

The cars are powered by a 698cm³ turbo-charged engine producing 60 kW at 5 250 r/min and 110 Nm of torque at 3 000r/min. Top speed is 175km/h and the cars will spring from 0-100km/h in 10.9 seconds.

Both models' average fuel consumption is 5.1-litres/100km.

Standard features include:

  • Air conditioning
  • BOSE sound system, radio with front-load CD
  • Leather steering wheel and gear knob
  • Fog lamps
  • Electrically adjustable heated side mirrors
  • Four airbags
  • Direct steering

    The smart roadster and smart roadster-coupé come with ESP (electronic stability programme) as standard.

    ESP offers several features such as selective brake intervention, anti-stall assist and brake assist, as well as CBC cornering brake control CBC (stabilisation during partial braking whilst cornering). Moreover, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) including electronic braking-force distribution (EBD) is integrated in ESP.

    Pricing

  • Smart roadster: R206 000
  • Smart roadster-coupé: R209 000

    The Smart roadster and roadster-coupé are backed by 2-year manufacturer warranty with unlimited kilometres as well as a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The retail price includes a three-year/50,000 km Service Plan that covers all the scheduled services and service items.

  • Wheels24 managing editor John Oxley drove the Smart roadster in Germany in September.Click here to read his driving impressions.

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