Smart Roadster Coupé (03-07) - Review

Review by David Ross on
List the key attributes for any good small sports car and stylish good looks, sharp handling and peppy engines are likely to be at the top. The Smart Roadster boasts all three, plus that all important fun factor, making it one of the most characterful two seaters of recent times. It is very small at less than three and half metres long, but there's a surprising amount of legroom in the cabin, even for those over six foot tall. Powered by a distinctive 698cc turbocharged engine its performance figures don't look particularly impressive on paper, but out on the road it feels very nippy, with great acceleration from low down. The Roadster Coupe is also great fun and guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. It's a car that is destined to be a future classic.
3.5 out of 5

Other Smart reviews

3 out of 5

Buying used

There are some used ones about but it can take plenty of searching to find the right car. Be aware that left-hand-drive imports are worth substantially less and that a run of early cars were sold cheaply with an even lower powered engine. Check for leaking roofs, flaking paint on tailgate hinges and make sure the air conditioning works.

See 6 used Smart Roadster Coupés for sale, starting at £3,295

3 out of 5

Selling

While the Smart is cheap car to run, the Roadster isn't as well recognised as the ForTwo and so it could take some time to tell one. The Brabus models are the most sought after while standard models with the optional Sport pack, which included 16-inch 'Spikeline' alloys, a sports steering wheel and the all important steering wheel mounted paddle shifts, will also prove popular.