Smart Roadster (03-07) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on 19 May 2006

The Smart Roadster puts the fun back into driving - and you don't need to risk your licence to get your kicks. This is one of two versions - it swaps the rear glass of the Roadster Coupé for a small boot and convertible roof. Despite its sporty looks, it's not actually very quick - but that's not the appeal. It's light, handles superbly and is fun to chuck around corners; the low-slung driving position gives you a feeling of being in the thick of the action - just like a true sports car should.

3.5 out of 5

Other Smart reviews

3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£10,030 - £17,905

Used price range:

£1,020 - £6,518

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Fun image, handling, cheeky styling, frugal

Not that quick

Driving & Performance

Performance

3 out of 5
"Just one engine is available: a three-cylinder 698cc turbocharged unit, which delivers 80bhp in..."
Handling

4 out of 5
"The rear-wheel-drive roadster has a low-slung driving position, compact size and low centre of..."

Comfort

Comfort

3 out of 5
"The cabin seats two adults in cosy - rather than tight - comfort. Head and leg room are good for all..."
Practicality

2.5 out of 5
"The rear boot is so shallow it limits what you could put in it. Think a few items of clothing -..."
Equipment

3.5 out of 5
"It certainly doesn't feel under equipped - you get 185/55 R 15 tyres on light-alloy rims, (205/50 R..."
Behind the wheel

3.5 out of 5
"Smart Roadster makes life easy for the driver. Everything is within easy reach (even the..."

Costs

Running costs

4.5 out of 5
"Residuals promise to be strong - the sport looks, young image and quality build makes this a..."
Green credentials

5 out of 5
"Roadster scores remarkably well on the eco front. With an average of 123 g/km CO2 across the model..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

3.5 out of 5
"No Euro NCAP crash-test, but Smart has raided Mercedes-Benz' parts bin for the best stability and..."
Reliability

4 out of 5
"The funny little engine and transmission are well proven on the fortwo (neé City Coupé) and smarts..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

3 out of 5
"It's a popular little car and that means that you won't be able to march into the showroom and..."
Buying used

3.5 out of 5
"Be aware that left-hand-drive imports are worth substantially less, and that a run of early cars..."
Selling

4.5 out of 5
"We don't think there will be any trouble selling a special little car like this, especially one that..."