
Smart announces UK details about new #1 electric SUV
Orders for the important new EV will open at the end of the year (26-05-2022)
Smart cars have a reputation for being striking to look at and a lot of fun to drive. With it's fantastic designs, low profile and overall toy like appearance, the Smart Roadster-coupe is no deviation from the norm, and is actually one of the best autos on the company's roster. Quirky, great value and bursting with character, this is one tiny car you really can't ignore.
The Smart Roadster was released in 2003 and over 43,000 were made until production ended in 2006. With its small size, 2 doors, 2 seats, rear engine and rear wheel drive setup, it's certainly sporty and doesn't disappoint. Filling a unique hole in the motoring market, it delivers solid performance and excellent fuel economy with decent levels of practicality as well. Some interesting features include an F1 style gearbox, front spoiler and body sills; the coupe even has a removable hard Targa roof. For power hungry petrol heads, the Brabus V6 version with tuned up performance is delightful.
Yes on the design side of things, the Smart Roadster coupe rubs some funk on it. Weird and wonderful shapes and angles adorn the bodywork from front to rear, and it couldn't look sportier or more futuristic if it tried. From the front headlights to the chunky alloy wheels and the strange silver dividing line that runs along the length of the side skirts and then shoots up to the roof, there's plenty to feast your eyes upon. While the interior isn't as 'outlandish' as the outside, it's still quite lively, well put together and has an extensive equipment list. There's not a lot of space, but it's certainly not cramped inside and there's a lot of head room. Practicality isn't great either, but you wouldn't expect panel van sized boot space would you?
Driving the Roadster coupe is a wonderful experience as it's just pure, unadulterated fun. The low centre of gravity and small size mean it's awesome in corners, and there's a phenomenal amount of grip. Precise steering and some clever driver aids make it easy handle, and actually it's nicely poised on the road. The Smart is excellent in town, but really lives to attack country roads with vigour. Despite the engine being small, it packs a big punch, and the power to weight ratio is rather tasty. What this means is that it doesn't hang about, but doesn't have neck breaking speed either; economy is magnificent however. If you're looking for true performance, go for the Brabus.
The Smart was insanely good value for money when it was brand new, but these days you can get some seriously good deals in the world of second hand cars for sale. Here at Motors.co.uk bargains really do grow on trees, and drastic price discounts along with a unrelenting approach to quality means it won't belong before you come across a brilliant deal. All the fun in the world for less of the price makes a used Smart Roadster coupe a perfect purchase.
The obvious fact then is that if you want a small 2 door roadster that's a shed load of fun, doesn't drink like a fish and looks totally unique, the Smart Coupe is for you. Delivering a simply awesome driving experience for a very reasonable amount of money, you'd have to venture into real sports car territory to find something simlar.
Motoring news from around the country