smart roadster, 6 speed sequential
May 2004
LIKES
Looks
Ride
Paint finish
When you combine German engineering, a
rear mounted turbocharged engine, 6 speed
sequential gearbox and an open top 2 seater
body you probably expect the latest offering
from Porsche. But you would be mistaken.
Mercedes-Benz have supplied their expertise
to French subsidiary smart (small “s”), to
produce their new roadster. Diminutive in size
and loaded with features, the new addition
weighs in at 790kg and is less than 3.5metres
long and only 1.2metres tall. Supplying the
power is an alloy turbo 3 cylinder mated to a 6
speed “SOFTOUCH” sequential gearbox.
smart’s roadster is meant to recreate the days
of those lightweight sports cars of the 50’s and
60’s. In today’s market lightweight doesn’t
mean light on, having to meet 21st century
safety standards. Central to this is the
“Tridion” steel safety cell that forms the basic
structure of the roadster. Bolted to it are plastic
body panels, which are not only high quality,
but damage resistant. Paint finish is excellent
although the panel gaps are wider than
conventional steel bodywork.
Starting at $37,990 standard features include;
air conditioning, power steering, power
windows, electric folding top, remote central
locking and alloy wheels. Dual airbags,
ABS/EBD braking system, ESP (electronic
stability program) and an integral rollover bar
form the backbone of the standard safety
equipment. Various option packs are available,
the test car being fitted with the Sports Pack;
(16” Spikeline alloy wheels, 3 spoke sports
steering wheel with paddle shift gearchange)
priced at $1,970, additional instruments (boost
gauge and engine temperature gauge) $280
and light package (daytime running lights)
$170. German tuning firm Brabus also feature
in the options list with a choice of 17” wheels
($3870) or sports tuned exhaust ($1,600).
Don’t let the smart’s petite dimensions fool
you. Inside the stylish body is a surprisingly
roomy two seater, although entry and exit
requires some minor gymnastics - courtesy of
the small doors. Once inside, the slimline
sports seats offer good support and comfort,
but have a limited range of adjustment. All
round vision is excellent, the deep front screen
framing the bulging wheel arches. Reversing is
easy; the upright letterbox rear screen is only
centimetres away, with the flat rear deck in
full view. A large low set steering wheel sits
on a fixed column which may create problems
for taller drivers. Being a “clutchless” manual
there is ample room around the offset brake
and accelerator pedals. Behind the wheel, in
separate pods, are the major gauges. The
speedo with its small graphics and thick
pointer can be awkward to read. Ventilation
Call Technical Advice on 1300 655 443 for additional information on this vehicle, and for other automotive advice.
www.mynrma.com.au
Report No. 701 , by NRMA Motoring Information Services
DISLIKES
Engine noise
Sluggish auto gearchange
Lack of spare tyre
and audio controls are housed in the centre
dash. While a row of switches underneath take
care of the power windows and electric soft-
top. A touch of the button stows the top and
for the full open air experience the roof side
rails can be stored in the front boot. Cabin
storage is at a premium, the small glovebox
being complemented by narrow door pockets.
Pack light if you’re planning a few days away.
The front boot can handle small bags but the
rear won’t take much more than folded jackets.
Fire up the engine and you realise the turbo 3
cylinder is only an arm’s length away. Under
acceleration its gruff note sounds like more
exotic machinery, but it is noisy when
cruising. Three transmission shift modes are
possible; full automatic, sequential changes via
the gearlever, or by the F1 style wheel paddles.
Automatic mode results in slow, deliberate
changes that upset the car’s flow. Gearlever
changes allow you to feather the throttle
slightly for smoother shifts. However, the
paddles are the best, changing gear with your
little finger, imitating a Grand Prix star.
As a modern incarnation of those 50’s and
60’s sports cars, the smart is wide of the mark.
It lacks the purpose built feel and sharp
responses of an out and out sports car,
(although it retains the open roof buffeting of
the previous generation). While the steering is
well weighted it requires more initial lock than
expected giving it a slightly numb feel. Ride
quality is excellent with only poor tarmac
sending a shiver through the bodyshell and
seats. Scuttle shake - always a problem for an
open car - is minimal.
Roadholding and handling is user friendly,
the wide Bridgestones generating enormous
grip. This can overshadow the handling,
failsafe understeer being the main
characteristic. Lightweight and good grip
certainly help the smart keep its composure
along tight, twisty roads. Braking is strong,
although the pedal has a heavy feel more in
character with a larger car.
The turbo 3 certainly doesn’t embarrass itself
in heavy city traffic or on the open road.
Anything above 3000 rpm keeps the roadster
moving along happily and you will need to
keep an eye on the speedo. Under harder
acceleration the turbo whistle and popping
wastegate can become addictive.
Summary: smart’s roadster offers a huge
amount of fun, but it may be trying to box
above its weight, lacking the dynamics and
performance of similarly priced competitors.
Two things are certain, any trip will take
longer while you answer questions and objects
in the mirror are as big as they appear.
or visit
.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Type......................... 3 cylinder turbo SOHC
Capacity in litres......................................698
Induction.......................... Turbocharged EFI
Fuel recommendation ..........................PULP
Claimed max. power........60kW @ 5250rpm
Claimed max. torque..... 110Nm @ 3000rpm
Power to weight ratio.............13.2kg per kW
TRANSMISSION
Type................................. 6 speed sequential
Driving wheels ....................................... Rear
WHEELS ......................................Alloy 16”
Tyres .............Bridgestone B340 205/45 R16
Spare .............................. Inflator kit / sealant
STEERING
Type................Power assisted rack & pinion
Turns lock to lock.....................................3.5
Turning circle.......................................10.7m
DIMENSIONS
Mass.....................................................790kg
Length..............................................3427mm
Width (incl. mirrors ).......................1656mm
Height ............................................. 1192mm
Ground clearance (measured) ............149mm
Seating capacity...........................................2
Fuel tank capacity..............................35litres
TOWING
Not recommended by manufacturer
NRMA THEFT RATING
Points on 0-110 scale (high score best)........n/a
WARRANTY..............3 years/unlimited km
MANUFACTURED IN .....................France
TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION
50 - 80 km/h (in auto mode ) ............. 4.5 sec
60 -100 km/h (in auto mode ) ............ 7.5 sec
0 -80 km/h.......................................... 8.6 sec
0 - 100 km/h......................................13.0 sec
0 - 400 metres .................................. 18.8 sec
FUEL CONSUMPTION (litres/100 km)
Best recorded during testing.....................5.6
Worst recorded during testing ..................6.4
Average on test.........................................5.9
BRAKING
Distance to stop from 80 km/h....23.8 metres
NOISE
Interior at constant 80 km/h......... 69.4dB(A)
Test car supplied by
Daimler Chrysler Australia/Pacific
www.smartaustralia.com.au