Future Classics

SMART ROADSTER

Description

The Smart Roadster is a sporty little two seater which was introduced to Britain in 2003 as either a soft top or coupé. It was created as a sports version of the bubble style Smart Car and featured a tiny 700cc, 80bhp engine, designed by Mercedes Benz. Production ended in 2005 due to issues with leaking roofs which lead to excessive warranty recalls.

Headline stats

Maximum # of Registrations = 6058
Latest # of Registrations = 4248

Our Verdict

Smart’s design cue for this new car was a sporty take on their city car, with dimensions to match and a big cutsie, fun factor to boot! It came as either a roadster or a coupé though its not always easy to tell the two apart as both have a targa top, with the roadster also having a retractable soft top section at the rear which can prove fiddly to remove. Unsurprisingly the coupé accounted for the majority of sales, with most of the open top fun but less of the fiddle. The styling is bold to say the least with a modern, funky take on the classic British two seater, and what with its tiny dimensions and two tone colour schemes, your just as likely to be noticed as the Ferrari in front of you!

As for driving the car, well the general consensus is that even with a turbo fitted to the 700cc engine, its still all show and not so much go. That said most people do agree that the roadster provides a very large fun factor due to great handling and general all round cuteness.

If your thinking of buying one then one of the main things to look out for is leaking roofs (this is what caused so many of the warranty claims that brought production to an end and its worth checking carefully for dampness). Also make sure it is a 80bhp version as a few 60bhp examples were sold, and keep an eye out for ones that have the optional extra of the paddle shift box (all examples were sold as a semi automatic using an electric clutch). The gear change does also come in or some criticism for being slow and jerky though it can be improved with a good service, apparently, and check when the next B service is due as it is a bit on the costly side.

Prices: (March 2016)

2003 Coupé silver 62k miles good condition £2100
2003 coupé blue 60k miles good condition £2200
2005 coupé silver 126k miles good condition £1300

Future Classics Rating

68%

Details of Derivatives

Total 12 items.
NameCalculated RatingMax RegLatest Reg
ROADSTER 61 S-A (LHD)81448
ROADSTER 80 AUTO (LHD)8891
ROADSTER 80 AUTO (RHD)3030152088
ROADSTER BLUEWAVE513919
ROADSTER BRABUS AUTO27514371
ROADSTER BRABUS FIN-ED A184940
ROADSTER COUPE 80 AUTO (LHD)66155
ROADSTER COUPE 80 AUTO (RHD)291126791
ROADSTER COUPE BRABUS A29574403
ROADSTER FINALE EDITION A16183152
ROADSTER LIGHT AUTO32373253
ROASTER SPEEDSILVER AUTO34178117