2009 smart fortwo - city coupe Brabus 1.0 gas from North America
Summary:
Fun, Fun, Fun
Faults:
Blew right rear tire at 1500 miles.
General Comments:
This is our youngest son's car, his first, and what he wanted to learn to drive.
This model is the Brabus edition. It is an upgraded Passion Coupe, with sport suspension, dashboard tach and clock, leather, paddle shifters, Brabus wheels, and tuned exhaust, along with Brabus markings.
The car comes in two colors, black with black Trident, silver with silver Trident. Interior is Black leather.
Let me state that I have owned several small engined cars, including a FIAT 850 Spider and a Datsun 710. One of the cars I learned to drive was a Renault Dauphine. I am well aware of the limitations of small engines.
For the size, the car is quite peppy. It takes about 1500 miles of driving to break in the engine and transmission. 0 to 60 times are not much different from a Volvo 240. Using the paddle shifters and shifting at 4000 rpm, along with the small size makes one think you are really going fast. Personally, I have had it up to 75 mph.
Interior space is adequate. As you cannot see the end of the hood, the car seems much larger than it is. Seats are firm but comfortable. While the car was meant to be a city vehicle, it is roomy and comfortable for day trips (after all, the dealer was 150 miles away). One accessory I wish it had was cruise control.
Mileage is good, but is hurt because of the hills here in NW Illinois and Dubuque, Iowa. There are about 6 smart fortwo's in the area. Everyone stares at the car either because they have never seen one, or because they are wondering what is doing so far from Chicago.
Now, the big question: Would I purchase one for myself. Probably not. Maybe a Mini or Fiat (if and when they actually become available). For now I will stick with my Chrysler 300C.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th October, 2010
16th Dec 2010, 12:07
I have had our Smart up to around 155KM per hour. It's a 2008, same motor, Passion trim though.