Comments on: BRABUS Smart Roadster

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:34:57 +0000

Yes, I drive a Smart Roadster everyday (and its very nice) I’ll swap for a GM EV1

By: Kyle

Kyle — Fri, 11 May 2007 07:53:16 +0000

Hey, I looked at importing one into the US too. I would suggest checking out the EPA, DOT and US Customs for information on importing the car.

I could be totally wrong, but so far I have concluded the following:

This is an import for personal use.
This is a non-US version car so,
1) a petition needs to pass. A petition for the fourtwo has been passed already, but not for the roadster.
2) needs to be imported by an ICI (Independent Car Importer?) and a government RI (Regulated Importer), which I think can be one in the same.

I spoke with a Smart dealer and I guess the difference between the European fourtwos and the soon to be released in the US fourtwos is nothing. This is a good step on the emmisions, because a lot of the same parts from the fourtwo are in the Roadster. This is also a plus because parts will then be available in the US.

Check out http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/impflow.htm
Do some research. My guess is that the first person to pass the petition and get the car on the import “ok” list will have to pay lots of money for the tests and such on the Roadster. If people really want this car in the States, a group of people should get together to do this.

By: Rolando

Rolando — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 04:42:39 +0000

Hello from Stuttgart, Germany. I am looking for every and any loophole to import a 2003 Smart Roadster into the U.S. Please help. I just got here and will be here at least two years. Email me at rcduetto@aol.com and just put SMART ROADSTER in the subject area. Thanks.

By: Mark Vickery

Mark Vickery — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 19:30:51 +0000

I bought one of the last Final Edition versions and it is AWSOME. You can beat ANYTHIG off the line at the lights for the first 200 yards. I’ve had an M3 and a Ferrari try. They ctch you after that but then I’m not about racing at 200kph, just a quick start. The tiptronic gearbox allows you to override the automatic without switching.

All in silver except for the rollbar it looks the bees knees and I am seriously thinking about gullwininging the doors as the doors are the only thing I would complain about.

I just still can’t get over the fact that DC have stopped making what was a very sexy stylish yet affordable and economic roadster.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 07:46:48 +0000

I have to have a rodster brabus coupe now in the US. Help…how do I do it. Smuggle, import, let me know if any have suceeded.

By: Joel A

Joel A — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 03:50:20 +0000

Lynda,

Smart’s scheduled to start rolling out its cars in the next couple of years. You can contact DaimlerChrysler to find out if you can have a seat cover sent to you. Or check out the Brabus site. Maybe they can help you.

By: Lynda Hile

Lynda Hile — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:02:35 +0000

I have a Smart Roadster, and would love to get covers for my seats. Any suggestions?

By: Rich Topp

Rich Topp — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 17:30:15 +0000

I’m the proud owner of a 2005 Roadster Light in jack black, and I can safely say that this is the most fun car that I have ever owned. It is ideally suited to our small bendy country roads here in the u.k (Wiltshire), the handling around tight bends is just phenominal!! -love it.
As for build quality, well I have no complaints so far. Mine has a hard top which you can detach and stow behind in the engine compartment behind the seats, and I have no leaks or water ingress problems so far, the semi auto transmission takes some getting used to, and I feel that it adds to the character of the car.
The turbocharged engine is tiny ,but the performance is more than adequate due to the power to weight ratio being so efficient. Fuel consumption is around 55mpg in the city - it costs me just £10.00 per week for the commute to work 5 days a week, and insurance premiums are low too.
However, these cars are are a lot smaller than the average American sports car, and space in the trunk at the front is very small.
I’m 6ft 2, and I can easily fit inside with headroom to spare.

By: David Godfrey

David Godfrey — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 13:34:04 +0000

I have a Brabus roadster-coupe (i.e. the hatchback version) here in England, and I like it. But if you ever get these cars in the USA please be ready for their disadvantages. Sure, they look lovely and unusual, but there are some design faults and the build quality is - shall we say? - variable. If you are unlucky you will suffer:

- leaks when it rains, which might do alarming things to the electronics;
- clutch slip;
- quirky handling on wet roads even if you select your winter tyres with great care;
- slow gear changes;
- steering wheel too large, and not adjustable for reach or rake.

If you are serious about trying to obtain one of these cars, I commend TheRoadster.net as a source of information and advice.

I would be glad to hear how you get on.

By: Wally Benson

Wally Benson — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 09:32:26 +0000

I’m trying to smugle one in from Mexico! After I get it here I don’t know how I’m going to drive it with out getting cought.