Smart Brabus, 109 CV that park anywhere

Smart has unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show the most powerful version of the new generation of city cars, signed by the specialist Brabus.

The new Brabus Smart will be available in all three body styles: the Fortwo in both coupé and cabrio form, and the Forfour.

The third generation of the Smart has taken a step further. Thanks to the Mercedes-Renault alliance, the new Smart are more modern and attractive than ever, and also come with a twin range from Renault, including its new Twingo, which we have already driven at Highmotor.

We had been speculating for many months about the arrival of the Brabus version, the sportiest model in the range, which has already become an institution thanks to the two previous generations. The first Brabus Smart went on sale in 2002, astonishing the public with an unrivalled size-to-power ratio.

Today, almost 15 years later, the third generation of the Brabus Smart arrives. Visually it still stands out from the rest of the Smart models thanks to a very attractive styling kit that includes bespoke bumpers and alloy wheels of up to 17″. The rear is rounded off with a twin-exit exhaust system.

Inside, the perceived sense of quality rises thanks to the leather upholstery, which is found not only on the seats but also on the dashboard. The steering wheel and gear lever knob are specific, as is the more sporty instrument cluster.

This Smart is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds

Mechanically, the new Brabus models stand out for their 0.9 three-cylinder engine, the same one fitted to the Renault Twingo. The Brabus engineers have optimised its performance, raising the output to a respectable 109 CV and 170 Nm. It is paired exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The performance is more than reasonable, with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of 9.5 seconds for the Fortwo, rising to 10.5 seconds for the Forfour. Besides the engine, the Brabus Smart offer more sporty handling thanks, among other things, to oversized front-axle brakes and firmer suspension.

The ESP has been specifically tuned, as has the transmission, which also features a “Race Start” launch control system to achieve maximum acceleration from a standstill. The Brabus Smart will reach dealerships in July of this year with a starting price of €19,710 for the Fortwo, €20,520 for the Forfour and €22,970 for the Fortwo Cabrio.