From The Classifieds: 2004 Smart Roadster

Underwritten by Mercedes-Benz, the smart brand is respected, but not as popular in Australia as in Europe. The zippy Roadster version sold here between 2003 and 2007 is not a common sight today but it still makes an appealing choice in the minimalist, small sports car market.

Minimalist, but not to the same degree as your average Lotus; tiny, but not ridiculously so, and quirky; but not as quirky as the upright little city car on which it was based, the smart Roadster introduced locally in November 2003 was probably the least conceptually challenging car in the urban-focussed, Benz-created brand.

It was marketed here between 2003 and 2007 and, with its Mercedes-Benz credibility, had a certain amount of respect in the community, even if the sales numbers were not as impressive as, say, those of Mazda’s MX-5.

With just 790kg to tote around, the rear-mounted, 700cc turbocharged, three-cylinder engine provided a certain amount of punch. It provided 60kW/110Nm and drove through a six-speed manual sequential transmission. The claimed fuel economy was a thrifty 5.1 litres/100km and 100km/h came up in 10.9 seconds.

The low centre of gravity helped give it impressive handling -- though there was some press criticism of the numb steering that fed little information to the driver. Fifteen-inch alloy wheels helped road grip.

The Roadster was electronically aided by ESP stability control, CBC corner brake control, anti-lock brakes with BA brake assist (discs at the front, drums at the rear) and HAS hill start assist.

The part-removable roof wasn’t quite as handy as your average coupe-convertible but the smart Roadster felt relatively snug in bad weather and relatively open to the elements in fair conditions.

The Lotus connotations were made a little bit less with the fitment of standard remote central locking, air-conditioning, CD player and power windows, although the lack of steering-wheel adjustment made it a bit difficult for some to find a nice driving position.

The smart Roadster was retired locally in December 2007, and dropped in price from the original $37,900 to $34,900. It was not as numerous at the jaunty smart fortwo “coupe” but enough were sold so that it occupies a visible place on the used car market.

The Spice Red 2004 model from the Sydney suburb of Edgecliff featured here is a pretty typical example of what you might find if you regularly check carsales.com.au.

Like the car, the owner’s description is minimalist: It “looks and drives as new. Nothing more to say.”

For this, a price of $13,990 is being asked, which is not bad considering the low claimed mileage of 58,000km. It is certainly possible to find more expensive smart Roadsters.

Not a bad way of standing apart from the small sports car crowd.