Smart Roadster
- Year: 2002
- Body Type: Sports
The Smart Roadster (W452) is a compact and lightweight two-door, two-seater sports car that embodies a unique blend of European innovation and engineering flair. Introduced in 2002 by Smart GmbH, the Roadster was designed to offer the thrills of a sports car in a compact, efficient package. Built on a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, it stood out for its nimble handling, low-slung design, and distinctive styling cues that reflected the quirky identity of the Smart brand.
Two main versions were offered: the standard Smart Roadster and the more practical Roadster Coupé, which featured an extended rear for increased cargo space. Both variants were powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a semi-automatic gearbox, emphasizing fun-to-drive dynamics while keeping fuel efficiency in mind.
The car’s production was handled entirely at Smart's Hambach plant in Moselle, France, reinforcing its "Made in France" status despite being the product of a collaborative effort between Switzerland’s Swatch, Germany’s Mercedes-Benz, and France. Despite a relatively short production span ending in November 2005, the Smart Roadster achieved respectable success with around 43,000 units sold.
Its legacy is marked by its playful spirit, minimalist sports car philosophy, and its final unit now displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, symbolizing its enduring place in automotive history.
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