smart forfour BRABUS Review
Published: 28th August 2005
smart forfour
How It Drove - Performance
The smart forfour BRABUS is powered by a 1.5 litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine which has been developed by uber-tuning house BRABUS GmbH, exclusively for the forfour delivering an impressive 177bhp (130kW) which propels it from 0-62.5 mph in 6.9 seconds and onto a terminal speed of 137 mph. With a power output of 177 bhp and a kerb weight of 1,090kg the power to weight ratio of 162 bhp / tonne is an enviable figure for most sports cars and the forfour BRABUS certainly gave drivers of larger vehicles a few surprises - when you need that extra bit of power, the forfour BRABUS really delivers.
The forfour BRABUS has been developed for sheer driving pleasure, maximum power is reached at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque is attained at 3,500 rpm. 90% of the maximum torque is delivered across nearly the entire rev range from 2,300 to 6,100 rpm.
Under normal driving conditions it is a well mannered family hatchback which is perfectly capable of the weekly shop and school run. However, step on the accelerator and at 2,300 rpm all hell breaks loose - in second gear you can break the national speed limited with ease.
Around town the forfour BRABUS is easy to drive and under normal driving conditions it is quiet and economical returning 41.5 mpg on a combined cycle.
The standard 5-speed manual gearbox the first manual gearbox in a smart is superb offering light and precise gearchange's. The clutch is extremely well weighted and it is a pleasure to change gear.
How It Drove - Ride/Handling
The smart forfour BRABUS features a lowered suspension - the front axle has been thoroughly modified, with features such as reinforced wishbones, larger supporting joints and new wheel hubs with even sturdier brake calliper brackets.
Overall the ride is firm and the standard 17" wheels are fitted with low profile tyres (205/40 front) and (225/35 rear) which ensure that you feel every imperfection in the road surface. The result is minimal body roll, minimal torque steer and exceptionally high levels of grip.
