"Taking it to the track for an initiation ceremony was probably atad hard on the smart, but it did serve to polarize its strengthsand failings, and offer some pointers for the future."
This was not the most sensible way to introduce myself to my new smart long termer. Within 2 hours of its arrival on my doorstep, I was on my way to a track day at the Spa Francochamps circuit in Belgium. I'd be taking part in a 25-hour race there in a few weeks time and I wanted to learn which way the circuit went. In theory, at least, the low-powered (100 bhp) smart should have been the ideal tool for the job.
The first few miles in any new car are a nervous time. It's rather like going out with a new girl: you've had weeks of anticipation and now you're worried it's going to be a huge disappointment. And when it's a car, you can't just dump it. If the first impressions are bad, it could take a lot of "dates" to right the wrong.
Thankfully, the Brabus and I developed an instant rapport. I already knew the ride would be hard (no innuendo intended) but it was actually marginally better than I remembered from the standard roadster. Bizarrely, the combination of sport suspension and the rather wonderful 17-in. Brabus alloy wheels seem to have improved the car's ride quality as well as sharpening up the handling. I suspect it has something to do with the more aggressive damping.
As I crawled my way out of London, it also felt genuinely special. Most of this car's life will be spent traversing the capital at no more than 20 to 30 mph, so it's important I feel good driving it. That's the whole reason I chose a smart instead of something sensible, such as an Audi A3. Let's just hope the novelty doesn't wear off.
The road to Belgium also involved around 250 miles of motorway work. At 80 mph normal conversation is still possible with the roof up, but at 100 mph life starts to get rather noisy. Not that I'll be traveling at such speeds in the UK...honest, your honor.
Next morning, or sB (smart Brabus) day +1, my new toy found itself on one of the world's most famous racetracks in the company of several Ferrari 360s, a Lamborghini Murcilago and no fewer than six Porsche GT3s. It was a tough baptism for the little guy and unfortunately, the track is not its natural playground.
The gearbox was developed for the original 1998 smart city coupe and uses three cogs and two final drive ratios to deliver six forward speeds. Early versions were awful and although contemporary units are much better, it's still far from perfect. Driving it effectively on the track meant second guessing how long it would take to complete the shift, while changing down more than one gear at a time proved to be a nightmare. The track is an extreme environment, of course, but I can't help worrying these failings will translate onto the open road.The second concern was the steering. Ever since I took up road testing at the tender age of 21, I've been a stickler for great steering. Drive any Porsche or a Mazda Miata and you'll know what I mean. Good steering can make or break a car and, sadly, the smart's is no better than mediocre. Where a Porsche helm communicates so well it helps drive the car, the smart's simply changes the direction of the front wheels. On the track that's not enough, and it will be interesting to see whether it becomes an irritation on the road, too.
What can't be doubted, though, is the Brabus engine conversion is a huge improvement on the standard car's 75-bhp motor. It still can't be described as fast, but it's swift enough to be fun. And although it arrived with 1,500 miles on the clock, I suspect it will continue to loosen up as the miles pile on. The new exhaust also sounds terrific. The primary note is 911-like and there's a wonderful wastegate rasp when you lift off the throttle.
Taking it to the track for an initiation ceremony was probably a tad hard on the smart, but it did serve to polarize its strengths and failings and offer some pointers for the future. If nothing else, the next 12 months should be fun. This relationship will go beyond the first date.
Quick Stats
Mileage since last report: 942
Total mileage: 942
This month's fuel economy: 35.6 mpg (includes track work)
This month's costs: nil
Faults: None
Thumbs up: Engine, styling, exhaust note
Thumbs down: Gearbox, steering