New Smart Brabus models revealed

Smart has announced that the new Smart ForTwo Brabus will make its public debut at the Beijing Motor Show. The Smart ForTwo coupe and cabriolet, plus the Smart ForFour will all get the Brabus treatment, with prices being announced in July when the ForTwo Brabus coupe goes on sale. First deliveries of the car are expected in September.

The three cars follow on from the original Smart Brabus editions and get a mild power increase, a slightly sportier driving experience and a host of styling tweaks.

As with the original versions, Smart and Brabus (a German tuning company famous for building powerful Mercedes variants) have worked in partnership on these models, so they will be covered by the standard manufacturer warranty and can be serviced at standard Smart dealerships. As well as the standard Brabus versions, there will also be a Brabus Xclusive range, which adds even more equipment.

Despite Brabus’ reputation for its work with Mercedes cars, its changes to Smart’s cars focus more on styling than huge power increases.

The cars get extended wheel arches, unique alloy wheels and a matt grey rear diffuser. There are also chrome-look exhaust tips and extra grippy tyres. Inside, all models come with the Cool & Audio Package, which adds climate control, as well as an upgraded stereo and media package that includes Bluetooth connectivity and optimised connectivity for Android and Apple smartphone users.

Brabus Xclusive models feature leather-upholstered sports seats, an upgraded Brabus dashboard and instrument cluster, Brabus floor mats and Xclusive badges dotted around the car. You also get the LED & Sensor package that adds automatic halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights and automatic wipers. These models come with heated front seats and ForFour models come with a cargo box for the rear seats.

Although most of the upgrades are visual, the Brabus Smart models do get a slight increase in power. The turbocharged 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol engine now comes with 108bhp, which sends its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This is enough to get the ForTwo from 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds, while the heavier ForFour takes 10.5 seconds.

Brabus has also stiffened the suspension to give a sportier driving experience and fettled the electric power steering for sharper, quicker responses.

There’s no official word yet on UK pricing, but we do know that in continental Europe the range will start at €19,710 for the ForTwo coupe, with the Xclusive models costing around €3,000 extra. British pricing will be announced in July, with first models arriving in showrooms in September this year.