Smart Fortwo Brabus (2007) CAR review

The world’s fastest rollerskate is back, then?

From spring 2008, yes. And those mentalists at Brabus have gone and made it even faster, too – by giving it 30 per cent more power. 30 per cent! Now it warbles out 98bhp with half-a-911-timbre, reaches 62mph (after a couple of nodding-dog gearchanges) in 9.9secs. And goes to – whoa – 95mph (sensibly limited).

So it’s far more than just a tarted-up Fortwo?

Oh yes, Brabus has done a thorough job here. The rear wheelarches are wider, to encompass 17-inch wheels with 225/35-section tyres. They’re connected to 10mm lower suspension, with stiffer springs and dampers, and driven by a gearbox that, apparently, shifts 20 per cent faster than standard (with revised first and fifth gear ratios). Paddles on the steering wheel mean you can avoid the idiotic semi-auto logic and keep the revs high. Lift off, and the twin Brabus exhausts pop and rasp; downshift, to enjoy it again, and the throttle’s blipped perfectly. Go back on the power and 103lb ft at 3500rpm surges you away with enough vigour to demand ‘complex surface treatment’ strengthening for the transmission shafts…