First look: Smart roadster revealed

FIRST official details and photography of the production Smart roadster have been released.

The Mercedes-Benz two-seater will go on sale in Australia late in 2003 priced around $40,000.

Powered by a mid-mounted 60kW 700cc three-cylinder turbo engine, the roadster still delivers spritely performance thanks to its ultra-low 790kg kerb weight.

Claimed performance figures are 0-100km/h in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 175km/h.

The slightly heavier Smart roadster coupe (815kg), which has a glass rear screen and extra storage space behind the passengers, has the same top speed but a slightly slower 0-100km/h time of 11.2 seconds.

Both models will come to Australia with equipment including six-speed semi-automatic gearbox, ESP and a roof system consisting of a soft top and a hardtop, which can be used together or alternatively.

An electrically-operated folding soft top is available as an option. This can be fully opened and closed even when driving at top speed.

The Smart range is launched in Australia in the second quarter of 2003 with the coupe and cabrio versions of the micro car.