smart Roadster (R452) · smart Roadster
R452
Two-seat fun — the smart roadster.
- Production
- 2003–2005
- Body
- Roadster
- Chassis
- R452
Open-air motoring in miniature — the R452 Smart Roadster packed a turbocharged three-cylinder engine behind the seats and a full-length convertible soft top into a package shorter than most parking spaces, yet drove with an enthusiasm that belied its size.
Mercedes-Benz launched the Smart Roadster on the R452 chassis in 2003 as a companion to the C452 Roadster Coupé, sharing the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and tridion safety cell that defined Smart's engineering philosophy. The electrohydraulic soft top folded completely flat; the 698 cc and 799 cc turbocharged engines delivered surprising pace in a car weighing less than 800 kilograms. Quick steering, a low center of gravity, and compact dimensions made the Roadster a genuine urban sports car rather than a fashion accessory.
Built from 2003 to 2005, the R452 Smart Roadster was a rare moment of pure driving fun in the Smart catalogue — a car whose production ended too soon but whose enthusiastic character has earned it a devoted following.
Every model.
3 model designations across 2003–2005 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the R452.
| Model | Lata modelowe | Zbudowano | Podwozie | Silnik | Skrzynia biegów | Razem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| roadster | 2004–2006 | 04.2003–11.2005 | 452.434 | 160.922 | 717.476 | — |
| roadster | 2004–2006 | 05.2003–11.2005 | 452.432 | 160.921 | 717.408 | — |
| roadster BRABUS | 2004–2006 | 03.2004–02.2005 | 452.437 | 160.923 | 717.477 | — |
Year by year.
Launch, BRABUS power and the early end of the open-deck smart roadster.
- 2003
- The roadster entered production with a removable two-piece roof, separate front and rear luggage compartments and exposed rear deck in place of the coupé’s glass hatch.
- The 60 and 80 PS versions used 698 cc turbocharged M160 engines and a six-speed automated manual; ESP and the tridion safety cell were standard.
- 2004
- The roadster BRABUS added a 101 PS M160.923 engine, water-cooled charge-air cooling, shorter shift times, firmer suspension, larger brakes, wider wheels and central twin exhausts.
- 2005
- DaimlerChrysler announced the model’s cancellation after weak sales; production at Hambach ended in November with no facelift.
- Finale and market-specific run-out editions bundled leather, air conditioning and distinctive colour and wheel combinations, so edition equipment should be verified against the data card.
