Smart Fortwo Brabus review - Small car, big fun, huge price - Engine and gearbox
Far more capable and fun than we could have expected, but it's hard to ignore that price tag
Engine and gearbox
The Fortwo Brabus uses a derivation of the 898cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine found elsewhere in the Fortwo range. Here it develops 107bhp at 5750rpm and 125lb ft of torque from 2000rpm. Those figures are identical to those of the Renault Twingo GT, and come courtesy of improved breathing on the induction side, a new exhaust to expel gases quicker from each cylinder, and higher fuel pressure.
The biggest change however is to the transmission. Unlike the Twingo, and unlike the old automated manual that left you in the lurch between shifts, the new Brabus uses a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Firstly, that gives you an extra cog to play with compared to the Twingo's three-pedal manual, but secondly, it means fairly quick, smooth shifts - an alien concept to previous Fortwo owners.
While the gearbox isn't a classic example of its type, it works perfectly well in this application and it's arguably more pleasant to use than the slightly obstinate manual in the Twingo GT, while the closer ratios lend a little more urgency to the Smart's acceleration. A shame, then, that you can't enjoy a stirring soundtrack as you flip between gears - while there's a promising burble at idle, the note becomes flat and indistinctive as the revs climb.
