I don’t know why, but there is something majestic when it comes to tiny cars powered by powerful engines. Yup; that 400+ horsepower Cygnet is awesome, but I am thinking something more civilized. Even with less than 100 horsepower, cars like the Toyota iQ, or anything from Smart are simply a lot of fun. This time around, Brabus created a rather special 125R based around the Smart ForTwo Convertible and called it the “Pocket Rocket.” Well, it is the pocket rocket considering that the German tuning company dialed up the 0.9-liter turbocharged engine, improved its suspension, and put a special makeup on a tiny car.

2018 Brabus 125R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Brabus 125R
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What Makes the Brabus 125 R Special?

The changes aren’t as plentiful as one may imagine, but the fact that the Smart ForTwo wears rear 17-inch wheels is quite extraordinary. It needs them, too, as the 0.9-liter turbocharged engine has been tuned to deliver 123 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Formidable power for such a tiny car. Add to this super short wheelbase and retuned, now stiffer, suspension, and we have one of the most alluring small cars out there.

Don’t expect some incredible performance numbers though. After all, we are talking about the 0.9-liter engine here. So, the 9.2-second acceleration to 62 mph is only adequate, as is the top speed of 109 mph. Luckily, this isn’t the point of the tiniest car to gain a Renault-sourced 0.9-liter.

Measures taken to increase power output are more or less expected. Brabus engineers worked on a new modified intake system, a far more efficient intercooler, and a reprogrammed ECU. This only upped the power of the three-cylinder, but Brabus then installed a sport exhaust system with and finished it off with three tailpipes. One pipe for each cylinder it seems. Neat.

Brabus decided to cap production at 125 units with every one of them wearing a plaque to showcase the sheer exclusivity of the car. Corresponding with the exclusivity factor, Brabus offered the car with only two finishes - titanium matte or glossy black. It fits well with the new exterior red accents.

Luckily, Brabus walked over the cabin as well fitting the 125R with contoured sport seats in black BRABUS Mastik leather, red stitching, and diamond quilting. All important luxury details making the 125R a very unique car.

It all comes at a price though. Let me ask you something. Would you ever give more than $46,000 for a Smart ForTwo? Even if it is as special as this one? Well, you see the problem. This is exactly how much the Brabus 125R costs. Yet, I am sure that car collectors and many from the extensive Brabus VIP list will run to buy this car. Remember, there are people in this world who ask Aston Martin to produce the Cygnet with a Vantage V-8 engine inside. By contrast, Brabus 125R seems sensible. Civil even.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2017 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet.

Read our full review on the 2017 Smart ForTwo.

Read our full speculative review on the 2018 Smart ForTwo EQ.