WE LIKE
1. Front-on parking
2. Great Economy
3. Improved ride and performance
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Two seats
2. Cost ratio to number of seats
3. Auto function not standard
The new fortwo is here and the unsuspecting might need more than a second look to spot the difference between it and its instantly recognisable predecessor. However, upon closer inspection of this iconic toddler, which Smart claims benefits from a 90% redesign, the differences do become apparent.
The new model boasts quite a list of improvements aimed at resolving many of the original's faults, not least a new engine, gearbox with an improved 5-speed transmission, new interior and upgraded safety equipment - along with a body that is 195mm longer and 55mm wider - both required for its debut in the US market. The Mitsubishi developed rear-mounted three-cylinder engine now has greater power output with an increased top speed of 90mph (electronically limited), while still being able to get you to the shops and back on a thimble full of juice.
The distinctive lines of the original car are still present thus maintaining a loyal fan base (770,000 first generation cars sold, albeit not at a profit) but the original softer cutesy shape has gone, replaced by a more masculine and athletic style. From the front the car sports a more mature grille, along with new headlamps with built-in projection technology, a feature unique to this vehicle class. The once innovative vertical door handles have made a 90 degree turn to the horizontal position. The rear window is less steeply angled so keeping the roof length short and putting the accent firmly on its coupe characteristics.
Step inside the new fortwo to discover where the car has undergone the most noticeable changes. Gone is the original S-shaped dashboard - replaced by a straight facia (conforming to US crash regulations) which gives a sense of increased space. External mounted dials and fabric covered areas on doors and instruments still feature but overall the interior has the feel of a more conventional cabin and is thankfully a lot less cuddly.
The fortwo still comprises a rear-mounted up-rated petro+D216l engine with 71bhp or 84 bhp or a 54 bhp diesel with the lowest CO2 output of any fuel-burning car- just 86 g/km of CO2.
With the entry-level models returning over 60 mpg and maintenance intervals on the 71bhp of two years or 25,000 miles you won't be spending a bundle on running costs. It should also be said that the smart is better value than it was a few years ago, with prices now in line with basic superminis, rather than above them
Overall, the improved suspension and steering make the smart a better all-rounder than before, but it is still a lot more compromised than, say, a Fiesta. As a trendy urban second car it makes some sense, but how often will the tiny dimensions be an advantage compared to the number of times you will miss four seats?
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User reviews (10)
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kyle21 August 2009
this is greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeat
Report as inappropriatehi11 December 2009
its like a mental blob
Report as inappropriateKen Jones22 February 2010
Judge it for what it is. Small, nippy and fun. Not a family saloon. If you don't need back seats why drag the extra weight around? My 84 cabrio is great. Fast through city traffic and bye ways. Adequate for motorways. Nice with the top down in summer. Surprisingly sure footed in snow. Don't knock it until you've tried one.
Report as inappropriateJulie27 February 2010
Running costs for an 84bhp cabrio 58 plate are working out about 40 mpg! This is roughly getting 28 lts and between 220 and 270 miles. Not quite as stated in the brochure and all motorway driving. It has been back to the garage 4 times, as it originally got just over 330 miles to a tank, now i am lucky if i get 250. The dealership in loughton have found now that my 'fuel sender' was faulty, run the fuel empty to prove it and took the engine out. I have just got it back after 3 weeks, guess what, its still not getting the mileage. I loved the old smarts, able to remap, lots of extra, much better fuel consumption. I would say think about other options before buying a new smart!
Report as inappropriateNeil02 May 2010
Had mine for 10 months, small oil leak from stub axle, fixed under warranty. Apart from that all good, removed fuse 11 in snow to deactivate TC! Love the thing, better than the old one I owned for 3 years.
Report as inappropriateGregory De Halle24 January 2011
Its been a great little car for me its a 71 hp with F1 gearshift lol, No its fun and nippy came to smart from a clio sport and can honestly say as fun to drive but at safe much slower speeds reminded me of my 1972 mini, was great in the snow had two foot where i am and didnt get stuck once, it generally does 50mpg which is good as i have a really heavy foot, but i have seen 380 miles out of a 28 litre refill so did over 60 mpg which was really impressive that was on a run trying my hardest though! Only had a problem with split folding boot not shutting but fixed the same day as fault occured, it does eat headlights but Dealer replaces them Free of charge. Only have a problem with the panoramic roof, it looks to be graining in bright sunshine but Mercedes say they may replace, we shall see? Great little car a complete suprise suits my lifestyle well, can get plenty in boot and very cheap to run for a 24 year old £30 to tax £32 to fill for 350 miles and cheap insurance. its done 17500 miles on a 58 plate
Report as inappropriateZe Tobias02 May 2011
O Smart é cócó!
Report as inappropriatehondadriver04 May 2011
its a good city car but for motorways it is RUBBISH and i go on the motorway alot so smart do a more POWERFUL version
Report as inappropriatebandytales29 September 2011
Mine is the Brabus. I love the go cart handling. The fuel economy at 48mpg is fair. The engine is great (both trundling and at motorway speeds). The exhast not from the turbocharged triple is great. The ride is (sadly) very harsh. Generally speaking I love this car(t).
Report as inappropriateTony Skipper12 January 2012
Only had a test drive love the handling of the fortwo cab but the day was wet so could not remove roof.The test was in Milton keynes and this car was a treat going round and round.love the drive. I would love to try a Country long drive in a diesal to test the fuel used and would like to borrow one with all fuel supplyed for this challange if any dealers up for a challenge and will post on utube and live on the web as we go.
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