Smart fortwo

The Smart ForTwo is a funky little city car that benefits from efficient engines and low running costs. It doesn’t get very many good reviews though thanks to an overly-firm ride, and jerky gearbox.

Interior

Inside, there’s enough room for a couple of six-footers. The driver might have a few problems getting comfy though, for the steering wheel is fixed and there’s no height adjustment for the seat. The boot’s 220-litre capacity is comparable with other city cars, and the dash is well laid out and easy to use. It feels solid and durable, with the exception of some flimsy heater controls.

Driving

Chief among the Smart’s flaws are its awful five-speed semi-automatic gearbox. It’s slow and jerky in automatic mode and driving it smoothly in manual mode requires far too much concentration for what should be an easy-to-drive city car.

Furthermore, an imprecise throttle response makes smooth getaways tricky. Also worth noting is the numb, inert steering, appallingly firm ride (A trait magnified in the Brabus edition…) and the wearing noise at higher speeds.

Engines

Smart’s tiny 800cc diesel is one of the most efficient engines on the road today, and widely considered to be one of the best in the range. It claims 83mpg on the combined cycle, and only 86g/km of CO2. It produces a whopping 54bhp and 96lb ft of torque, spurring the Smart on to a top speed of 84mph.

If it’s a petrol you’re after, Smart’s mhd range of 1.0-litre engines are available with either 71, or 84bhp. Most reviews are for the 71bhp variant, which the critics say revs freely and has a ‘sporty’ exhaust note. Most powerful is the Brabus edition, with has over 100bhp.

Value for money

It’s expensive compared to rivals, some of which have more seats too.

Whichever engine you go for, the Smart should be admirably cheap to run. It’s cheap to insure, and the diesel should manage over 80mpg. Entry level ‘Pulse’ cars come well specced, with air-con, alloys and electric windows. Move up to a ‘Passion’, and you’ll get a panoramic roof and sat-nav.

Worth noting

Entry level models may get alloy wheels and air conditioning as standard, but they do without a locking glovebox. Furthermore, side airbags are only an option on all Smarts. Reassuringly though, driver and passenger airbags as well as a stability control system are standard.

Conclusion

The ForTwo’s lazy gearbox and harsh ride put a dampener on what’s otherwise a decent little city-car.