Car Statistics:
smart - fortwo
Series
07
(3 stars)
Styling
(4 stars)
It's still a one box design in two tone/two material concept based around the tridion safety cell, with interchangeable plastic body panels, but the new car has had much more than just a little facelift, which should see a lot of first generation cars in the papers.
Handling
(4 stars)
Up-rated engines with more torque and quicker steering ensures the smart fortwo is now more at home in and out of town. The gearbox no longer hunts for gears and there's a faster response time between them, plus get-out-of-trouble kick down.
Comfort
(4 stars)
Much improved suspension and slightly beefed up body allows for a more relaxed drive.
Quality
(4 stars)
Well its German designed and as such the quality is assured. Buttons and switches now match the more refined interior and should serve to keep the second-hand market high.
Performance
(3 stars)
The 71 bhp version has ample legs and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 13.3 seconds taking it away from the lights ahead of at least a few, while the 84 bhp turbo model had us sprinting the 0 to 62 in 10.9 seconds. Engine noise is still a factor albeit much improved, and would still take its toll at high revs on long motorway stretches.
Roominess
(2 stars)
A small but tall cabin gives generous leg and headroom with a further feeling of space derived from the straight dashboard and minimal furniture around the handbrake. The rear luggage compartment receives an extra 70 litres capacity now at standing at 220 litres. The now familiar twin section tailgate forms a platform making loading and unloading easy.
Costs
(4 stars)
Visits to the pumps should be rare, as should dealer drop-ins with service intervals being every two years. Low band vehicle tax and probable congestion charge exemption from 2009 all add up to one of the most economic vehicles in the micro market.
Value
(3 stars)
For a modern and distinctive two-seater it does everything it says it should on the can.
Stereo
(2 stars)
RDS radio and CD is standard kit across the range and it didn't sound bad.
Other
Replacement:
2014
Overall Rating
(3 stars)