​New car review: Smart Fortwo

[smart142]

By Blackmore Vale Magazine |

Posted: August 08, 2015

The Smart Fortwo is a car that almost defies comparison. Against typical city cars it's often found wanting. This much improved third-generation version builds on the appeal of its predecessors. It occupies an increasingly premium niche.

The Smart Fortwo is offered with two engines, both three-cylinder petrol units. The 899cc turbocharged engine develops 89bhp, while the 999cc normally aspirated engine 70bhp. Torque figures are 135 and 90Nm respectively.

The 999cc version is a plodder. Standstill to 62mph is a leisurely 14.4 seconds but the throttle response is more predictable than the more surging turbocharged car. It may make city driving a bit more relaxing.

The updated transmission is considerably better than the previous jerky robotised manual gearbox. In its place comes a five-speed manual box, a six-speed twin-clutch automatic will follow.

The suspension is also far more refined than before.

Another change is that it's 11cm wider, and that extra track width offers a bit more reassuring feel when cornering. The turning circle remains tiny at just 6.95m, because there are no driveshafts restricting the front wheels. They can be turned to 45 degrees, so the Fortwo can perform tight parking manoeuvres.

The front of the latest Fortwo is a big departure from the somewhat feline look of the two prior models. The tridion safety cell is still built in: it is something of a Smart trademark.

Where previous Fortwos have been quite slab-sided, Smart's designers have this time attempted to put a bit of shape into it.

To buy the style and extreme manoeuvrability of the Smart Fortwo, you need to make quite a few compromises. It does drive better than before and is a bit more practical, but it just can't compete with the excellence of the latest city cars.

It's a niche product. Smart recognises this and has made the interior feel like a premium-priced product.

There's still something about the Fortwo that smacks of a missed opportunity. It's an ambitious dream of future sustainable transport that's become boutique hipster transport.

That it'll find a market there is no doubt, but that market is limited in size, if not willingness to pay.

Smart needs to make the Fortwo very special if it's to succeed: this looks like a promising step in the right direction.

http://www.blackmorevale.co.uk/8203-New-car-review-Smart-Fortwo/story-27558267-detail/story.html

[SmartED]

The key to it being successful I think is going to be the price. How much can they charge and hope to add new and existing customers. Many improvements along the way, but the price will matter.