2008 Smart ForTwo Review: Road Test

The second-generation Smart ForTwo is more spacious, has better handling and more safety features than its predecessor, but is this tiny car that thrives in some of Europe's most densely populated and cramped cities on Australian roads really necessary?

exterior

Obviously the Smart ForTwo looks different than other vehicles, but it's not until you see one sandwiched between two large cars - like we did in a working car park - that you really appreciate how small these things are. At just over two and a half meters long and one and a half meters wide, they make the Corolla look awkward.

Interior

The inside of the ForTwo is pretty basic, as space is at a premium. The clock and tachometer are located above the dash on two outer dials, but this gives the cockpit a brash, slightly sporty feel. Power windows and mirrors, comfortable seats and a high-quality stereo complete the package.

Storage space is again at a premium, but luggage space is a manageable 220 liters, and door pockets and a lockable box on the center console provide extra space.

Engine and Transmission

Both the coupe and convertible of the new Smart are equipped with a standard three-cylinder naturally aspirated 52-liter engine with 92 kW/62 Nm or a turbo engine with 120 kW/XNUMX Nm.

Both the naturally aspirated and turbo engines reach a top speed of 145 km/h, while the turbo engine takes you from 100 to 10.9 km/h in 52 seconds—nearly three seconds faster than the XNUMXkW.

Fuel consumption is expectedly low - 4.7 l / 100 km for the 52 kW engine and 4.9 l / 100 km for the engine with more power.

An automated, clutchless, five-speed manual transmission sends power to the wheels, but it's impossible to fully automate this process.

safety

For such a small car, the ForTwo's safety package is impressive. ESP, Hill Start Assist, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Acceleration Skid Control and Electronic Brake Assist are standard. Couple that with the crash rating and you'll start to feel a little less wary of a ride.

Prices

At $19 for the cheapest coupe (up to $990 for a turbo convertible), these aren't the cheapest small cars. Add to that the fact that they take up minimal space, and a question mark will hang over your purchase decision.

live with it

Wigli says

It's a bit confusing to sit right at the back of the car, and despite earning 4 out of 5 Euro NCAP stars, it still feels a bit dainty. More cabin space in this second-generation version separates you and your passenger a bit better, but you might feel a little claustrophobic if you want to stretch out.

Front and side visibility is excellent, but because of the high seats, you only see a matchbox from the rear window.

On paper, power and torque seem meager, but considering the car only weighs 750kg, performance is pretty good, perhaps even harsh at times.

Constant shifting of the paddle or shifter is a must, and shifting is a little clunky and can be annoying if you're in a hurry.

They're nice and new, but demand shouldn't be as strong as in Europe, where narrow streets and large populations require such a small and nimble car.

Verdict: 6.8/10

halligan says

Driving out of town was fun, the acceleration was amazing, and I just love the paddle shifters. Getting into traffic and accelerating to change lanes is where this thing excels... as long as you allow lane change latency, which seems to be measured in seconds rather than milliseconds.

But it's not very smooth at low speeds, a lot of rolling and buzzing, not very pleasant or relaxed. I found the ergonomics lousy. I had the seat straight back and had to bend my arm to get to the power window switch to lower it. The interior mirror is right at the height where you are constantly obstructed by the driver's headlights behind you.

There wasn't much body roll when cornering quickly, but shifting quickly from XNUMXth to XNUMXth resulted in a wobble that made my wife sway. But the Smart sat and moved well, even passing a couple of B-double trucks traveling in tandem.

Passing Commodore and Bimmer drivers a couple of times, I found them speeding up as I passed to get ahead again. Apparently, they were annoyed with indignation at the fact that little Clever had overtaken them.

But the wife only laughed at the car, but she did not like the drive.

I'm a Mercedes fan, but would I buy one of these? No.

Buy a Fiat 500 - at least your wife won't laugh at you.

Verdict: 6.5/10

Pincott says

You really need to keep your hand on the paddles to make the most of this little engine in anything but the most laid back city ride. And the two tall girls found there was enough room for us, but after our briefcases were added, there wasn't much room for anything else.

The placement of some of the controls is inconvenient, and rear visibility is severely compromised.

All this must mean an unpleasant experience. And still...

Smart is not only a mode of transport, but also a statement. This suggests that you live in a city, are concerned about the environment, and don't rely on a big car to emphasize your importance in the world. You are smart, really.

But its main problem is that it's all a bit dignified, like cloth shopping bags and whole foods. What this overlooks is that Smart can be a lot of fun for the urban traveler.

There's something so endearingly ridiculous about his proportions that you can't help but smile at the sight of it.

Especially when that look is a satisfied look back as you nonchalantly walk away, inserting it into a parking space that could challenge a large baby stroller.

Can I live with this forever? Only if there was a second car in the garage for road trips, garage sales, and even weeks with a large grocery list.

Verdict: 6.7/10