smart fortwo cdi

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Introduction

Smart is finally bringing a turbodiesel version of its diminutive fortwo city car to the UK and instantly adds mega economy to an already frugal line-up. It might not be hugely powerful, but the tiny 800cc, three-cylinder turbodiesel allows 83.1mpg on the official combined cycle while emitting just 88g/km of CO₂.

What is it?

The original fortwo was arguably before its time, the compact two-seater bought by green early adopters attracted by its low emissions and excellent economy. A city car that's offered in 'coupe' or open-topped 'cabrio' guise here, the smart makes a lot of sense if most of your motoring is undertaken on busy urban roads. This second-generation fortwo is the first to offer the combination that other European buyers have had for a while - a smart with a turbodiesel engine. Although it's the least powerful smart model it's the most fuel efficient, managing a very impressive 83.1mpg on the official combined cycle.

How does it drive?

The smart has never been a car that people have bought for its driving characteristics. The suspension is bouncy, the semi-auto gearshift ponderous and the steering lifeless. Add in an engine in petrol guise that needs revving hard and you pay for the smart's usefulness around town with plenty of compromises behind the wheel. The cdi model addresses some of these weaknesses: the steering is still light and lacking precision and the suspension firm and unyielding, but the ample low-rev urgency the turbodiesel engine brings reduces the negativity of the slow gearshift to excellent effect, transforming the smart from a changing-gear-nodding-head nightmare into something a lot more comfortable.

There's little need to rev the engine either, as upshifts and decent progress are possible with only 2,000rpm showing on the pod-like (and optional) rev-counter. There's a bit of vibration from the engine at idle, but on the move it's smooth and refined enough, proving to be an easier, less fussy drive than its rather frenetic petrol relations.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

The fortwo cdi is a veritable hippy of a car it loves the planet so much. The official CO₂ output of 88g/km means I'll not choke up the atmosphere unnecessarily and the official combined figure of 83.1mpg is remarkable. What's even more so is its official urban consumption figure, which smart quotes at 80.7mpg. Drive it with economy in mind and you'll better that, with over 100mpg a real possibility.

Verdict

If you're looking for a green car then the smart fortwo cdi certainly fills the brief. It remains as compromised as its petrol relatives by only really working in the city, but if most of your motoring is between buildings then there's little to better it. A two-seater only, with a tiny boot and bouncy ride, it's far from perfect, but it's a charming, efficient and safe alternative to a moped or motorbike around town and is infinitely preferable to public transport, too.

Kyle Fortune

Friday June 12