Green Car Centre
New Smart Fortwo driven
Introduction
With the environmental doomsayers predicting ice-cap meltdown the Smart's time really has come. The microcar's parsimonious thirst for fuel and low CO2 emissions make it a green choice.
What is it?
The Fortwo is Smart's second generation microcar. The two-seat 'coupe' - also available as a convertible - is perfectly proportioned for city streets, its natural environment. Introduced back in 1997, the original took a while to catch on. It really was ahead of its time, but as the environment has become such a talking point the Fortwo is perfectly positioned to appeal to those wanting green transport. All Smarts offer tremendous economy and low emissions. It's a car that appeals to a young audience too, with 85% of the Fortwo's customers being under 40 years old.
How does it drive?
A rear-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and a sequential style semi-auto transmission sounds like the stuff of real exotica. However, it's merely that way to improve the Smart's packaging. The engine is a tiny 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit that is offered in three outputs - the 71bhp version tested here being right in the middle of the range. The engine itself is lively and willing enough, but it's hampered by the dim-witted automated manual five-speed transmission. It only really works if you drive it via the push-pull lever, as in fully automatic mode it's hopelessly slow. Smart has quickened up its responses, dropping its shift time in half over the old model, but it's still frustratingly ponderous. The ride has been improved significantly too, but the Fortwo really feels out of its depth when it's out of its city environment. Motorways and crosswinds are a particularly daunting proposition. In town it's fun, its good visibility, keen acceleration from the lights and compact dimensions making the Smart a useful companion.
Planet hugger or planet mugger?
There's no escaping the fact that, although the Smart is fairly compromised as an all-round proposition, it is pretty green. If you only need a small car - and rarely venture out of town - then it's difficult to fault. The 71bhp version is able to return 60.1mpg on the official combined cycle, and CO2 emissions are a paltry 112g/km. From late 2008 those figures will improve by 17% too, as Smart will be offering a 'micro-hybrid' version featuring stop-start technology that switches off the engine when it'd normally be idling when stopped at traffic lights and junctions.
Its lightweight but tough Tridion structure is powder coated rather than painted, while water-soluble, solvent-free base coats are used on the Fortwo's plastic panels. If you really want to make sure you're as environmentally friendly as possible then choose your body colour panels in solid white, black or yellow, as they're fully recyclable. For the ultimate green Fortwo then wait until next year when Smart will be offering a 45bhp diesel version. It'll deliver a quite staggering 85.7mpg on the official combined cycle and just 88g/km of CO2 emissions.
Verdict
There's no denying that as an all-rounder the Fortwo comes with the compromises of only being able to carry one other person and limited load space. However around town, where admittedly it is designed for, it's an impressive little machine. Think of it as an alternative to a motorbike or season ticket on the bus and trains and it makes some sense. It's a shame that Smart has yet to introduce the diesel, and even when it does eventually arrive next year it'll only be offered in left-hand drive. The new car also doesn't have quite the cool looks of its predecessor, being more frumpy than funky, and the drive, although improved, is still frustrating due to the dim-witted semi-auto transmission. Certainly not without appeal, and unquestionably a green choice, just keep it within the city limits.
Wednesday November 21
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