Smart for two cabrio
Isnt an open-topped citycar a contradiction in terms? Do urban dwellers really want to breathe in each others exhaust fumes? Apparently so, at least according to the thousands of buyers who have been snapping up the clever smart car in its trendy fortwo cabrio form.
Here, were looking at the second generation version which looks the same as its predecessor but in fact is very different. Todays model is significantly improved and bigger. For example, is 19.5cm longer from nose to tail but crucially, its 5cm longer in the wheelbase with a wider track and wider tyres.
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The trio of 1.0-litre petrol engines smart offers are all highly refined but the entry-level 61bhp model feels under-powered and even the 71bhp option is found wanting at higher speeds. These cheaper units are fine for pottering about town but the lively 84bhp turbocharged option is the way to go if you plan on covering bigger distances. That or the 98bhp unit used in the flagship Brabus version.
The smart people have done away with the sequential gearbox that was used in the old car, swapping its jerky six-gear set-up for a faster shifting, five-speed unit. The standard manual shift option gives decent control, letting you prod the lever to select gears yourself or flip the optional steering wheel paddles. Lift off the gas as you do this and it manages quite nicely but the softouch fully-automatic mode on the Passion models is preferable most of the time.
"This car represents a clever idea, cleverly executed"
The cabriolets folding fabric roof is easily operated at any speed at the touch of a button. It retreats backwards in the manner of a conventional sun roof revealing a big slice of sky overhead but drivers wanting to go fully convert their smart will need to stop and get out. Removable side roof bars unclip and can be stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate while the rear roof section, once released, drops down to sit on top of the boot. Its hard to argue with the suitability of the fortwo concept to its urban transport role.
With two seats, tiny dimensions, that self-shifting gearbox and fuel-sipping engines, it makes all kinds of sense for all kinds of reasons. The fortwo cabrio seems less sensible, exposing its occupants to the noise and smog of the city but its more extrovert, more stylish and more fun and these attributes are just as important to the smart package. The fact that there is a boot to speak of hints at the way this fortwo cabrio has grown-up. Owners get a respectable 220-litre luggage capacity in the back, theres a glass rear window to improve visibility and on the inside, the fortwo now feels like part of the Mercedes-Benz family, rather than the scruffy stepchild that smarts prestigious parent company would rather forget.
Prices start at under £10,000 and the latest fortwo attacks the market with familiar Pure, Pulse and Passion trim levels. Pure keeps it simple with steel wheels and manual windows but buyers do get ABS brakes, twin front airbags and ESP stability control a laudable standard inclusion on a car in this sector. The Pulse models offer a sporty flavour with a rev counter, racy trim materials, a sports steering wheel, electric windows, alloy wheels and front fog lights. The range-topping Passion delivers air-conditioning, different alloy wheels, a silver grille and the softouch automatic gear shift option but if you want a seriously high-spec smart theres loads of personalisation potential in the options list.
If you can afford around £15,500, the flagship Brabus model offers a unique dose of urban chic. Given the dimensions of the car and its engine, you wouldnt expect the fortwo to achieve anything but the most miserly fuel economy. Sure enough, the combined cycle figure for the mid-range 71bhp cabrio is 58mpg. The drop top models are 40kg heavier but that will only cost owners a couple of miles in the gallon and CO2 emissions are pegged at 116g/km for the 71bhp car, 4g/km up on the equivalent coupe.
The insurance groups are similarly low, partly thanks to the smarts plastic bodyshell which is both surprisingly durable against minor knocks and inexpensive to replace after bigger ones. Its often the way that a model which pioneers a market sector fails to capitalise on its visionary design. Copycat rivals are usually quick to emerge which do it all a little bit better. Although the original smart was certainly groundbreaking and remained the only city car to be seen in around our cities fashionable districts, it never felt like the complete package.
The latest fortwo cabrio model is a far more sophisticated prospect, at home doing far more than parking or creeping along in traffic. This car represents a clever idea, cleverly executed. If you like the idea of an open-top and space is not important, then the latest fortwo cabio is worth a look, as long as you can afford the rather high price tag. Provided you dont mind being stared at of course.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: smart fortwo cabrio range
PRICES: £9,240-£15,470 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-8
CO2 EMISSIONS: 116-124g/km
PERFORMANCE: [71bhp] Max Speed 91mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [71bhp] (urban) 46.3mpg / (extra urban) 70.6mpg / (combined) 60.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS, recessed wipers, ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 2695/1559/1542mm
