Smart Fortwo Compact City Car Review And Buying Guide

The Smart Fortwo stands out as a pioneering microcar designed specifically for the challenges of modern city life. With its diminutive size and innovative engineering, it transforms parking nightmares into effortless maneuvers and delivers agile performance in congested streets. While not suited for long journeys or families, its focus on urban utility makes it a compelling choice for solo commuters or couples navigating tight spaces.

Design and Dimensions: Built for the City

The Fortwo’s defining feature is its ultra-compact footprint, measuring just 2.7 meters in length, which allows it to slip into parking spots that larger vehicles can only dream of. This short wheelbase combined with a narrow width—under 1.7 meters—ensures it fits where others cannot, often parallel parking with inches to spare. The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout contributes to its tiny turning circle of around 7 meters, making U-turns and three-point turns remarkably easy even in the narrowest alleys.

Exterior styling emphasizes functionality with a tall, boxy silhouette that maximizes interior space despite the small exterior. Truss-style doors on some models provide a unique entry experience, while the optional cabriolet version adds open-air appeal with a power-operated fabric roof that opens at speeds up to 96 mph in under 12 seconds. This convertible setup offers three positions: full open, sunroof mode covering 19.4 square feet, or fully closed, all controllable via key fob remotely.

• Key Dimensions: Length: 2.69m, Width: 1.66m, Height: 1.55m
• Turning Circle: 6.95m – Tightest in its class
• Ground Clearance: Adequate for city potholes but not off-road

Inside, the cabin accommodates two adults comfortably side-by-side, with improved shoulder room over earlier generations thanks to a slightly wider body. Materials feel upscale for the segment, featuring a distinctive dashboard layout and optional smartphone integration for infotainment, turning your phone into the central display.

Powertrains: From Turbo Petrol to Electric Efficiency

The Smart Fortwo offers a choice of petrol and electric powertrains, each tailored to urban needs. The standard turbocharged 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine produces 89 hp, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (Twinamic) that shifts smoothly and quickly, a vast improvement over the jerky automated manuals of past models. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes about 10.8 seconds, adequate for city sprints but unexciting on open roads.

The electric EQ variant shines with an 82 bhp rear-mounted motor delivering instant torque for peppy low-speed launches. Its 17.6 kWh battery provides a real-world range of around 80-100 miles, sufficient for daily commutes but limiting for longer trips. Charging takes about 3-4 hours on a home wallbox, and its rear-drive setup enhances the fun factor with playful handling.

Both options require premium fuel for the petrol (impacting running costs) and prioritize low-end responsiveness over top speed, capped at around 96 mph.

Driving Experience: Agile in Town, Challenged Elsewhere

In urban environments, the Fortwo feels like a go-kart, darting through traffic with precision. The short wheelbase and sharp steering—thanks to an electrically assisted rack—provide keen front-end response and surprising stability at moderate speeds. Rear-wheel drive adds balance, allowing controlled slides in the wet if pushed.

However, the ride quality suffers from the tiny dimensions: short suspension travel leads to a jittery feel over bumps, with notable noise and vibration from the three-cylinder engine intruding into the cabin. Highway cruising reveals wind and tire noise, and while stable, it lacks the composure of larger cars. The electric model mitigates some NVH issues but still exhibits rattles due to structural flex.

• City Strengths: Effortless parking, tight maneuvers, quick acceleration
• Highway Weaknesses: Noisy, bumpy ride, limited power
• Fun Factor: High in twisty streets, niche appeal like a hypercar in its element

Practicality and Interior Comfort

Space is cleverly utilized: front seats offer good adjustment, and the high roofline provides ample headroom. Rear seats are absent, but a small cargo area behind the seats expands with a 50/50 folding mechanism, holding up to 350 liters—enough for groceries or weekend bags. The cabriolet’s trunk is slightly compromised but still functional.

Infotainment relies on a central touchscreen borrowed from Renault tech, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via smartphone mirroring. Safety features include stability control, multiple airbags, and optional crosswind assist, though crash test ratings are average due to the small size.

Running Costs and Ownership

Fuel economy hovers at 34-39 mpg for petrol models on premium fuel, respectable but not class-leading given the lightweight build. Electric versions cut costs dramatically with low electricity rates and zero road tax in many regions. Reliability has improved in later models (2016+), but early dual-clutch issues and battery degradation warrant checks on used examples.

Purchase prices start low for used cars (£5,000-£10,000), with new EQ models around £20,000 post-incentives. Insurance is affordable due to the low power, and maintenance is straightforward with Mercedes backing.

Safety and Reliability Insights

The Fortwo’s steel unibody provides decent protection, earning four stars in Euro NCAP tests for its era. Rear-engine placement aids weight distribution for stability. Common issues include transmission hesitations in pre-2016 models and cabriolet top mechanisms, but post-2016 versions are more robust.

Who Should Buy the Smart Fortwo?

Ideal for city dwellers prioritizing parking ease over versatility. Solo professionals, young couples, or as a second car for urban errands. Avoid if you need space, long-range capability, or refined highway manners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Smart Fortwo safe?

Yes, with multiple airbags and stability systems, though its size limits absolute protection.

What’s the real-world range of the electric Fortwo?

Around 80-100 miles, best for daily city use.

Can it handle motorways?

It manages but feels noisy and unstable at high speeds.

Is parking really that easy?

Absolutely, with its tiny turning circle and slim profile.

What’s the boot space like?

Up to 350 liters with seats folded, practical for two.