Smart Fortwo Review: Compact City Car, Pros & Cons

The Smart Fortwo stands out as a pioneering two-seater designed specifically for congested city streets. With its diminutive size and rear-engine layout, it transforms parking hassles into effortless maneuvers while delivering a playful driving experience. This review delves into its design, performance, practicality, and suitability for modern urban lifestyles.

Compact Design and Parking Mastery

The Fortwo’s **short wheelbase** and narrow body make it exceptionally easy to slot into tight parking spaces, often fitting into spots half the size of those needed by standard cars. Measuring just over 106 inches in length, it retains this advantage across generations, allowing drivers to park perpendicularly in areas where others must parallel park.

Its turning circle is among the tightest available, enhancing agility in crowded lots and narrow alleys. This design philosophy prioritizes urban utility, making the Fortwo a favorite for city dwellers without garages.

• Wheelbase shorter than most subcompacts for superior maneuverability.
• Width optimized to squeeze between vehicles.
• Ability to park in under half a standard spot’s length.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

Powered by a turbocharged 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine producing 89 horsepower, the Fortwo sends power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT). Acceleration feels brisk from a standstill, ideal for stop-start traffic, though it lags at higher speeds.

The manual transmission offers light action after adapting to the clutch’s bite point, while the DCT shifts smoothly and responds quickly to manual inputs. Earlier models suffered from laggy automated manuals, but newer iterations address this significantly.

Handling is responsive for its size, with a short wheelbase aiding quick direction changes. However, the turbo engine can feel laggy at low revs, and the naturally aspirated version, though smoother, takes longer to reach highway speeds.

Interior Comfort and Features

Inside, the Fortwo surprises with a distinctive design and improved shoulder room compared to predecessors, allowing two adults to sit comfortably side-by-side. Materials quality remains basic, but assembly is tighter in later models.

Infotainment integrates smartphone mirroring innovatively, supplemented by a central touchscreen borrowed from Renault siblings. Options like heated seats, ambient lighting, and premium audio elevate the cabin, though base plastics feel cheap.

Rear visibility suffers due to large blind spots, particularly in the cabriolet, necessitating reliance on cameras or mirrors.

Ride Quality and Road Manners

While nimble in town, the Fortwo’s ride is **jittery over bumps** and rough roads, amplified by its short wheelbase and firm suspension. Noise and vibration from the three-cylinder engine intrude at idle and under load.

Consumer feedback highlights a jumpy experience on uneven surfaces, with some rattles in electric variants due to structural flex. It’s best suited to smooth urban pavement rather than highways.

Fuel Efficiency and Range Limitations

Expect around 34-39 mpg combined on premium fuel, respectable for its power but underwhelming given the tiny size and weight. Long trips are impractical due to the small tank and modest highway performance.

Electric versions offer short real-world range, suiting short commutes but not extended journeys. Efficiency stands at about 17.6 kWh/100km, with quick 0-30 mph sprints for city fun.

Cabriolet Variant: Open-Air Adventure

The cabriolet adds thrill with a power-operated top that opens at up to 96 mph in 12 seconds, even remotely via key fob. It features three positions: full open, sunroof-like, or closed, with a larger glass rear window improving visibility.

This drop-top enhances the fun factor for urban jaunts, though blind spots worsen and wind noise increases at speed. Tires are upsized for better stability.

Safety and Reliability Considerations

Despite its size, the Fortwo benefits from a rigid Tridion safety cell. Crash tests show decent protection for occupants, though side impacts reveal vulnerabilities due to narrow width. Rear-wheel drive aids stability control effectiveness.

Reliability improves in third-generation models, but early automatics were problematic. Maintenance costs are low for city use, with shared Renault parts reducing expenses.

Pricing and Ownership Costs

Starting under rival compacts, the Fortwo’s base price appeals to budget urban buyers. Add-ons like DCT or cabriolet push it toward small car territory. Fuel and insurance remain economical for short trips.

• Low depreciation for niche appeal.
• Premium fuel requirement offsets some savings.
• Electric models qualify for incentives, reducing effective cost.

Who Should Buy the Smart Fortwo?

Ideal for solo commuters or couples in dense cities prioritizing parking ease over comfort or range. It’s a conversation starter with characterful styling and rear-drive quirkiness. Avoid if highways or rough roads dominate your routine.

Pros and Cons Summary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Smart Fortwo good for highways?

No, its small engine and jittery ride make long trips tiring; it’s optimized for city use.

How does the electric Fortwo perform?

Offers zippy urban acceleration and zero emissions but short range limits it to local driving.

What’s the parking advantage?

Fits in half-sized spots with a tiny turning circle, perfect for urban constraints.

Manual or automatic transmission?

DCT is smoother for most; manual suits enthusiasts willing to adapt.

Is the cabriolet practical?

Adds open-air fun with quick top operation, but visibility suffers.