Smart Fortwo 2011 Overview

Smart was so ahead of the curve that he missed the game when he launched here in 2003. was a popular city dweller. Fast forward to 2011 when small cars are becoming more and more popular. So, is a two-seater runabout a smart choice?

VALUE

The estimated price of $19,990 doesn't look like a reasonable buy in a market where the Holden Barina Spark, Suzuki Alto and Nissan Micra are $7000 or more cheaper. And they have rear seats and a trunk. The Smart is rear-wheel drive and has the best fuel economy of a conventional engine at 4.4 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 100 g/km. The limited edition "night orange" model sold out despite costing an additional $2800. In the UK, Aston Martin can't make enough of their Toyota iQ-based Cygnets for even $55,000, so there's definitely a market for high-end city cars.

Design

Fortwo is packaging. 999 cc three-cylinder engine cm is mounted directly above the rear wheels, so the 200-liter trunk is in front. The dashboard plastic is as good as anything in this class, and the overall cabin quality feels better than its competitors, but that's the way it should be. The model's look is three years old, Mercedes says, but it's still edgier than anything else on the market, and Mercedes says that's a big part of why Smart is appealing to young Europeans.

TECHNOLOGY

The microcar concept is a game-changer here. Mercedes had no competition when it released this car in 1998. The design was extended and the center of gravity lowered when the Smart infamously failed the "elk test" rollover simulation. It's the only car in this segment to use an automated manual transmission, but the five-speed gearbox shifts slower than a politician in front of the cameras.

SECURITY

Fortwo doesn't have much room for crumple zones. Instead, Mercedes designed the tridion safety cage, a black or silver section that runs from the A-pillar to the bottom of the doors. This is a three-layer steel cell with sliding beams at the front and back that absorb small impacts without damaging the cell itself. There are also four airbags and the safety software you'd expect from a small car. EuroNCAP gave it four stars.

DRIVING

Smart is great fun to drive around the city and is acceptable on freeways that connect the city with the suburbs. Crosswinds will rock it, but it's no worse than a high-riding SUV. What gets in the way is the automatic transmission. This slow shifting exaggerates the car's habit of rolling forward when changing gears and then back when the drive is engaged. It is unrivaled in city lanes and the narrowest parking spot is yours and you have little to no fear of damage to doors and/or panels.

VERDICT

The car that started the popular microcar trend is overpriced, but its handling is more compelling than some of its competitors. It was created for the owners of the central business district and is the perfect small car for the city. That's why VW is launching Up.

SMART FORTWO

Price: $ 19,990

Warranty: three years / unlimited km

Resale: 55 percent

Service intervals: 20,000 km

Economical: 4.4 l/100 km (95 RON), 100 g/km CO2

Equipment: four airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill start assist Crash safety rating: four stars

Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder, 52 kW/92 Nm

Transmission: Give Speed ​​automated manual transmission

Body: Two-door hatch

Dimensions: 2695 mm (L), 1559 mm (W), 1542 mm (H), 1867 mm (W)

Weight: 750kg