Smart ForTwo (52 sq. Ft.) Passion
Test Drive

Smart ForTwo (52 sq. Ft.) Passion

Last weekend, a friend who follows all the car news and therefore all my moves (read: which test car I was driving at the time) asked me what car am I driving today? Since it gets on my nerves a little sometimes, especially when I'm not in the mood for a friendly fight over car metal, I threw a bone at him.

“The two-seater, which is wider in the back than in the front, has a very straight handlebar and stiffer, almost racing brakes, not to mention rear-wheel drive,” I began, watching his pupils dilate with each word. a fact almost certainly due to the smile from which she began to salivate. Yes, the bone has reached its goal. But, to especially excite his imagination, I finally set fire to the biggest log: “This is still going on! “But then the speculation began, which completely lost sight of the direction of the trip. He mentioned the BMW Z4 Coupe, the Audi R8, the Opel GT, and what a Ferrari is in between. It's not that I didn't, but hell, none of them were. When I had enough of that ten minutes later, when I was looking for a sports car that could be passed while driving and I was talking about stationary traffic, I simply said: “Despite the fact that it is larger than its predecessor, you still you can park it on the opposite side of the road. parking." As if from a cannon, although (due to the previously mentioned high-profile names) a little disappointed, he fired: “That little Egghead you wave! "

Smart was special from the start. Small enough for a person to put in his pocket, expensive to prefer to melt into gold, and (presumably) unstable in certain weather conditions, so they attributed some of the crashes to the technician rather than the drivers. In short, for those for whom urban mobility means more than ride comfort or trunk size. Unfortunately, fate warmed him a little: he was popular only in large metropolitan areas, and in some places because of city or state subsidies, otherwise he rarely used European roads. This is true of its predecessor, and the new Smart is expected to be bigger, more convenient, safer, more affordable, and most importantly, finally conquering the US.

Hello, you say, across the pond they have motors the size of a Smart! But that's the point: the greater the difference between “classic” sheet metal and Smart, the more attractive it is. Dude. And therefore, maybe he will even really "catch" through a puddle!

The length of the Smart has increased by 19 centimeters, making it more comfortable for pedestrians (EU) and rear end (US) in the event of an accident. With a longer wheelbase, the driver and navigator win the most - unless you're playing for the Union Olimpija basketball club, you can easily stretch your legs, turn the steering wheel, or just wave your head to the rhythm of the modern era. tuc-tuc melodies. The trunk is a real luxury compared to its predecessor, it has grown from 5 to 150 liters. Thus, it is large enough so that you can take the girl shopping and so that after shopping you no longer have the dilemma of whether to leave the girl or the bags in the store. .

The trunk opens in two: first you open the glass part (using a button on the key or a hook on the door), then you need to lift two pins on the outer edges to move the door from vertical to the side. horizontal position. Speaking of bags, this is a little annoying because you have to put them down since you need both hands to lift the pin. However, it is good that the trunk lid can withstand as much as 100 kilograms. If necessary, then your tired girlfriend too. ...

On your way home, you will of course be the king of the city streets. The Smart ForTwo feels right at home on crowded asphalt roads, humble enough to park in a parking lot that only motorcyclists would otherwise dare, has an engine that's greener than its more powerful urban rivals, and a gearbox that's ( although in transmission mode) also allows you to wait in front of traffic lights without applying the brake.

In addition to many good features (harshness when starting off, agility of the gearbox ...), it also has many disadvantages. The engine is loud (but the volume is still tolerable even at highway speeds!), the brake pedal feels like a truck (I'll never understand why you have to feel like the braking system on a Smart is the same as on a 20 year old truck - you just have to step on the entire sole, plus it gives the feeling that there is no power steering at all), and the Getrag robotic gearbox (which allows both automatic and sequential shifting), despite improved electronics, still provides exercise for both passengers. At first it was fun, then with every mile it got more and more annoying.

The dude doesn't end with looks; Like me, a colleague, you too can impress your friends with your eye-pleasing interior. The dashboard is flat according to US regulations, the instruments are transparent, despite the digital-analog display, sports seats, one-piece (no separate cushion), you will pay extra for the protruding engine speed sensor, analog clock and sunroof, as you can find them in accessory list. Even though the Smart has grown, you still have the feeling that your toes are just an inch from the front bumper and that you can park in reverse by simply stretching out your arm and determining where you can go. In short: fun even for those who can't afford to park!

The engineers of "this little" Smart were most likely puzzled over how to keep it on the road due to its modest exterior dimensions. So the chassis is stiff (and therefore uncomfortable on poorer pavement), the ESP system is standard on all versions and doesn't shift (nothing will happen when you move), and the elk test is a nightmare. Mercedes-Benz has a lot of experience in this. . The guy has grown up and may not be as useful for city driving anymore (where he actually belongs), but therefore he is much more suitable than just a regular car. But for more usability and more comfort, it's just as interesting, man, whether it's parked lengthwise or across under the block or in front of your favorite coffee shop!

Alyosha Mrak, photo: Aleш Pavleti.

Smart ForTwo (52 sq. Ft.) Passion

Basic data

Sales: Autocommerce doo
Base model price: 12.640 €
Test model cost: 14.844 €
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Power:52kW (71


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 13,3 with
Maximum speed: 145 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 4,7l / 100km

Technical information

engine: 3-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - petrol - rear transverse - displacement 999 cm3 - maximum power 52 kW (71 hp) at 5.800 rpm - maximum torque 92 Nm at 4.500 rpm.
Energy transfer: the engine is driven by the rear wheels - 5-speed robotic transmission - front tires 155/50 R 15 T (Continental ContiEcoContact 3), rear tires 175/55 R 15 T (Continental ContiEcoContact 3).
Capacity: top speed 145 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 13,3,1 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 6,1 / 4,0 / 4,7 l / 100 km
Transportation and suspension: combi - 3 doors, 2 seats - self-supporting body - front individual suspension, leaf springs, triangular cross rails, stabilizer - DeDion rear axle, cross rails, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), reverse 8,75 .33 m - fuel tank XNUMX l.
Mass: empty vehicle 750 kg - permissible gross weight 1.020 kg.
Box: Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (278,5 L total): 1 suitcase (68,5 L), 1 aircraft suitcase (36 L)

Our measurements

T = 28 ° C / p = 1.120 mbar / rel. Owner: 45% / Tires: front tires 155/50 R 15 T (Continental ContiEcoContact 3), rear tires 175/55 R 15 T (Continental ContiEcoContact 3) / Meter reading: 4.981 km


Acceleration 0-100km:16,1s
402m from the city: 20,2 years (


114 km / h)
1000m from the city: 37,1 years (


140 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 14,3 (IV.) S
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 27,0 (W) p
Maximum speed: 145km / h


(V.)
Minimum consumption: 7,7l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 12,2l / 100km
test consumption: 10,0 l / 100km
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 42,2m
AM table: 45m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear62dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear60dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear59dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear68dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear66dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear65dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear72dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear70dB
Idling noise: 30dB
Test errors: unmistakable

Overall rating (253/420)

  • Eventually, we may again find that the dude also requires some rejection. But as long as a lot of people are willing to put up with a lot for the sake of image (just think of the sunglasses on the disc and you know what I'm talking about), there is still room for the Smart ForTwo.

  • Exterior (14/15)

    Dude, recognizable, funny and cute. In short: unique.

  • Interior (75/140)

    For two matching large transparent meters, some inconspicuous materials and weaker heating and ventilation.

  • Engine, transmission (26


    / 40)

    Not the right hand will work with the gearbox, but the neck!

  • Driving performance (61


    / 95)

    A slightly awkward chassis, but above all an annoying brake pedal.

  • Performance (21/35)

    You will defeat the trucks and empty cargo vans will be a tough nut to crack.

  • Security (31/45)

    Safe enough, but with medium stopping distances.

  • Economy

    The price for "this little" Smart is not very low and consumption is not modest, but they give a good guarantee.

We praise and reproach

playfulness

transparency

adroitness

small external dimensions (city)

spacious front seats

brakes

Transmission

rigid chassis

trunk opening

he does not have a closed box

interior rearview mirror limits transparency

maximum speed (145 km / h)

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