Smart Fortwo (2007 – 2014) Review
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Smart Fortwo (2007 – 2014) At A Glance
Roomier than previous version with better seats. More comfortable drive. Cheap to run.
Lacklustre cornering. Limited appeal beyond town use. No use if you need more than two seats.
It seems like only a few years ago, but the first Smart City Coupes actually hit the streets in 1998 and since then no less than 770,000 have been sold worldwide.
Smart's expansion plans have failed. Both the Nedcar-built and Mitsubishi Colt based ForFour and the Roadster Coupe have been shelved because they could not generate enough profit. Yet the original concept has continued to sell, especially to city dwellers in Rome, Paris, London, Berlin and Madrid. So now it's time for a new one.
As usual, cars grow, and the new Smart ForTwo is 195mm longer with a 55mm longer wheelbase and 31mm wider track. That gives better crash protection front and back (good enough to sell in the USA) and frees up more room inside for passengers and luggage. You can now get 220 litres behind the seats, or 340 litres stuffed to the roof. It feels very spacious inside for such a small car. But, despite an 8.75 metre turning circle, at 1,867mm it's now too long to park at right angles to a kerb.
Reviews for Smart Fortwo (2007 – 2014)'s top 3 rivals
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Smart Fortwo (2007 – 2014) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 50 to 1.0 102
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 33–80 mpg
Petrol engines are Mitsubishi-derived 999cc three-cylinder chain cammers with outputs of 61 or 71bhp, or an 84bhp turbo. The UK won't be getting the 45bhp 799cc diesel because it would not sell in sufficient numbers. Transmission is now a 5-speed rather than 6-speed automated manual with manual sequential change or a button to leave the electronics to do it for you. Power steering is optional. LHD dealer demonstrators arrive at Smart's 45 UK dealers in June, and RHD customer cars from September. Prices will start at around £6,840. Removable Garmin satnav will be optional at about £300 and will sit in a dashtop shoe with voice instructions via the car's radio speakers.
I drove two ForTwos at the launch in Madrid. First, an 84bhp turbo with non-assisted steering on a motorway and country route out to Chinchon and back. Then, next day, a 71bhp model with power steering in Madrid traffic.
On the motorway the turbo worked hard on ascents but would reach an indicated 155kmh (probably a true 145kmh) at which point it simply stopped accelerating. So with Spain's new speeding fine regime, on motorways at least, drivers won't suffer more than a €100 fine with no points on their licences. (You get points and bigger fines for anything over 152kmh and Porsche owners take note that over 219kmh earns you six points plus a €520 fine.)
The gearchange is a vast improvement on the old car, but still a bit slow on the upchange when cracking on unless you lift to help it. With the slightly longer wheelbase, ride is less choppy and handling and roadholding more secure, though still ultimately limited by the combination of short wheelbase and tall cabin. You can't get any real pleasure out of lining it up through a series of bends. Unlike the old Roadser Coupe it's still no sportscar.
However, the most sensible test came the next day, driving in Madrid city traffic with the help of a charming Madridlena guide. For this I'd picked a 71bhp coupe with power steering and it proved ideal for the task.
The engine is both gentler and sweeter, giving perfectly adequate acceleration for city use and, though steering ‘feel' was sometimes a bit odd, both the car and I, and my guide, were very happy. The deliberately tricky route sometimes meant crossing lanes of traffic and, possibly because of the Smart's modest size or sheer cuteness, other drivers seemed happy to let it in. Narrow side streets were a doddle. Reverse parking showed up a blind rear three-quarters due to the integrated head restraints, but once a driver got used to the car's length he or she could easily do it with mirrors.
In 2009 it's proposed that the London Congestion Charge for cars churning out more than 224g/km CO2 it will rise to £25, for cars emitting 121 to 224k/km it will stay at £8 a day, but drivers of anything exhaling 120g/km or less will get off with paying nothing.
A couple of dozen cars already qualify, and the forthcoming new MINI Cooper diesel also will. But if Smart and GoingGreen could somehow persuade Ken Livingstone to allocate Smart and G-Wiz sized reduced-price street parking spaces as well, then Smarts will make even more sense as city cars than they do already.
UPDATE: SMART FORTWO DIESEL
It's a sign of the times that that Smart has launched an ultra-low emission, diesel version of its second-generation Fourtwo city car in Britain.
Previously, it thought no one would buy it here. A mix of economic pressures and environmental concerns led to a change of mind, and the car arrived in the summer of 2009, with claims that it was the cleanest off-the-shelf mass-market car available.
Powered by a 799cc, three-cylinder common rail turbo-diesel mated to a five-speed transmission, the car produces 88g/km of CO2, and is theoretically capable of almost 85mpg.
The diminutive, light, two-seat Smart is an ideal platform for this sort of thing, but the diesel motor's 45bhp power output isn't going to make it a hotrod. Smart claims a top speed of around 85mph, and a 0-62 of almost 20 seconds.
These are figures that don't look great on paper, but in reality, the car feels perfectly sprightly, and is a surprisingly relaxed motorway cruiser, since 3,000rpm equates to around 75mph. It is susceptible to motorway cross winds, and sometimes passing trucks will cause it to jink slightly, but given that the car has a very short wheelbase and is over five foot tall, this is hardly a surprise.
Take a passenger and you'll notice it working a bit harder, ditto using the air conditioning, and the car Smart need to be rowed along with the gears to keep up with everything else, in a way that is unlikely to help it hit that claimed 85mpg, but normal driving it should comfortably yield 60-plus mpg, and it's actually exempt from road tax.
Stand outside and the car sounds like a big ride-on motor mower, but inside its smooth enough, and if not especially quiet, its deep engine not is far from unpleasant, and at cruising speeds it's pretty unobtrusive.
This Smart has stuck with the model's rather flaccid, five-speed, self-shifting transmission with a neat manual override that allows gears to be changed by rowing the selector forwards or back. Get it to shift ratios automatically and it still feels as if someone's dabbing the brakes between changes, as these are often accompanied by a slight pitching lurch. The system has improved over time, but still lets the car down. Swift engagement of first and reverse during tight parking manoeuvres can stress it out too. In reverse, this sometimes results in no drive at all, a lot of revving, and the car free-wheeling alarmingly. It's fitted with a hill hold device, but our example's had a mind of its own, and on one occasion the car nearly rolled into a hedge.
This is a great pity, because the Fourtwo's compactness and tight turning circle allow it to squeeze into tiny gaps denied other cars.
Changing gears yourself improves things smoothness-wise. Lifting off the accelerator as each gear is selected seemed to get the best out of this flawed system. The steering is completely accurate, if lifeless, and on dry, undulating roads the car stuck to its line and displayed levels of grip that would surprise anybody who hasn't driven one before.
Sometimes you're aware that its motive power is located about six inches behind your kidneys. There's a sense the car being pushed into corners, and I suspect that total stupidity on wet or icy surfaces could result in it going backwards, but sportscar dynamics are not what this thing is about. Given the car's upright stance and short wheelbase, its jiggly ride is hardly a surprise, but it's rarely actively uncomfortable.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 cdi | 86 mpg | 16.8 s | 86–87 g/km |
| 1.0 102 | 54 mpg | 8.9 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.0 45 | 83 mpg | 19.8 s | 88 g/km |
| 1.0 50 | 60 mpg | 18.3 s | 113 g/km |
| 1.0 61 | 58–60 mpg | 15.5 s | 113–118 g/km |
| 1.0 71 | 64–66 mpg | 13.3–13.7 s | 98–105 g/km |
| 1.0 84 | 58 mpg | 10.7 s | 115 g/km |
| 1.0 98 | 52 mpg | 9.9 s | 124 g/km |
| 1.0 micro hybrid drive 61 | 66 mpg | 16.7 s | 103 g/km |
| 1.0 micro hybrid drive 71 | 64–66 mpg | 13.3–13.7 s | 98–103 g/km |
| Electric | - | 11.5 s | - |
Real MPG average for the Smart Fortwo (2007 – 2014)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
76%
Real MPG
33–80 mpg
MPGs submitted
334
Smart Fortwo (2007 – 2014) interior
- Boot space is 150–340 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2500–2727 mm |
| Width | 1515–1752 mm |
| Height | 1532–1565 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1812–1867 mm |
Good points include a decent amount of cabin room for two, and although the boot looks tiny, it's deeper than you'd imagine, and the front passenger seat can be folded flat to increase stowage space.
The seats are excellent though, with plenty of thigh support, so you could drive all day with minimum discomfort if you had to.
Smart Fortwo (2007 – 2014) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2500–2727 mm |
| Width | 1515–1752 mm |
| Height | 1532–1565 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1812–1867 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 730–920 kg |
| Boot Space | 150–340 L |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Servicing | 9300–25000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £6,782–£21,895 |
| Insurance Groups | 2–15 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–Exempt |
| Official MPG | 52.3–85.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3 |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2015
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Electric 2dr CVT Auto | £21,895 | - | 11.5 s |
| Grandstyle edition 71 2dr Auto | £11,830 | 64.2 mpg | 13.7 s |
| Grandstyle edition 84 2dr Auto | £12,150 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| Grandstyle plus edition 71 2dr Auto | £12,029 | 64.2 mpg | 13.7 s |
| Grandstyle plus edition 84 2dr Auto | £12,349 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until December 2014
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Electric 2dr CVT Auto | £20,395 | - | 11.5 s |
| Grandstyle edition 71 2dr Auto | £10,330 | 65.7 mpg | 13.7 s |
| Grandstyle edition 84 2dr Auto | £10,650 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| Grandstyle plus edition 71 2dr Auto | £10,529 | 65.7 mpg | 13.7 s |
| Grandstyle plus edition 84 2dr Auto | £10,849 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until May 2014
| Convertible | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Brabus Xclusive 102 2dr Auto | £16,875 | 54.3 mpg | 8.9 s |
| passion 71 micro hybrid drive 2dr Auto | £11,875 | 64.2 mpg | 13.7 s |
| passion 84 2dr Auto | £12,375 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| pulse 71 micro hybrid drive 2dr Auto | £11,075 | 64.2 mpg | 13.7 s |
| pulse 84 2dr Auto | £11,575 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Brabus Xclusive 102 2dr Auto | £15,375 | 54.3 mpg | 8.9 s |
| passion 71 micro hybrid drive 2dr Auto | £10,375 | 65.7 mpg | 13.7 s |
| passion 84 2dr Auto | £10,875 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| pulse 71 micro hybrid drive 2dr Auto | £9,575 | 65.7 mpg | 13.7 s |
| pulse 84 2dr Auto | £10,075 | 57.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
On sale until July 2013
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| passion cdi (54bhp) 2dr Auto | £11,575 | 85.6 mpg | 16.8 s |
| pulse cdi (54bhp) 2dr Auto | £10,775 | 85.6 mpg | 16.8 s |
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| passion cdi (54bhp) 2dr Auto | £13,075 | 85.6 mpg | 16.8 s |
On sale until April 2011
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| pulse cdi (54bhp) 2dr | £11,860 | 85.6 mpg | 16.8 s |
On sale until April 2010
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| BRABUS Xclusive (98bhp) Auto | £14,300 | 52.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| BRABUS Xclusive (98bhp) Auto | £16,250 | 52.3 mpg | 9.9 s |
On sale until July 2009
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| passion (45bhp) Auto | £8,972 | - | - |
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| passion cabrio (45bhp) Auto | £10,880 | - | - |
On sale until January 2009
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| BRABUS (98bhp) Auto | £13,398 | - | - |
| pure (45bhp) | £7,748 | 83.1 mpg | 19.8 s |
| pure (61bhp) micro hybrid drive | £6,912 | 65.7 mpg | 16.7 s |
| pure (61bhp) micro hybrid drive Auto | £6,912 | - | - |
| pure (71bhp) micro hybrid drive | £7,294 | 65.7 mpg | 13.3 s |
| pure (71bhp) micro hybrid drive Auto | £7,294 | - | - |
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| BRABUS cabrio (98bhp) Auto | £15,307 | - | - |
| pure cabrio (71bhp) | £9,203 | 64.2 mpg | 13.3 s |
| pure cabrio (71bhp) Auto | £9,203 | - | - |
On sale until May 2007
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| pulse (61bhp) | £8,037 | 57.6 mpg | 15.5 s |
| pulse (61bhp) Auto | £8,037 | - | - |
| pure (50bhp) | £6,782 | 60.1 mpg | 18.3 s |
| pure (50bhp) Auto | £6,782 | - | - |
| Open Car | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| pulse cabrio (61bhp) | £9,837 | 57.6 mpg | 15.5 s |
| pulse cabrio (61bhp) Auto | £9,837 | - | - |
| pure cabrio (61bhp) | £8,937 | 60.1 mpg | 15.5 s |
| pure cabrio (61bhp) Auto | £8,937 | - | - |
Model History
- September 2007: All-new Smart Fortwo (model 451) launched
- July 2008: Diesel unveiled
- August 2008: SE announced
- November 2008: Micro hybrid drive introduced
- March 2009
- September 2009
- October 2009: Edition Highstyle announced
- February 2010
- March 2010
- August 2010
- September 2010: "New" generation smart fortwo, priced from £8,780 on the road, went on sale in UK
- March 2011: Nightorange is a limited edition
- April 2012: The facelifted Smart Fortwo will be available in the UK in April 2012
- September 2012
September 2007
All-new Smart Fortwo (model 451) launched
Freshened up with smoother yet chunkier look. 195mm (7" longer). Slightly bigger engines. New 5-speed autoclutch transmission.
Length: 2,695mm (8’ 10”) Width: 1,559mm (5’ 2”) (mirrors folded) Height: 1,542mm (5’ 1”)
45kW 999cc 3-cylinder petrol: 45kW (61bhp) @5,800rpm; 89Nm torque @3,000 rpm. 0-60 16.2 seconds; top speed 145kmh; combined economy 4.7 l/100km ; CO2 emissions 112g/km. VED Band B petrol £40pa; Insurance Group TBA
52kW 999cc 3-cylinder petrol: 52kW (71bhp) @5,800rpm; 92Nm torque @4,500rpm. 0-60 13.0 seconds; top speed 145kmh; combined economy 4.7 l/100km ; CO2 emissions 112g/km. VED Band B petrol £40pa; Insurance Group TBA
62kW 999cc 3-cylinder petrol: 62kW (84bhp) @5,250rpm; 120Nm torque @3,250rpm. 0-60 10.6 seconds; top speed 145kmh ; combined economy 4.9 l/100km ; CO2 emissions 116g/km. VED Band B petrol £40pa petrol; Insurance Group TBA
33kW 799cc 3-cylinder diesel: 33kW (45bhp) @3,800rpm; 110Nm torque @2,000-2,500rpm. 0-60 19.3seconds; top speed 135kmh; combined economy 3.4 l/100km ; CO2 emissions 90g/km. VED Band A diesel no tax payable; Insurance Group TBA. On sale in UK from March 2009. Returns a certificated 83.1 miles per gallon on the combined cycle with the lowest CO2 emissions of any current production car at just 88g/km.
Electronic stability control system, ESP, standard across the range.
fortwo Coupe
pure (45kW) 61 bhp £6,900 otr
pure (52kW) 71 bhp £7,290 otr
pulse (52kW) 71 bhp £8,290 otr
passion (52kW) 71 bhp £8,540 otr
passion (62kW) 84 bhp £9,020 otr
fortwo Cabrio
pulse (52kW) 71 bhp £10,240 otr
passion (52kW) 71 bhp £10,490 otr
passion (62kW) 84 bhp £10,970 otr
July 2008
Diesel unveiled
Official sales of diesel model, which boasts the lowest CO2 emissions of any current production car worldwide, just 88g/km, will start in 2009 with manufacturing of right-hand drive models commencing in February. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 85.6mpg. It means the new smart can travel 670 miles between top-ups, equivalent to a journey from Dover to Prague. The car’s Mercedes-Benz-developed three-cylinder common-rail diesel engine develops 45hp, offering drivers useful performance as well as economy. Diesel available in both coupé and cabrio versions.
August 2008
SE announced
Based on 71bhp smart fortwo passion in coupé and cabrio body styles when it goes on sale on 1st September 2008. Unique light blue metallic paint finish varies between different shades according to the light. Lavish interior featuring cognac brown leather heated seats, a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with gearshift, leather gear knob and velour floor mats with leather trim. A rev counter and clock are also added. Also, six-spoke alloy wheels with 15-inch tyres. Optional extras of electric power steering, lockable glove compartment or a smart sound system. On-the-road pricing is £9,575 for the coupé and £11,525 for the cabrio.
November 2008
Micro hybrid drive introduced
61hp and 71hp versions of the Smart fortwo feature 'micro hybrid drive' as standard, which is an automatic start/stop start function helping to provide significant savings in terms of both fuel economy and emissions. Smart mhd models return fuel savings of up to 24 per cent and lower CO2 emissions to 103 grams per kilometre. The micro hybrid drive system operates during the engine idling phases. The engine stops when it senses that the smart’s speed drops below 5mph and the driver is braking.
When the driver releases the brake pedal the engine is instantly restarted. The start/stop function makes no additional demand on the driver and, working in conjunction with the smart’s automated manual transmission, is completely seamless thanks to a powerful belt-driven starter generator that replaces both the conventional starter and alternator.
If the driver prefers not to use the micro hybrid drive system, it can be deactivated via a switch on the centre console until the next time the car is started. Complementing the smart’s improvements in driveability is an upgraded interior and new exterior finishes. Changes to the cabin include a redesigned instrument cluster with an enhanced LCD display and new net storage pockets in the driver and passenger doors, while the passion’s “design red” interior trim has now also been updated to match the new “rally red” paint finish. Elegant “grey metallic” completes the revisions to the smart’s exterior colour palette, while new optional 15” six-spoke alloy wheels add to the already stylish appearance. For even more glamour these wheels can also be specified in a chrome finish.
The micro hybrid variant is available as a coupe and a cabrio in all three lines – pure, pulse and passion – and is priced from £7,060 on the road.
March 2009
Smart fortwo edition “limited three” launched. Based on the 71hp smart fortwo passion, has the nice shade of melon green metallic paint finish and silver tridion safety cell originally feratures on the Smart ForFour. Also gets sporty six-spoke alloy wheels, aluminium-look limited three logos, unique upholstery design, contrasting brown leather-effect accents in the door trim and instrument panel, dark brown leather three-spoke sports steering wheel and gear knob.
Smart radio 9 that includes RDS radio, CD player and MP3 compatibility comes as standard although owners can upgrade to a complete smart sound system if they desire. Other optional extras include heated seats, glove compartment and electric power steering. Has smart’s innovative micro hybrid drive automatic start/stop. The engine stops when it senses that the smart’s speed drops below 5mph and the driver is braking. When the driver releases the brake pedal the engine is instantly restarted. This system delivers staggering fuel economy; coupé 72.4mpg; cabrio 70.6mpg on the extra-urban cycle and low emissions; coupé 103g/km; cabrio 105g/km. On-the-road pricing is £9,950 for the coupé and £11,900 for the cabrio.
September 2009
CDI gets an additional 9bhp (21 per cent more power, now 54bhp) and an extra 18 per cent torque (now 130Nm). 0-62.5mph acceleration time cut by three seconds, still emits just 89g/km of CO2. Improvements to standard specifications across the Smart range.
Pulse now features air conditioning and softouch transmission as standard, with buyers able to customise their car with optional extras such as a panoramic roof and front fog lights.
Passion models get a Pioneer navigation and entertainment system offering full sat-nav capability, Bluetooth, iPod/USB connectivity, CD and radio operation via a 4.3-inch detachable screen. Dash dials and a lockable glovebox are also standard features.
All smart model lines produced from October 2009 onwards get interior revisions. The instrument cluster, dash dials and light/wiper levers will become pearl black rather than pearl grey, with the exception of passion models where these accents will be red or beige when ordered with design red or design beige upholstery. From October 2009 production, on-the-road pricing of the smart model range now starts from £8,517.55.
October 2009
Edition Highstyle announced
Finished in trendy chocolate brown metallic with a sumptuous, well-equipped interior. Coupe only, based on Passion spec, only 215 of the edition highstyle available in the UK – 180 featuring the 71bhp (mhd) engine and 33 coming with a turbocharged 84bhp unit. 12-spoke, 15” alloy wheels, a silver tridion safety cell and unique, aluminium-look ‘highstyle’ logos. The interior benefits from heated, leather metallic silver seats together with leather optic door inserts and upper and lower dashboards. Eyecatching matt-silver details add a stylish touch and the edition highstyle’s driver enjoys a leather 3-spoke steering wheel with gearshift buttons and leather-trimmed gearknob at their fingertips.
Standard integrated audio and navigation system from Pioneer as well as offering Bluetooth wireless telephony, iPod and USB connectivity, the entertainment system also features full satellite navigation. Smart sound system, provides crisp sound reproduction thanks to its 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range speakers, subwoofer and smart MP3 interface. The smart fortwo edition highstyle costs from £10,900 on the road.
February 2010
CO2 emissions of Smart diesel reduced to 86g/km.
March 2010
Smart fortwo edition urbanstyle launched. Based on the 2010 passion model, the edition urbanstyle is limited to a UK production run of 230 coupé models – 160 units featuring the 71bhp (mhd)engine and 70 with the turbocharged 84bhp unit. A cabriolet is available as a special order only. Has exclusive dark grey matt finish paintwork, which also extends to the attractive 6-spoke, 15” alloy wheels, and a tridion safety cell in gleaming black.
Heated, nappa leather black seats with yellow double stitching and striking reflective stripes. 3-spoke steering wheel and gear shift knob are also finished in supple nappa leather. Door trims, knee pad and the instrument panel benefit from a leather-look finish and eye-catching matt silver details and yellow accents complete the interior’s ambience. Smart sound system provides crisp sound reproduction thanks to its 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range speakers, subwoofer and smart. MP3 interface, the model also has an integrated audio and navigation system. This advanced system incorporates a 5.8” touch screen, iPod®/USB connectivity, Bluetooth and radio/CD.
August 2010
Another 100 only special called gb-10 to commemorate 10 years of Smarts in the UK. Silver metallic. M ix of models consisting of 50 mhd coupé, 10 mhd cabrio, 30 cdi coupé and 10 cdi cabrio. BRABUS Monoblock VII 15” alloys, BRABUS LED daytime running lights and BRABUS LED third brake light, while the Premium interior package has been enhanced with the additions of the ‘gb-10’ logo on the BRABUS gear knob and handbrake. The unique ‘gb-10’ logo also features in the headrests of the Rosso red, heated leather seats and the use of leather extends to the door panels, kneepad and handbrake gaitor. The upper dashboard is finished in contrasting black alcantara and the instrument surrounds in silver, the latter complementing the seats’ eye-catching silver stitching. Standard equipment includes Pioneer AVIC-F910BT audio and navigation system, air conditioning, electric windows and Panoramic roof. The smart fortwo gb-10 edition costs from £10,695 on-the-road.
September 2010
"New" generation smart fortwo, priced from £8,780 on the road, went on sale in UK
New front and rear aprons, side skirts and filler cap now finished in body colour as standard. Pulse has new eye-catching 3-double-spoke alloy wheels. Xclusive has new Monoblock VII alloy wheels, while both pulse and passion can now be specified in the brighter shades of new light blue and matt light green colours.
Now possible to open the car’s rear lower tailgate using just one of its two release levers rather than both as previously.
On the Pulse, fabric seats with leather optic on the side bolsters and headrests. Pulse and passion have eye-catching fabric elements in the instrument panel, door trim and knee pad that are colour co-ordinated to the upholstery. The Passion line offers three new fabric patterns – design black, design red and design beige.
All Smart ForTwos benefit from extra storage in a new glovebox and useful net pockets on seat side bolsters. Both trim lines receive new steering wheels: a 3-spoke leather sports wheel with modified seam stitching for the Pulse and a 2-spoke leather item with matt chrome bezel for the comfort-themed Passion.
Pulse model gains USB/iPod connectivity and Passion and Xclusive versions have the feature-packed smart high line audio and navigation system, which has a large 6.5” touchscreen display, RDS radio, Bluetooth®, auxiliary and USB ports, iPod®interface and CD/DVD/SD functionality.
The new generation smart continues to use the same engines as its predecessor, with the popular 71bhp micro hybrid drive petrol unit fitted with softip transmission now emitting just 97g/km CO2 – an improvement of 6g/km, so free VED and potentially no London Congestion tax. Both petrol and diesel are now below 100g/km. The emissions of the Xclusive are also lowered to 119g/km and a 7bhp increase sees the stunning flagship model now produce 102bhp and sprint from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds – a whole second quicker than before. The whole smart range now emits less than 120g/km, which makes all models exempt from the cost of the annual road fund licence for at least the first year from registration.
March 2011
Nightorange is a limited edition
This time bright orange with contrasting black three-double-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels, tridion safety cell, door mirror caps and radiator grille. Headlamps have titanium-coloured inserts and nightorange badging on the door mirror triangles. Soft black nappa leather and fabric seats. Orange stitching and sport stripes on the seats and dashboard.
Black nappa leather finish to the three-spoke steering wheel and the gear knob for the softouch five-speed automatic transmission, whilst the dashboard, door trims, cockpit clock and rev counter are all in matt black. Velour floor mats featuring the nightorange logo add the perfect finishing touch.
The smart fortwo nightorange edition also has a USB/AUX interface. Buyers can choose to upgrade to the highline version, which offers navigation via a 6.5” touchscreen display, RDS radio, iPod® interface and a Bluetooth® hands-free system and is just one of a host of optional equipment items that they can specify.
Only 235 smart fortwo nightorange edition models will be available in coupe or cabrio form from the UK’s smart retailers. Both are available with a choice of 999cc petrol engines – the 71bhp micro hybrid drive, which returns an impressive 65.7mpg (combined) or a 84bhp turbo. On-the-road prices for the smart fortwo nightorange edition start from £9,995.
April 2012
The facelifted Smart Fortwo will be available in the UK in April 2012
The spring of 2012 will see the smart fortwo making its mark in a striking new look, featuring an upgraded exterior and a fresh leather/fabric mix in the interior.
The substantially revamped smart fortwo sports a markedly more dynamic appearance, featuring a larger radiator grille with integrated logo, striking front aprons in a new design, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, muscular side skirts and modified rear aprons. "The way in which the fortwo now displays the smart logo more prominently stands for the brand's new self-confidence," notes smart boss Dr Annette Winkler." The smart fortwo has long become an icon that is a defining feature of urban traffic throughout the world."
The chrome-coloured logo is now positioned directly in the black radiator grille. The air inlets under the number plate have been combined into a single unit, lending the smart fortwo a bolder appearance. The new, optionally available LED daytime driving lights are now arranged horizontally. There is also a choice of three new alloy wheels: the smart fortwo passion comes with a new 9-spoke alloy wheel; two additional alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres and featuring a 3-spoke and 3-twin-spoke design respectively round off the range. The choice of colours comprises seven options, including matt anthracite for the first time. The smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive is now also optionally available in white. In addition to the three soft top colours for the smart cabrio which were previously available from the smart programme (black, red, blue), the smart BRABUS tailor made programme offers six other soft top colours.
While the main focus of this facelift is on the exterior, there are changes inside the car, too. These include a new, high-quality interior package in crystal grey, comprising a fresh leather/fabric combination for the seats, an imitation leather/fabric mix for the door trims and black imitation leather for the instrument panel in combination with a grey knee pad.
The pulse and passion equipment lines are generally more colourful options than the basic pure model. pulse and passion highlight the frame of the front grille and the rear trim strip in silver, for example, while the front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron are painted in the car's exterior colour. The door mirror caps are finished in the tridion colour. On the smart pure, these components are black.
The five lines – pure, pulse, passion, BRABUS and BRABUS Xclusive – are to be retained. Similarly, the smart fortwo will continue to be available as a coupé and cabrio version and with six engine and motor variants. The spectrum ranges from the particularly environment-friendly electric power train in the fortwo electric drive and the efficient micro hybrid petrol engine through the powerful turbo petrol engine to the fuel-efficient cdi turbodiesel. Prices begin at € 10,275 for the smart fortwo 45 kW mhd pure.
| Model type | cc | Output W/hp |
Maximum Torque |
l/10 km |
CO 2 g/km |
0-100 km/h (s) |
Top speed km/h |
| smart fortwo 40 kW cdi | 799 | 40/54 | 130 Nm | 3.3 (3.3) | 86 (87) | 16.8 | 135 |
| smart fortwo 45 kW mhd* | 999 | 45/61 | 89 Nm | 4.2 (4.3) | 97 (98) | 16.8 | 145 |
| smart fortwo 52 kW mhd | 999 | 52/71 | 92 Nm | 4.2 (4.3) | 97 (98) | 13.7 | 145 |
| smart fortwo 62 kW | 999 | 62/84 | 120 Nm | 4.9 (4.9) | 114 (115) | 10.7 | 145 |
| smart fortwo 75 kW BRABUS |
999 | 75/102 | 147 Nm | 5.2 | 119 | 8.9 | 155 |
| smart fortwo electric drive | - | 35 kW constant 55 kW peak |
130 Nm | - | - | < 13 | > 120 |
The new model generation for 2012 represents the continuation of a unique success story for smart: as a trendsetter the smart fortwo has been redefining individual urban mobility for more than ten years now. It combines responsibility to the environment and high ecological standards with joie de vivre and a high fun factor. With its compact dimensions the two-seater takes up less road and parking space than any other car around.
More than 1.3 million smart fortwos have been delivered to customers since the first model was launched in 1998. 101,996 smart fortwos were handed over to customers worldwide in 2011 – 4.6 percent more than in the previous year.
The car2go mobility service is also attracting growing numbers of fans. Over 2000 smart fortwos are currently in operation for 60,000 customers in seven cities around the globe. car2go is already successfully up and running in Ulm and Hamburg (Germany), Austin and San Diego (USA), Vancouver (Canada), Vienna (Austria) and Amsterdam (Netherlands). car2go will be launching in Lyon (France), Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Washington D.C. and other cities in 2012.
September 2012
The smart fortwo edition iceshine is the latest in a long line of limited edition smart models. Available to pre-order now as a coupé or cabrio from smart retailers nationwide ahead of its October arrival, the fresh styling and extensive specification of this special smart are set to melt the hearts of motorists.
The smart fortwo edition iceshine comes in striking azure blue with a white tridion safety cell that is complemented by new 3-double-spoke, 15” white alloy wheels and white mirror caps. LED daytime running lights enhance an impressive specification that also features air conditioning, a panoramic roof (tritop fabric soft top in black for the cabrio), electric windows and a luggage compartment cover.
A sporty and stylish interior includes exclusive leather-effect seats with a white fabric insert on the backrest and white stitching, a 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles and white stitching plus white accent parts. iceshine edition logos are incorporated into the floor mats and wing mirror triangles.
Owners can chill out on the move by listening to their favourite tunes via the smart’s audio system, which offers an RDS radio with USB and AUX ports for an MP3 or CD player as well as a pair of integrated loudspeakers. Further customisation is made possible by a huge choice of options including the smart audio system navigation, assistance package with cruise control and trip computer, electric power steering, ambient lighting and surround sound system.
Only 155 smart fortwo edition iceshines will be available in the UK, with customers able to choose between two petrol engines – the 71 bhp (52 kW) mhd or 84 bhp (62 kW) turbo. Prices start from £10,500 on-the-road.
What to watch out for
Cabriolet: Detachable Roof Bars. During 1st year check underside edges of the pressed steel roof bars by easing back the bottom seals, especially at the rear end. These edges in some Cabriolets are beginning to corrode and should be replaced under warranty. Similarly check for white water marks indicative of seepage within the bars and report these to the service manager.
New Generation Dealer fit Sat Nav (Garmin Nuvi 720 Series). This system is far superior than the first generation system. There were software issues and setting up problems. However the mounting bracket is supplied with black self tapping allen head screws which are 5mm too short. Thus the mount base is loose. Simple fix is for the dealership to use longer Phillips head self tapping screws of correct length, readily available from their stores. Supplier has been notified of the issue.
Problems with ECO Drive that My - July 2009 MB/Smart was unable to fix.
Report of 42,000 miles in 2 years 9 months in a Smart ForTwo CDI 54PS. Faults have been exhast gas temperature sensor and aircon. £2,000 PCP deposit on Scrappage, £110per month, GFV £5,500, but now only worth about £4,000.
24-06-2013:Seems to be a problem of an aux belt failing and damaging the engine. Apparently a repair kit is available to correct the problem.
25-07-2014:Automated manual activator failure reported on 38k miles 2007 Smart ForTwo Pure.
19-09-2014:Warning that on Smart Fortwo, Kwik Fit aftermarket exhaust systems can rub on the turbo watercooling pipe, wearing it through. Best to stick to approved Mercedes-Smart exhaust systems.
05-11-2014:SEVERE WARNING that brake pipes pf Smart ForTwos are hidden behind plastic shrouds and can corrode to the extent that they leak. Not found during an MoT because the pipes are hidden.
21-01-2016:Report of leather seat squabs of 2014 Smart Brabus repeatedly sagging despite being replaced three times. Weights of drivers are 8 and 12 stones, so not excessive.
Report of severe rusting of roof side bars on an April 2014 Smart 451 ForTwo cabriolet.
07-03-2018:Report of wipers of 2014 Smart 451 failing in severe cold wather. Then when owner turned the radio off it continued to play. Garage told her it was the wind chill that has probably caused the fuse to blow. Now they are saying it took 2 hours to find the fault in the wipers and a new motor is needed which will cost £50. Including labour they are going to charge £238. We think snow on the car probably melter, then re-froze preventing snow melt from drainingh from the scuttle area and that's what causerds the radio and wiper problem.
10-04-2018:Further report of wiper issue on 2014 Smart 451: the garage still has not fixed the wiper issue. They initially replaced the fuse, that didnt work. Then they replaced a stalk connecting to the motor, that didnt work. Then the SAM unit went away to be re-soldered due to dry joints, came back, still didnt work and has subsequently been sent away again to be re-soldered. The garage has had the car 5 weeks. They also to say the car was out of MoT, despite having the MoT done with them in Feb 2018, which passed with no advisories.
