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Smart ForTwo 52 kW Coupe (2008)
by Barry Green,reviewed May 2008
In crowded European cities, where parking bumper-to-bumper on the footpath is the norm, the new smart ForTwo would really come into its own.
But in urban Australia, the benefit of its tiny 2.69 metre length is not so redeemable.
In fact, the ForTwo’s vices outweigh its virtues.
Foremost among the latter is the automated manual five-speed gearbox, which is clunky and slow changing in the extreme.
The steering, while well weighted, is heavy at slower speeds and the ride is not as smooth as you might demand of a city car.
And you don’t expect dynamic handling from a design such as this, which is just as well.
But what you do get is a reasonable amount of active and passive safety gear, different styling and miserly fuel consumption, although our average of 7.5-litres/100 km was nowhere near the official ADR figure.
Where the little 999 cc coupe did surprise was on the motorway, cruising capably at 100 km/h at 3100 rpm, not much more than most other four-cylinder engines.
But overall, the ForTwo is more a case of smart by name, not so smart by nature.
For
Style statement, parking space, economy
Against
Clunky gearbox, harsh ride, slow steering, price
Car Details
| Vehicle make |
smart |
| Vehicle model |
ForTwo 52 kW Coupe |
| Vehicle type |
Light Under $20,000 |
| Year |
2008 |
| Price when new |
$19,990 MLP |
| Current price range |
$ - $
|
| ANCAP crash rating |
|
| Insurance |
Get a quote for car insurance |
| Approved Repairers |
Our expert team of approved repairers can perform general and specialist repairs, including auto-electrical, air-conditioning, radiator repairs and automatic transmissions. |
| Engine |
999 cc, dohc 4-cyl |
| Max power |
52 kW @ 5800 rpm |
| Max torque |
92 Nm @ 4500 rpm |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h |
16.3 sec |
| Braking from 80 km/h |
25.3 m |
| Fuel type |
PULP |
| Economy ADR |
4.4 litres/ 100 km |
| Emissions rating |
|
| CO2 Emissions |
105 g/km |
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This review is based on road testing conducted by The Road Ahead. Further vehicle reviews, in-depth comparisons and coverage of consumer motoring issues can be found in the Club's magazine. Prices listed were current at the time of review and are manufacturers list prices and do not include statutory and delivery charges. Prices can vary from time to time and dealer to dealer.