THE introduction of the all-new ForTwo early this year brought a host of significant changes over the original Smart that redefined the notion of personal mobility. Benefiting from a growth squirt (rather than spurt), the micro-car gains new-found maturity, a modern interior and driveability that the first Australian iteration could only dream of. Of course, it’s not perfect. Though much improved, the ride is still harsh, the jerky automated-manual transmission still changes gear at snail’s pace and the steering prefers to work against, rather than with, the driver. And, at $25,990 in Turbo Cabriolet guise as tested here, it does not represent great value. Despite these criticisms, then, why do we still like it?
Smart City Cabiolet
Released: May 2003
Ended: February 2008
Family Tree: ForTwoSmart's first-generation City Cabriolet – renamed ForTwo less than a year after launch in January 2004 – was the world’s first modern-day micro machine that challenged our concept of what motoring is and what it ought to be, especially for city commuters who rarely have more than one occupant on board. Mounted behind the seats was a spritely 698cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivering 45kW and 95Nm to the rear wheels via a despondent six-speed sequential clutchless manual. An ‘auto’ button was optional. Despite its size, the ForTwo proved to be strong and extremely safe with standard airbags and stability control. But an effort to keep the car from tipping over tended to make the suspension rock hard.
Road Test
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