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Weekend roadtest: Smart fortwo diesel auto
publication date: Oct 9, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
| Small is
beautiful in today's car market.
While
many car makers are struggling to introduce truly economical city cars and make
it pay for them, MB subsidiary smart is enjoying a head start.
It was
launched in the 90s and at the time to a lot of derisory remarks but now the
technically advanced two seater is coming into its own. Perhaps the best way of
judging the success of the smart is to look at the newer models from rivals
which are almost unashamedly copying it.
The smart
range was launched as a small capacity petrol model but it is now available
with a diesel engine and automatic transmission, which must make it the
smallest diesel auto you can buy.
The compact
dimensions, high efficiency engine and effortless transmission give it instant
appeal when looking for a city car and the fact it attracts low road tax and no
congestion charges may clinch it for many.
| The
engine and gearbox sit behind the driver, so there is just a short front
luggage compartment and all the space between the wheels is given over to the
driver and passenger.
The
powertrain is a very good match but you have to work it hard to get the most
out of it. Revving freely, the engine sounds busy all the time and the
gearchanges are better than the original models but can still be a little jerky
under hard throttle or when heavily laden. |  |
When you
appreciate its limits and drive it to them but not past, the engine is much
smoother and economical and the gearchanges are better if you momentarily lift
off the throttle as the change point is approached.
The
steering has a very good turning circle and minimum effort is needed when
parking but it's not so twitchy that it's nervous on the open road.
I liked
the brakes' balance and their progressive power as well.
The
secondary controls are all very close to hand and the compact cabin leaves
little room for instruments, so some sit in pods on top of the fascia and you
can turn them left to right as well if the passenger feels they want to be
involved. I found the minor buttons on the small side for anyone with big
fingers and heavy knows how a lady with long nails would cope.
The
heating and ventilation is straightforward and in the tight cabin it worked
very well, augmented by powered windows.
Oddments
space is very limited with shallow bins and pockets and I think most items
would end up behind the seats or in the luggage area which extends from 220 to
340 litres.
The
visibility is very good to front and sides but its stubby high tail can hide
some objects from the driver's view and you need to carefully check behind
before reversing. Pulling out at some oblique junctions is also difficult.
The room
for driver and passenger is good, so long as you are not much above average
height, but it pays to travel light. Seat adjustment can be fiddly.
Seats are
very thin but surprisingly comfortable and the smart chassis can take a lot of
punishment but struggles to copy with bumps just about four feet apart.
It not
only bounces over some bumps in this way but also when negotiating corners,
which is more disconcerting. The smart's roadholding is not its strongest
point.
| From rest
and through the gears it is reasonable but not quick and it settles down to a
comfortable 60mph on motorways but is really in its element weaving around
town.
In city
streets you can cope with its modest performance but expect to be overtaken by
a few couriers on their pedal bikes.
If you
are not in a rush and don't want to pollute the air too much, but still need
individual mobility, then the smart fortwo cdi is an attractive proposition but
instead of calling it passion I would have thought patience is a better name. |  |
STOP PRESS: A smart fortwo did over 96mpg on this year's Fleet News Mileage Marathon using less than 4 gallons to cover the 360 miles route through the Midlands.
| | Fact
file: | Smart fortwo passion diesel auto
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Price:
| £9,227 | Maximum: | 84mph
| Emissions/tax: | 88gkm/ 13pc | | Insurance: | Two | 0-62mph: | 20sec | Residual
value:
| 55pc | Powertrain:
| 800cc 3cyl 45bhp 5sp auto | Fuel: | 85mpg | Warranty: | 3yrs/unlimited, 6yrs rust |
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