Weekend roadtest: Smart fortwo diesel auto


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

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