Body Structure Designed to Emphasize Turbo Model Features

The "smart" brandishes the slogan "A city compact born from Mercedes."The new model announced in 2015was joined by a turbo model, and in August 2016,launched in Japan.The smart powertrain is a 0.9-liter 3-cylinder, and the addition of a turbo gives a strong impression of significantly increased power.

As its name "fortwo" suggests, meaning "for two people," the "smart fortwo" is a two-seater with a mere 2,755mm in length. With the turbo upgrade, the engine's maximum output is now 66kW (90ps) and maximum torque is 135Nm. Compared to the previous non-turbo model, maximum output has increased by 14kW (19ps) and maximum torque by 44Nm.

Length 2755mm, wheelbase 1875mm

Height 1545mm, ensuring ample headroom inside.

Perhaps to more strongly emphasize the characteristics of the turbo model, the released modelsthe previous non-turbo modelare differentiated by their body styles. One is the "smart fortwo cabrio turbo limited" (¥2.48 million), which features an electric soft top. The other is the "smart fortwo turbo matt limited" (¥2.41 million). It has a fixed roof combined with a semi-transparent panoramic glass roof, and is characterized by its matte body colors in white and black.

As OPENERS readers will already know, smart employs a unique layout with the engine mounted behind the rear axle, driving the rear wheels. This concept has been carried over since the first generation in 1998. While there was once a compact sporty coupe, the latest lineup is simpler, consisting of a two-door coupe, a cabriolet, and the four-door forfour. The turbo version of the fortwo proved to be quite capable on our test drive.

Impressively High Level of Refinement

If I had to sum up my impression of driving the smart fortwo cabrio turbo limited in one word, it would be its high level of refinement. The new fortwo was already a very well-executed car. Despite its rear-engine layout, the steering wheel doesn't become light at high speeds, and the ride comfort is commendable, even with a wheelbase of only 1,875mm. While the rear suspension is slightly firm, the car's movements are very flat and stable. The cabin noise is also low enough to enjoy music.

The fortwo cabrio turbo, equipped with a turbocharger, might be a model designed to meet user demand for more power during intermediate acceleration, such as during overtaking. It's practical, generating maximum torque at 2,500 rpm, and has no trouble on inclines. A slight press of the accelerator pedal delivers sharp acceleration.

Folds down to the rear window in the second stage.

The wheel rim diameter is 15 inches.

The steering wheel is characterized by its very light steering effort, but it never feels flimsy. The road contact is better than expected, and you can clearly feel the angle of the wheels, so there's no anxiety even at higher speeds. Personally, I really like this light steering feel, and I was pleased to find that it felt the same as the naturally aspirated version even after the turbo upgrade.

The interior, including the seat comfort, is meticulously crafted, and driving with the top fully open makes you feel like it's the ultimate personal mobility. While Japanese Kei cars, which could be considered rivals in terms of price, are also well-made, and recently models from Suzuki and Honda have become very cute in styling, the smart car is significantly superior in terms of build quality and attention to detail.

A Cabriolet That Feels Like Full Open-Air Driving

As smart is also a lifestyle vehicle, it emphasizes not only convenience but also comfort and fashionability. The cabriolet, which was also available in the previous generation, is a prime example. This is a concept unlikely to arise from a purely functional approach to manufacturing. That is precisely what makes smart so appealing.

The soft top, which can be opened and closed regardless of driving speed, retracts smoothly and quickly with an electric switch. It's similar to theTargaexperience. It has a two-stage system, so you can open just the top of the head, or retract it all the way to the rear window. This enhances the open-air feeling. For an even more open experience, remove the beams above the doors before getting in. With the side windows down, there's almost nothing obstructing your view, creating a truly full-open sensation.

The interior design is simple yet conveys a sense of style.

The seats have soft cushioning and are comfortable.

At the time of its introduction in August 2016, the exterior colors were available in four options: Rally Red, Yellow, Crystal White, and Deep Black. The smart color scheme involves combining the frame, which utilizes the Tridion safety cell structure, with contrasting colors. For these four colors, the combination is with silver. The soft top color is available in black or red, depending on the exterior color. The interior is black leather. In short, it's quite stylish. You can enjoy a fun car life with just one fortwo.

Standard safety equipment includes Brake Assist, which supports braking force, Hill Start Assist, which automatically maintains brake pressure to facilitate starting on inclines, and ESP, which stabilizes the vehicle's posture by controlling braking. Furthermore, the Crosswind Assist, which automatically controls braking to prevent the vehicle from being blown off course by crosswinds, is a perfectly suited feature for the smart. It's impressive to see such a refined compact car emerge, reflecting a high level of awareness regarding mobility.

Smart fortwo cabrio turbo limited
Body size | Length 2,755 × Width 1,665 × Height 1,540 mm
Wheelbase | 1,875 mm
Tread front/rear | 1,470 / 1,430 mm
Minimum turning radius | 3.3 meters
Engine | 897cc DOHC inline 3-cylinder turbo
Maximum output | 66 kW (90 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Maximum torque | 135 Nm (13.8 kgm) / 2,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed DCT
Drivetrain | RR
Brakes front | Disc
Brakes rear | Drum
Tires front/rear | 165/65R15 / 185/60R15
JC08 mode fuel economy | 22.0 km/ℓ
Steering | Right
Sales volume | 50 units each of 4 colors, total 200 units
Price | ¥2.48 million


Smart fortwo turbo matt limited
Body size | Length 2,760 × Width 1,665 × Height 1,545 mm
Wheelbase | 1,875 mm
Tread front/rear | 1,450 / 1,435 mm
Minimum turning radius | 3.3 meters
Engine | 897cc DOHC inline 3-cylinder turbo
Maximum output | 66 kW (90 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Maximum torque | 135 Nm (13.8 kgm) / 2,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed DCT
Drivetrain | RR
Brakes front | Disc
Brakes rear | Drum
Tires front/rear | 185/50R16 / 205/45R16
JC08 mode fuel economy | 23.1 km/ℓ
Steering | Right
Sales volume | 40 units each of 2 colors, 80 units total
Price | ¥2.41 million