2017 Smart ForTwo

Pros: Outstanding close-quarters maneuverability; incredibly easy to park

Cons: Fuel economy not better than some larger subcompacts; premium-grade gas is required; not a good value for the money

CG Says: For 2017, a Cabriolet semi-convertible rejoins the Smart ForTwo lineup after a year’s absence. The Smart ForTwo was redesigned last year and the coupe is essentially unchanged. Smart ForTwo is a two-passenger subcompact car available as a coupe or semi-convertible with a power-operated soft top that rolls back along channels in the roof siderails. An 89-horsepower 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine drives the rear wheels through either a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. Available safety features include forward-collision warning and Crosswind Assist—which counteracts the effects of strong crosswinds. Colloquially known as the “Smart car,” the ForTwo is the smallest four-wheel passenger car on the U.S. market meeting applicable federal standards. The Smart’s prime selling points are maneuverability and ease of parking in congested urban areas. The ForTwo must compete with larger, more-conventional minicars like the Chevrolet Spark, Ford Fiesta, and Fiat 500. These cars seat four and are more composed on highways. Built in France by a division of Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG, the ForTwo departs from typical small-car practice by having a rear-mounted powertrain. In spite of its minimalism, the ForTwo isn’t the least expensive car on the market or the most fuel efficient. We think the electric version (see separate entry) makes a better urban runabout than the gas-engine models, but none of them make much sense outside the city limits.

ROAD TESTS AND ADDITIONAL INFO

2016 Smart ForTwo Review