The current Smart Fortwo is only small in size. In terms of quality, he can easily keep up with larger cars - unfortunately, that also applies to the price.
Small, agile - and quite expensive. The Smart Fortwo is the perfect city car, but certainly not a bargain. Accordingly attractive is a used model. Also, because the quality is right.
Body and Interior: With 2,70 meters, the third generation (since 2014) remains well below the three-meter mark. Compared to its equally short predecessor, however, the two-seater has gone wide, which noticeably improves the space available in the interior. The luggage space remains small, but with a little discipline for the weekly shopping or a short break for two. The interior is youthful and fresh, the workmanship is largely correct, the seats are exceptionally good for this vehicle class. In addition to the standard "Fortwo" Coupwo, there is a convertible, in which the roller roof fully automatically releases the view of the sky. The roof rails over the doors remain standing, but can be dismantled by hand and stowed in the trunk.
Engines and drivetrain: Small car, small engines - all five engines have to do with three cylinders and a maximum of one liter of displacement. Depending on the model and year of production, the entry-level petrol engine generates 45 kW / 61 PS or 52 kW / 71 PS from this small volume - quite enough for city traffic. Alternatively, there is a 0,9-liter turbo engine with 66 kW / 90 PS, which was temporarily available in two Brabus variants with 80 kW / 109 PS and 92 kW / 125 PS. A diesel is unlike its predecessor, not on offer. Since 2017 there is the electrical variant EQ (initially ED) with 60 kW / 81 PS and a range of 160 kilometers - for a city car, perhaps just enough. All engines drive the rear wheels, the power transmission worried at the weaker internal combustion engines, a five-speed manual transmission, the stronger a dual-clutch transmission with six gears. The EQ has an input gearbox installed.
Equipment and safety: In order not to have to set the base price too high above the usual in the micro-car class just under 10.000 Euro, Daimler has tough on the basic equipment of the cheapest model saved. Used car buyers should therefore rather look for the higher equipment lines "Passion", "Prime" and "Proxy" and also pay attention to the right individual extras. These include radio and air conditioning, which are not always included in the standard range. Especially important for Smart is the endless list of individual design extras and accessories, which has led to a very colorful range of used cars. Safety is ensured, standard are five airbags and the ESP driving dynamics control. In the crash test, the two-door 2014 was able to convince with four out of five stars.
Quality: Smart sees itself as a premium supplier in the small car market, which is reflected not only in the high original price, but also in a decent basic quality. Chassis and brakes shining loudly "TÜV Report" at the main investigation. If it were not for the oil leaks on the engine and the rust on the exhaust system - the Fortwo would be one of the model students in the reliability statistics. Used car buyers should therefore take a look under the car and also check the parking space floor. In addition, minor problems are known such as poor radio reception or failures of the automatic start-stop system.
Conclusion: The Smart is small, but reliable as a big one. However, he also lies well above the class average price. If you are looking for a copy, you will find a comprehensive range of differently designed and equipped models. Anyone who proves a bit of fashionable courage may even get a bargain away from the mass taste. Under 6.000 Euro but should be hardly anything to do.
