Smart road test reports and car reviews

Smart ForTwo Smart Pure 2003

It has been a great little car, ultra reliable and very economical. Downsides, the rear view mirror blocks the view of pavement so pedestrians are not seen clearly if they step off the pavement at junctions etc. Service prices are far too expensive for what is supposed to be a cheap to run car. It’s more expensive to service than my BMW 528i. Gear changes are not very positive when slowing down gradually or approaching roundabouts. Exhaust Manifold bolts are known to break and result in blowing. Mercedes know of the issue but charged me £578.00 to replace three bolts! I would have another if it was cheaper to service. But I’m keeping this one till it stops then get some other micro car.

Smart ForTwo Smart Pure 2003

It has been a great little car. Ultra reliable and very economical. Downsides? Rear view mirror blocks the view of pavement so pedestrians are not seen clearly if they step off the pavement (ie. at junctions). Service prices are far too expensive for car which is supposed to be cheap to run. It’s more expensive to service than my BMW 528i. Gear changes are not very positive when slowing down gradually or approaching roundabouts. Exhaust manifold bolts are known to break and result in blowing. Mercedes know of issue but charged me £578.00 to replace three bolts! I would have another if it was cheaper to service. But I’m  keeping this one till it stops then get some other micro car.

Smart Roadster Brabus 2004

Shockingly badly built. It leaked every time it rained and bits fell off constantly. Numerous niggles with door handles not working, locks playing up and general rubbishness. Air con pipes break every year or two. The Brabus alloys are soft and deform easily. I had to get my rear wheels refurbished twice and I never touched a kerb. The engine’s very good but it’s a very stressed unit so needs regular servicing (7,000 miles). The service and repairs are extremely expensive, massively more so than the quality of the car reflects. The gearbox is hopeless and slow. A great car in theory, but in reality the worst car I’ve ever bought. Avoid.

Smart Roadster Coupe 80bhp 2004

Superb looking, loads of leg room and quicker than you’d think. Economical at over 50 mpg. Easily capable on motorways & surprisingly comfortable, with adequate amount of luggage space bearing in mind what it is. The Coupe almost doubles the load space of the roadster. Roof panels stow in the back or electric folding roof, making it a genuine targa top. A joy to drive and if you’ve not normally got more than one passenger (most don’t most of the time!) - what’s not to like?

Smart Pulse 2009

Good little car - but don’t think you will be getting 85MPG. My CDi around town gets at most 55-60 mpg. The ride is very firm and every pot hole most be avoided, the engine and gearbox seem to be at war sometimes [high revs but no motion] even when you use the semi manual the car never seems to flow. The lack of space has forced me to change this car plus the lack of power is an issue. The car is fun but just lacks power, room, comfort and other road users seem to bully you due to the car being so small. On the plus side FREE road tax CHEAP insurance and of course mpg [but not 85mpg]. If you are thinking of getting a Smart do a long road test and maybe try the petrol as well.

Smart ForTwo passion cabriolet 84bhp 2009

Just picked up my blue/silver passion cabrio, perfect weather for it! Third Smart, one roadster and one for two passion coupe. Had no problems with any of the cars, MPG not as much as to be expected, but in the 84bhp you tend to want to drive a bit less economically!! Fun car to own/drive.

Smart ForTwo 2010

It’s too early to predict the future for the Smart Roadsters. On the other hand, as far as the market share is concerned, mileage is one factor among several other important factors that will decide where they will stand. With the entry of Daimler in 2008, the competition for all the manufacturers of the Smart Roadsters is becoming stiff. The advantage which could help the car to soar to great heights is the eco-friendly element. The concept has changed the equation for automobile production companies. The manufacturers have done a lot so far to promote this design and bore it into the minds of the people that this is what makes the Smart Roadster so fuel efficient. Nevertheless, it still seems that not many are persuaded notwithstanding these efforts. Therefore, so far any conclusion on the subject of the mileage would be too early. There continues to be a debate among the various auto experts, especially the roadsters supporters and the ones of the other hybrid cars made by other manufacturers such as the Toyota, which they claim are much more fuel efficient than the Smart Roadster. So far as the design of the Smart Roadster is concerned, a lot of thought seems to be given to it. Most significantly the designers had the everyday issues like the parking and the driving space at the back of their mind while designing the roadster. That is the reason that the design is as compact as it could have been so that these cars do not face any difficulties regarding their handling in heavy traffic and parking space. The Smart Roadster is offered in various models. The Smart Roadster has been built in a way that would recognize it as being a eco-friendly vehicle, therefore there are several innovative features that have been developed keeping this purpose as the primary aim, the hybrid engine is one such feature. Some of the versions of the car such as the electric version are even leased out in the U.K.

Smart ForTwo Passion coupe cdi 2009

A great disappointment! I am only averaging 60mpg over some 3000 miles - mostly on urban driving. Compare this with the official fuel consumption figure og 85mpg overall... way off! The agents have had the vehicle for an official Smart MPG Test and they said it gave 74.2 mpg, but when challenged on how the Test was conducted and how the readings were taken, what the accuracy of the mileage and volume of fuel used they could noy say. There was no official Test Sheet shown. I did not have much confidence in the Test. While it was suggested that it might be the way it was driven, when challenged to say exactly what were the effect on mpg, of such things as acceleration, total vehicle weight, air conditioning, electrical loads, etc, no figures were forthcoming. During research and development these effects would have been determined. The engine performance map was not available; for this would show the iso-engine efficiency contours against the engine bmep (or torque) and engine speed. If the fuel economy was so sensitive why did they not put in a "Instant mpg meter" as standard so it would become apparent what techniques would increase the mpg. It was the advertised mpg figures in the mid-80’s that was the most important feature as it appeared to be very much on the "green side", but it has not turned out to be so. I also run a Peugeot 206 1.4l t/c diesel car and over the last 82000 miles an overall fuel consumption figure of 64mpg has been achieved. Why go for a Smart cdi when I can run a Peugeot 206, which has more comfortable ride and longer warranty? While I was prepared to accept the poor ride and 2-year warranty for the Smart cdi, I was expecting to achieved an economy near the adverised figures. (Incidently, the impiications, to me, of the 2-year warranty, is that the company do not have much faith in their vehicle’s reliability, when now manufacturers are offering values up to 7 years!) It seems the manufactures have washed their hands of the situation and are saying really that is all you can expect - goodbye! As you can see, I am disappointed with the vehicle after I had such high hopes. If ride comfort, longer warranty period and fuel economy are important then I cannot recommend this vehicle. It has been a poor invesment and a waste of money, I think.

Responses to this review

What a shame that Mr Reid is disappointed with his Smart Cdi. Yes, I agree the warranty is a bit mean but everything else he reports about ownership couldn’t be further from the truth and my personal experience since I took delivery of a Cdi in March 2010. I am not a experienced hypermiler by any means but in April 2011, on a journey from my home town Llandudno to Keswick in Cumbria - totalling 181.2 miles - I refilled a brimmed fuel tank and it took 9.1Litres to fill it up again. I did not make any serious calculations but that (in anyone’s driving terms) is hypermiling, with the average of 83mpg being exceeded. My only criticism of the car is that I wish I had bought the convertible but money was tight so the coupe it was. One other aspect about fuel economy is that premium fuel should always be used not the supermarket dishwater. It may be cheaper by a few pence but I do not care what others say, it’s not the same quality as say Shell or BP finest. My next car most definitely will be another Smart Cdi if they are still being made but the full open top experience if you please - Peter Lewis from Conwy

Smart ForTwo 2007

Think of a word beggining with C? Cup, Cap, Clip, Crumbs, C**p...All relevant and all beggining with the letter c. I guess to start a review like this seems a little odd, but believe me when my better half decided that she wanted to change her Ford Ka for something newer, we would have been better off swapping it for a tandem than the calamity on wheels she fell in love with last month! My only real desire in life now, is to make you happy, I said. How sweet you are she replied. What a long, long time ago that seems to be now. Saturday morning, seven thirty’ish, (the t**t never gets up this early), and she is all over me like a measle rash! We rise, we shower, we dress, we eat, we argue, and then we head off for the local Smart dealership. Still trying to persuade her not to be silly, and choose something a little bit more interesting, we ended up on this extremely colourful forecourt, where every sodding vehicle was badged "SMART". Well my immediate impressions were, smart suit, smart looking, smart a**e, but not so the little bundle of lego vehicles that were strewn before us like the breakfast pots we had left at the kitchen sink!. Hesitantly I followed, (still sobbing inside), and she made a bee line for the youngest salesman she could radar in on. Straight up to him and demanded to test drive the little yellow and black smart fortwo. The response from the chap made me want to throw up, certainly madam, can I offer you a personal test drive, or would you want to take the vehicle for a drive with your partner? (Husband d**k ’ed, I’m her husband). Best keep the thoughts to myself at this point, so I looked straight at him and thoroughly encouraged a personal test drive, with me! Coffee, biscuit, paper, chat, laughing, giggling even, and car ready for the big test drive. She waltzed herself across the showroom, key in hand, smile on face, me in tow. After the initial opening of the passenger door, i took a step back and wondered how the f**! any man over 15 stone would firstly manage to ergonomically squeeze himself in to the seat, and secondly once you are inside, how the hell do you reach the fri**ing seat belt?! The salesman jumped straight in at this point and reached over to hand me the strap, (good move, but my premonitions of the vehicle had already started to shine through). The car itself was a good colour mish mash if you are in to modern art, or graffitti painting. The room inside would better suit a couple of Snow Whites mates, (can’t believe that the plastic content inside is like being strapped into a bondage suit with Les Dawson). But she was in her element, every turn and twist of the wheel put fresh smile on her bonny little face, (we all know what that means and especially when they also start to sing...in key)! The test drive was real good for her and she soon became familiar with the driving mechanisms and switches, laid out before her. All eight of them. It drove me insane, I would never want to give one away as a free gift with a Mcdonalds, never mind pay over seven grand for this second hand sledge. The car now sits on our drive, she is still totally in love with it, me...I guess I really dont come into her Smart equations so what can I say? A truly targetted audience is buying these crumby little bogey’s and a truly big sceptical husbandry audience is, like me, wishing they had never launched the bloody things onto the automotive markets here in the U.K. Drive one at your peril!

Responses to this review

A stereotypical Yorkshireman! - Mike from Northamptonshire

Hey this review has just cracked me up, I so neeeed one of these little babies, and my Yorkshireman partner is desperately trying to dissuade me... kind of reminded me of you. Well, thanks for the review, I found it all together quite a positive one, and now need one all the more :) Thanks - Nicky T from Oxfordshire

Smart ForTwo 2002

A smart car is exactly what it says on the tin - A SMART CAR - economical, comfy, and once you get used to its quirkyness very user friendly.

Smart ForTwo 2003

This car is a great car for my daily commute. It is very economical to run (costs me about £15 a week in petrol to do a 30 minute round trip each day) and is suprisingly nippy. I live in the welsh valleys and it seems to cope extremely well with the many steep hills in my locality. It can also be quite fun, pulling out of junctions because it is so nippy - a little too nippy sometimes. The downsides are, that on some occasions it can be slow to change gear, and also it does not handle adverse weather conditions very well i.e. ice, snow, rain etc. It also seems to go through a hell of alot of oil. I have to fill mine up once a month, and I belive that it is a common problem with these cars to run out of oil. It also has limited boot space but it is surprising how much you can cram in. The interior is basic but comforrtable enough. It is also a dream to park, and you can feel quite smug on occasion after parking it in incredibly small spaces.

Smart ForTwo Cabrio Passion 2005

After years of hating all Smart cars, I finally bought myself a Smart ForTwo Cabrio Passion last week. It’s 4 years old and in immaculate condition. Every time I drive it I find that I’m grinning from ear to ear like some mad woman!! It looks so cute, drives really well (the automatic gearbox takes a bit of getting used to) and is econimical on all fronts. It’s more spacious than the front of my previous car (Ford Focus) and feels safer! I can honestly say that I have fallen head over heels in love with my little Sammy Smart Car ;o)

Smart ForTwo Cabrio 2002

I’ve found my Smart car to be economical on fuel, tax, insurance and reliable. I couldn’t fault it except one major recent problem. After 6 years of happy driving and virtually no problems, the softtop roof failed - through no fault of my own the top has buckled and the wires have snapped. Mercedes tell me it can’t be repaired and have quoted me nearly £3,000 for a new roof! A staggering amount of money given that the car is mechanically sound. They have offered no goodwill, they say due to the age of the vehicle (despite being only 6 years with low mileage). My argument that the roof should last the lifetime of the vehicle has been ignored and I am left with a hefty bill or a car I can only drive on hot days! When I asked if they would at least waive the labour cost (£500 so goodness knows how much they pay their mechanics) they told me and I quote "Why would we do that?" Unbelievable. My advice is think very carefully before buying a soft top from Mercedes. And remember that a Smart is a specialist car and only Mercedes have the parts so I can’t go elsewhere to get it done cheaper. Just remember when you go in their flash showroom and waiting area, the fresh coffee, tea and cakes is paid for by the customer who pay inflated rates for repairs and servicing. They couldn’t care less about their customers.

Smart ForTwo 0.7 Passion 2004

We bought this as a second car, a run around for when we really needed 2 cars. Boy, what a great thing it is. In the 5 years we had it, we did not have a single issue, except for an aircon-leak that was repaired under warranty. It’s a real joy to own, even more joy to park. Fuel economy is not entirely what you would expect, with only around 50 MPG, but we push the car really hard in every occasion, as in the city you’re faster around than in a Ferrari. Took it to the continent, Paris, Brussels, Provence, if you take enough time to rest during the ride (which can be hard for your back, and noise reduction is not the car’s best quality). Motorway is fine as long as there’s little wind. If you’re looking for a problem less, really cheap to run second car and don’t necessarily need 4 seats, have one of these!

Smart ForTwo Coupe 2007

Brilliant!

Smart ForTwo Passion 2004

Interesting to drive with amazing room inside for two chunky adults and a Springer spaniel. Gears changes require a degree of skill to smooth them out, both auto and manual. Not perfect but once mastered acceptable in town and country with smooth changes the order of the day. Low excise duty, lots of miles per gallon, although insurance not as low as I expected. Still cheap motoring with the added bonus of fun with little risk to your licence.

Smart ForTwo Pulse 2000

We’ve had our Smart for 8 years now (80,000 miles) with no serious problems. It’s a cheap car to own and run and just so much fun to drive and safe as well! It is surprisingly BIG inside and it’s amazing just how much you can get in it. Performance is also good when you know how to use the car. We will definitely buy another when this one gets tired but no sign of that yet.

Smart ForTwo Passion 2008

New car that is excellent in every respect. Gear change is much smoother and noise level considerably reduced. Running costs make this the ideal every day car for most people.

Smart ForTwo Cabrio 0.7 Pulse Cabrio 2dr 2006

Just bought this used (hardly) beautiful fortwo car and I have to say it’s just a brilliant little car to drive. It does take a little getting used to (it’s so dinky) but feels very safe and solid and just looks gorgeous!! Love it, love it, love it!!!!

Smart Roadster 80 [RHD] Auto 2dr 2004

Just bought this two weeks ago with less that 7,000 on the clock and in pristine condition. It’s a fabulous car and I’ve had many people admiring it and asking me about it. I love the fact it’s not a car you see everywhere you go. Lovely to drive and I can’t wait for warmer weather to get the top down. Roll on summer!

Smart ForTwo Cabrio Passion 70 2dr 2007

I’ve had my Passion Cabrio for two weeks now and I just find myself looking for excuses to go out in it at every opportunity, I love it that much. I really liked the look of the fortwo smart car and hadn’t even considered the Cabrio until I spotted it in the showroom and before I knew it I’d test driven and bought it! The semi automatic gear box took some getting used to but once you have the drive is very smooth. Very nippy around town and of course parking is a breeze. I’ve only done one long distance journey s far and although it’s not the quietest car on the motorway, I had no problems at all. Brilliant bit of engineering and yes it is cute!

Smart ForFour 95bhp 1.5 CDI Pulse 2006

The Smart ForFour is slightly more expensive than other superminis out there but I think it’s one of those cars you just fall in love with. Looks wise there’s nothing else like it, which is exactly what I wanted. This car has personality which a LOT of cars these days are sadly lacking. Great fun to drive and should keep its value well. I think this is a really great little car.

Smart ForTwo 0.7 Passion 2007

60mpg! Can’t argue with that. Safety features are good, EPS, brake assist and ABS as standard. Improved drive and performance on the older models. This is my second smart and I would definately go for it again.

Smart ForTwo Coupe CDi 2dr

Extremely light on fuel, fun to drive and can park on a sixpence! I love my Smart car, it is perfect for city living. I really do highly recommend this car to anyone.

Responses to this review

I collected my little Smart Passion Cdi new from the Stockton on Tees dealership in March. The engine has nearly 7000miles on the clock and i have achieved 89mpg from it over a long journey from North to South Wales. I have even managed nearly 70mpg from a friends petrol Smart by using a Scangauge fuel meter. I agree most owners will never get this kind of economy from their car mainly because they will use all the creature comforts such as the air conditioning and radio sat nav. In the very hot weather this year i drove around with the windows shut to cut down drag and i check my tyre pressure every week. Mercedes would never claim their Smart Cdi could do 85mpg unless it had achieved it during testing. Mic Linford the economy driver got 96mpg last year and 94mpg this year to win the economy marathon once again. Owners should never complain that the car they bought could not do the claimed economy. Manufactures would never dare say their cars can do so much to the gallon unless they were 100% certain that it can. Few owners drive with maximum economy in mind or even know how to drive to get maximum economy. I’ve managed a genuine 89mpg and I’ve verified it as well - Peter Lewis from Conwy