Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019) Review
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Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019) At A Glance
Available with a manual gearbox or a twin-clutch automatic. Cheap to run. Tiny turning circle.
Bigger Smart Forfour is more practical. 71PS engine needs to be worked hard out of town.
In many respects, the Smart Fortwo is the perfect city car, thanks to a compact size that makes it easy to park, plus affordable running costs. However, the Citroen C1, ever-popular Fiat 500 and trendy MINI hatch are all more rounded options. Read on for our full Smart Fortwo review.
The Smart Fortwo is just as impressive around town as its predecessor, with compact dimensions, perky performance and an incredibly tight turning circle – but it adds in a healthy dose of cute, quirky styling.
For people who live in congested cities it is hard to beat, yet it also holds appeal for buyers out of town, too.
It has a choice of two three-cylinder petrol engines - a 71PS or a 90PS, both of which live in the back, under the boot floor.
The less powerful engine is fine in 30mph and 40mph limits, but gets a bit out of breath at higher speeds and needs to be worked hard. It does deliver low emissions, though, and decent fuel economy.
The compact dimensions make the Smart Fortwo ideal for urban environments, but if you specify the 90PS engine, it’s perfectly at home on faster roads – and it’s cheap to run.
The short wheelbase and light weight mean it isn’t quite as planted at high speed as other city cars, though.
If you don’t need rear seats, the Smart Fortwo is reasonably practical, despite its size. The tailgate splits for easy loading in tight spaces and has enough space for a weekly shop or a weekend away, but obviously there are only two seats, so it isn’t much use for a family.
There’s plenty to like about the Smart Fortwo as a used car. It’s characterful, cheap to run, and perfect for urban environments.
Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar’s Smart Fortwo review here.
Reviews for Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
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Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 0.9 Automatic to 1.0
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 38–66 mpg
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019): Handling and ride quality
There are better small car choices if you tend to cover long distances, or if you spend a lot of time commuting on faster A-roads and B-roads.
The Smart Fortwo’s short wheelbase makes for a fun, nimble drive, but it doesn’t feel quite as as planted as the likes of a Volkswagen Up.
However, it is a major step forward from its predecessor.
Nothing this side of a scooter can match the Smart Fortwo in town. Its short length makes it perfect for tight parking spaces, plus it has an incredibly small turning circle.
U-turns and other manoeuvres, such as reversing into spaces, are effortlessly simple. If you’re always worrying about scrapes and bumps in multi-storey car parks, you’ll love it.
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019): Engines
The Smart Fortwo is offered with a choice of two petrol engines – one with 71PS and another with 90PS. For urban driving, the less powerful unit is fine and offers low running costs.
But if you ever go out of town or make longer trips, the 90PS engine is significantly better and is just as cheap to run.
It might only have a moderately higher power output, but it is much more flexible on the road, with 132Nm of torque.
Allied to the tiny, lightweight bodywork, this engine is surprisingly potent and makes for easy motorway driving and overtaking.
Buyers who want an automatic will be pleased to know the glacially slow automated manual from the previous Smart Fortwo was dropped for this model, replaced by a much slicker DCT transmission.
This is far better than the old transmission, and makes a lot of sense for stop-and-go town traffic.
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019): Safety
Euro NCAP tested the Smart Fortwo in 2014 and it achieved a four-star rating overall.
All versions come with twin front and side airbags, as well as a knee airbag for the driver, seatbelt pre-tensioners and load-limiters, Isofix mounting points for the passenger seat with an airbag cut-off switch, and most importantly ESC traction and stability control as standard.
A useful addition is side wind assist, designed to help you keep the Smart Fortwo pointing in the right direction on windy days.
Higher specification models are also fitted with lane keep assistance, but automatic emergency braking was not fitted as standard or available as an option, which is disappointing.
The Premium package offers rear parking sensors, while if you opt for a car with Premium Plus this has a reversing camera, too.
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019): Towing
Given its size and weight, the Smart Fortwo was always going to be an unlikely tow car, and as a result it is not rated to pull any type of trailer in the UK.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 | 54–67 mpg | 10.4 s | 94–97 g/km |
| 0.9 Automatic | 57–69 mpg | 10.4–11.3 s | 96 g/km |
| 0.9T 109 Automatic | 63–69 mpg | 9.5 s | 96–102 g/km |
| 1.0 | 57–69 mpg | 14.4 s | 93 g/km |
| 1.0 71 | 69 mpg | 14.4 s | 93 g/km |
| 1.0 71 Automatic | 69 mpg | 15.1 s | 94 g/km |
| 1.0 90 | 67 mpg | 10.4 s | 94 g/km |
| 1.0 90 Automatic | 69 mpg | 11.3 s | 96 g/km |
| 1.0 Automatic | 59–69 mpg | 15.1 s | 94 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
78%
Real MPG
38–66 mpg
MPGs submitted
85
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019) interior
- Boot space is 350 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2695–2740 mm |
| Width | 1893 mm |
| Height | 1543–1555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1873 mm |
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019): Practicality
Despite having tiny exterior dimensions, the Smart Fortwo feels surprisingly light and roomy inside.
Boot space is surprisingly useful. The 260-litre capacity is ahead of what’s on offer from the Volkswagen Up, although the latter has the advantage of rear seats that can be folded.
Fortunately, the Smart Fortwo does have a nice party trick with a split tailgate. The upper part can be flipped up in the tiniest spaces, while the bottom part has a little storage locker for holding small items.
Obviously, with only two seats, there isn’t much point in giving the Smart Fortwo a second look if you have a family.
If you are a fan of the fun looks and rear-engine quirkiness, but need the extra seats, the Smart Forfour offers the same style as the Smart Fortwo, but with more space.
However, the Smart Forfour can be pricey to buy used, and has many more appealing, conventional small car rivals.
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019): Quality and finish
The dashboard, with its fabric covering, looks good and gives the Smart ForTwo an upmarket feel – fitting, given its steep price tag when new.
The controls are straightforward to use, whether for the audio system or air-conditioning.
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019): Infotainment
For the earliest 2014 cars, the basic provision included a two-speaker FM/AM radio that also features Bluetooth, so you can stream audio and make telephone calls.
This system is adequate, but lacks the ability to use any other audio sources.
From 2016 onwards, this system included a phone cradle to make it easier to hook up your smartphone, and also introduced the Smart Media System, standard on Smart Fortwo Passion models but also available as a standalone option or as part of the Premium package.
This adds a seven-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, and DAB (plus navigation depending on the model) and is a significant upgrade. Unfortunately it isn’t compatible with Apple CarPlay, so you’ll have to make do with just the Bluetooth connection if you have an Apple device.
Later cars also add a USB connection, so you can charge and stream from your phone at the same time.
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019) value for money
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019): Prices
The Smart Fortwo was quite pricey when it was new. However, it’s much better value now, and you can find an early example with 40,000 miles on the clock for around £6000.
A later Smart Fortwo with 20,000 miles will cost you up to £9000 for a five-year-old car in excellent shape.
Smart Fortwo (2014 – 2019): Running Costs
Both engines in the standard Smart Fortwo emit less than 100g/km of carbon dioxide.
As a consequence, earlier examples enjoy free road tax at the time of writing, while the faster, more potent Smart Fortwo Brabus version will cost £20 per year for this.
Cars that went on the road after 1 April 2017 will all pay the flat rate of £190 for a year’s road tax.
As you’d hope with a city car with modest engines, the Smart Fortwo officially claims combined fuel economy of 67mpg to just shy of 69mpg (or 62.8mpg with the Smart Fortwo Brabus).
Our Real MPG data shows you can expect around 50mpg from all models.
Insuring a Smart Fortwo won’t be pricey, even for a new driver, as there are models that sit in group 3 (out of 50). The highest rating is group 11 for the most upscale Brabus.
Servicing costs for the Smart Fortwo should be on a par with any city car rivals.
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Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index nowSmart Fortwo (2014 – 2019) models and specs
The Smart Fortwo Pure model has a height-adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat as standard, which aren’t fitted to higher-specification versions unless they come with the Smart Fortwo Comfort pack. So check carefully.
Smart Fortwo Passion models come with 15-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a smart audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and a choice of either an orange/black interior or a white/black interior.
The Smart Fortwo Prime adds 15-inch five-twin-spoke black alloys with high sheen finish, a panoramic glass roof with sun protection, black leather upholstery, additional dashboard instrument pods with a cockpit clock and rev counter, heated seats and lane-keeping assist.
The Smart Fortwo Proxy models gain 16-inch eight-Y-spoke alloys wheels in black, a panoramic glass roof, blue and white interior with Artico and cloth upholstery and lane keeping assist.
There’s also the Smart Fortwo Sports Package with a sports leather multifunction steering wheel, suspension lowered by 10 mm, rubber studded alloy sports pedals and an exhaust finisher in chrome.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2695–2740 mm |
| Width | 1893 mm |
| Height | 1543–1555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1873 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 880–995 kg |
| Boot Space | 350 L |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Servicing | 12500–25000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £11,415–£20,210 |
| Insurance Groups | 3–11 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–B |
| Official MPG | 54.3–68.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 4 |
On sale until July 2020
On sale until April 2017
On sale until October 2015
| Coupe | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 Edition 1 71 2dr | £13,225 | 68.9 mpg | 14.4 s |
| 1.0 Edition 1 71 Twinamic Auto 2dr | £14,220 | 68.9 mpg | 15.1 s |
| 1.0 Edition 1 90 2dr | £13,820 | 67.3 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 1.0 Edition 1 90 Auto 2dr | £14,460 | 68.9 mpg | 11.3 s |
Model History
- July 2014: Smart Fortwo revealed
- January 2016: Fortwo edition white and edition black launched
- July 2016: Smart Fortwo Brabus Sport introduced
- September 2016: Smart Fortwo Brabus launched
- May 2017: Smart Fortwo Pure launched
- June 2017
- July 2017: Fortwo Disturbing London edition launch
July 2014
Smart Fortwo revealed
The 2014 Smart ForTwo (model 453) set a new benchmark in turning circles: at 6.95 m (from kerb to kerb) and 7.30 m (from wall to wall) it makes turning manoeuvres extremely simple.
Advanced assistance systems which were previously the reserve of higher classes of vehicle, further enhance safety and comfort. These include Crosswind Assist (standard), forward collision warning (option) and Lane Keeping Assist (option).
Two state-of-the-art three-cylinder engines will be available for the new smart models at the market launch: the naturally aspirated engine generates 71PS from a capacity of 999cc. The engine's ample torque from an engine speed as low as 1000 rpm (maximum: 91Nm at 2850 rpm) enables particularly economical driving in high gears, even in urban traffic.
Top of the range is the turbo engine rated at 90PS. The 898cc engine mobilises maximum torque of 135Nm at 2500 rpm. The totally new turbocharger features an electronically controlled wastegate which enables increased engine dynamics in conjunction with a sustainable reduction in fuel consumption. Another distinguishing feature is the automatic start/stop system.
Apart from the turbocharger, a whole range of other technical measures also contributes to the engine's excellent fuel efficiency and performance. These include variable swirl control and variable adjustment of the inlet valves. Another defining trait of the all-aluminium three-cylinder engine is the square bore/stroke ratio. A few months after the market launch, a basic petrol engine rated at60PS will extend the range.
Both transmission variants are also new for smart: customers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission and the twinamic six-speed dual clutch transmission.
Three equipment lines (passion, prime and proxy) and a wealth of optional items, some of which were previously the reserve of higher segments, make every smart fortwo or smart forfour a unique gem in its own right. Even in the entry-level version, both models offer a comprehensive scope of safety and comfort features. These include LED daytime driving lights, central locking with radio remote control, visual locking-verification signal and immobiliser, cruise control with limiter (variable speed limitation), exterior temperature indicator with frost warning, instrument cluster with monochrome LCD display and trip computer and electric windows in the front.
The smart forfour essentially has the same elements as the smart fortwo. It is fitted with an upward-opening single-section tailgate, however, to enable convenient loading of the lower luggage compartment.
New, rich exterior colours and around 40 combination options between bodypanels and tridion cell boost the brand's upbeat image. New colours now available include moon white (matt), lava orange (metallic) and hazel brown (metallic), which can be applied to contrast with new colours for the tridion cell such as cool silver (metallic) or lava orange (metallic).
The dashboard and the door centre panels feature extensive fabric coverings in the three lines. This high-quality textile surface is very pleasant to the touch and is reminiscent of the mesh inserts in modern sports shoes. The mesh structure is a USP in this vehicle segment.
The highly robust tridion passenger cell is able to prevent major deformation even in very severe collisions, thus helping to protect the occupants' space. The fuel tank is located safely outside the deformation zone in front of the rear axle.
January 2016
Fortwo edition white and edition black launched
Prices start at £12,360 and based on the prime trim line (which includes features such as heated leather seats), the special-edition models add the Urban Style and the Premium packages as standard.
These include three-spoke sports steering wheel with perforated leather, brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs, 16-inch Y-spoke-alloy wheels in black, exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe, wheel-arch extensions with smart lettering, comfort package, rear parking assistance and smart media system including European satellite navigation. The fortwo special editions come with over £1500-worth of extra equipment – for only £895.
July 2016
Smart Fortwo Brabus Sport introduced
Smart has announced its latest updates to the range, including pricing for the new BRABUS sport line which is available from £13,810. The range now consists of the entry-level passion, followed by prime, prime sport and Brabus Sport.
The Fortwo coupe passion now comes with a fabric-covered roof, creating an even more striking look. At the other end of the range, the forfour night sky prime and prime sport models come with an electric fabric opening roof.
Prime models offer heated front seats; black leather upholstery with grey topstitching; dashboard instruments with clock and rev counter; sunglasses holders; and 15-inch five-spoke alloys painted black with a high sheen finish. prime sport adds a perforated leather sports steering wheel (with shift paddles on models equipped with the twinamic automatic transmission); sports suspension lowered by 10 mm; chrome exhaust finisher; and black 16-inch 8-Y-spoke alloy wheels.
Available only on models with the higher powered 90PS engine, the Brabus sport line includes matt grey 17-inch Brabus alloy wheels (the fortwo has 16/17-inch wheels (front/rear), Brabus front splitter and rear apron in black, Brabus stitching and logo on hand brake lever and gear shift, sports steering wheel and brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs. Prices start at £13,810.
The Premium equipment line (now £845) includes a height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, rear parking sensors, smart media system and Mirror Link. Premium Plus (not available on passion models) adds ambient lighting, LED head lights and tail lights, fog lamps with cornering function, and rear view camera. Premium Plus is available for £1,345.
Forfour models can now also be specified with a no-cost option cadmium red metallic radiator grille. Customers can also choose from black, white, silver, grey, or yellow for no extra cost. The twinamic six-speed DCT gearbox is available across the range for £995.
September 2016
Smart Fortwo Brabus launched
Prices for the new Smart Brabus range start at £16,320.
The Brabus range uses the existing turbo-charged 898cc engine, with an increased power output of 109PS up from 90PS. In keeping with its sportier engine and exterior, it also comes with Brabus Performance sports suspension with specially adapted ESP, sports power steering, and a twinamic dual-clutch transmission with race start function.
Based on the existing passion model, the Brabus models add significant styling updates including Brabus badging, a sports steering wheel, Brabus seats with dinamica inserts, handbrake and gear shift with Brabus logo, Brabus sports pedals, 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels. Passion models come generously equipped as standard, including the smart audio system; automatic climate control; and cruise control.
For £845 Brabus customers can add the Premium package which includes height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel; heated and electrically operated door mirrors; rear parking sensors; and smart media system. The night sky option also adds a fabric folding sunroof for an additional £625 on smart forfour models only.
For an additional £3,170 customers can opt for the Brabus Xclusive model, which adds leather sports seats, a bi-fabric dashboard (leather and mesh), Brabus floor mat and Xclusive badging. Brabus Xclusive models come standard with the Premium Plus package (£1,345 on BRABUS models) which includes ambient lighting, rear view camera, automatic window wipers and lights, fog lamps with cornering function and a centre armrest.
May 2017
Smart Fortwo Pure launched
Priced from £9,995, the pure model line comes with a 1.0-litre petrol engine with an output of 71PS, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It has a top speed of 94mph, and emits just 97g/km of CO2 while achieving a combined fuel economy of 67.3mpg combined.
Standard equipment includes 15-inch wheels, electric windows, remote locking, smart audio system, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, height-adjustable steering wheel and driver’s seat, black tridion cell and grille, black fabric upholstery and halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. Automatic climate control is optionally available for £575.
June 2017
Smart Fortwo electric drive cabrio announced. Prime spec only, with satnav, etc. Priced from £16,420 after the £4,500 OLEV grant.
July 2017
Fortwo Disturbing London edition launch
Prices will start from £15,895. Based on the Brabus sport model line, the special edition features black paint with rose gold exterior and interior detailing. It comes with a 90PS turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.
What to watch out for
Seems to be a problem with the electric windows of Smart 453 ForTwo models sticking down. The windows can eventually be closed by incrementally 'nudging' them up a little at a time by short switch activations.
23-09-2018:Complaint that range of Smart Electric is not the claimed 99 miles. "In the 2 weeks we have had ours, we have never had an indicated range of more than 72 miles, and in reality, less. Temperatures have been moderate: between 12 and 18 degrees C, and we have been careful to minimise electric consumption from functions within the car (AC, radio, etc)."
03-10-2018:Report of manual transmission of 2016 Smart ForTwo "locking up" and refusing to go into gear. Even though it's a manual, it might ber necessary to use the footbrake to free the gearshift?
25-06-2019:Owner's experience of 2015 Smart ForTwo Premium turbo. From September 2018, difficulty filling with fuel. Sometimes petrol pump will 'cancel' after just 2-3 litres. After much fiddling, tank consumes an additional 15 litres. Dealership unable to replicate / diagnose. No response to the suggested potential for carbon filter blockage preventing ventilation. Leads to erratic brim to brim mpg of 26.7 to 90.8 Average during ownership = 51.4. September 2018. Gauge fault - sometimes goes down after filling up with petrol. Dealership performed a software update, only one recurrence since (May 2019). Autumn 2018 to present. White smoke on acceleration; most noticeable early in the day, but does not reliably correspond with cold conditions. No dealership feedback. Autumn 2018 to present. Intermittent mis-fire / 'hesitation' on positive acceleration. Occurs in middle of rev range. No dealership feedback. Autumn 2018 to present. Faint grinding noise, mostly observable at lower speeds. Diagnosed in June 2019 as faulty clutch (requires replacement). Mercedes Benz to contribute 51% of cost. Dealership initially refused to cover the remainder, but has since agreed after discussion. Autumn 2018 to present. Persistent suspicion of a 'blowing' exhaust; no dealership feedback.
16-07-2019:Report of 2017/67 Smart ForTwo 900 Turbo showing intermittent message when engine turned off of Orange eco stop sign and “malfunction see owners manual”. First the dealer charged battery, then replaced battery and now dealer tells owner it’s a known fault since Sept 2017, but won’t give him a copy of the Mercedes service bulletin stating that. Car purchased new in December 2017 and owner was not told about it. The message only started to appear from May 2019. "There is no fix apparently as they reckon it does not affect the running of the car and is just a timings issue." It also has started to very occasionally run self-test when owner turns it off (many warning lights and speedo flicks from left to right). Historically that only happened every time he started it. Now it occasionally does it when he turn it off. Ddealer tells me it’s normal.
