When we first drove the new Smart Fortwo, in left-hand drive, we were impressed with how it felt much more grown up than the previous version, thanks in part to a longer chassis and body – the boot capacity’s up 50% – larger engine and much better quality build and materials.
We also think the 1.0-litre petrol engine (available in 61, 71 and 84PS outputs) is better. It’s now linked to a five-speed semi-automatic gearbox, interestingly down from the previous six-speeder semi-auto. It’s still not the easiest gearbox to learn how to use, but it is simpler and smoother than before.
There are, however, a few differences between the Continental cars we drove early in the year and the right-hand drive models heading for the UK that we’ve tried this time around.
UK cars are not fitted with power steering as standard, odd for what is essentially a city car. The steering isn’t heavy if you’re fit and strong, but it really isn’t light either – it’s a strange omission.
Costs, though, have improved…
