Skip advert
Advertisement

Smart ForTwo 54bhp

Super-frugal diesel has landed

Find your Smart ForTwo Hatchback
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The ForTwo is a clever package, but has barely changed since its introduction in 1998. Although it created a niche back then, it now faces stiff competition and really needs to raise its game. The new engine is extremely economical, yet better steering and a smoother gearbox would make a world of difference. A city car needs to perform well in town – right now, the Smart just isn’t up to the job.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The tiny ForTwo city car has Smartened up its act! This new entry-level model gets an upgraded interior and a more powerful 799cc three-cylinder diesel engine, which now puts out 54bhp – that’s 9bhp more than the outgoing car.

Despite the extra go, it’s no hot hatch, as you’d expect. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint takes 16.8 seconds, and top speed is 84mph. So while the ForTwo can keep up with traffic on city roads, it struggles a little at motorway speeds.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Smart ForTwo

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69259","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Nevertheless, it remains the most economical combustion-engined car on the market. Claimed economy is 83.1mpg combined, and we averaged very close to that figure. Road tax is free, too, thanks to CO2 emissions of only 89g/km.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A1 Sportback

2024 Audi

A1 Sportback

4,574 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £21,900
View A1 Sportback
iX3

2024 BMW

iX3

38,588 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £28,300
View iX3
T-Cross

2023 Volkswagen

T-Cross

25,256 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,800
View T-Cross
A1 Sportback

2024 Audi

A1 Sportback

26,286 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £17,450
View A1 Sportback

The compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre the Smart through busy city traffic, while fitting into tiny parking spaces – even at right angles to the kerb – is a breeze. But the short wheelbase also leads to a jarring ride on anything but the smoothest tarmac, and it’s especially tiring trying to negotiate speed bumps.

Inside, the layout has been refreshed with new black dials. The switches and buttons feel solidly built, and the generous standard spec includes auto air-con and electric windows.

Unfortunately, the ForTwo is let down by the way it drives. For such a small and light car, the steering is heavy and slow, and low-speed manoeuvring quickly becomes tiresome. Even at higher speeds, the wheel feels unresponsive.

It’s a similar story with the brakes. The stiff pedal offers little in the way of feedback and doesn’t inspire confidence. Throttle response is jerky, and this is compounded by Smart’s Softouch semi-automatic box – which is slow to change and causes the car to lurch when shifting. Although drivers can use the steering wheel paddles, the gearchanges don’t get any smoother.

For a city car, the driving experience is fundamentally flawed. It isn’t enough for the Smart to be compact and fuel efficient – it needs to be comfortable and easy to drive, too.

Rival: Toyota iQ
The iQ is a brilliant all-rounder. While it’s not as small or efficient as the ForTwo, it does have more space and can take motorway journeys in its stride. With prices starting at £9,974, the Toyota is only £500 more than the Smart.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,966 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,514 off RRP*Used from £11,195
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,908
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet
Leapmotor B10 - front action

New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet

The new Leapmotor B10 is a serious player in the small electric SUV sector, boasting good range, plenty of kit and a tempting price tag
Road tests
14 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value
Volkswagen Passat Estate UK - front action

Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value

The Passat has been a family favourite for decades – and the latest model is no different. It’s our Deal of the Day for October 13.
News
13 Oct 2025