Skip advert
Advertisement

Smart ForTwo 2015 review

We see if the new Smart ForTwo's rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout is a recipe for fun in the UK

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
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

This turbocharged ForTwo is the one to go for if you ever venture out of town. It retains the standard car’s manoeuvrability and incredible turning circle, but adds that extra bit of oomph, which you’ll find invaluable on the motorway. That said, you shouldn’t be fooled by the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive setup. The Skoda Citigo and Hyundai i10 are still more fun to drive.

Advertisement - Article continues below

More than 15 years ago, Mercedes-Benz reinvented the city car with its Smart sub-brand. The dinky two-seater has since sold more than 100,000 units in the UK, with unprecedented worldwide success, too.

This year, Smart is relaunching both the ForTwo and ForFour, with its sights set firmly on the ever-expanding crop of excellent urban runarounds. The brand is so confident in its product that it insisted we tested it across some of Northern England’s most challenging roads.

Around town, the Smart excels. The super-tight turning circle is a boon – never failing to impress when negotiating tight car parks or mini roundabouts. Visibility is very good, and the short overhangs make squeezing through gaps a doddle. Smart has worked hard to ensure it’s as great in the city as it ever has been – keeping the car’s length exactly the same, while widening it ever-so-slightly to improve interior space.

The 898cc turbo feels eager, too. While it’s hard to appreciate its benefits while pootling down to the shops, out on the open road the engine comes into its own. Where the old ForTwo required immense incline anticipation and constant monitoring of other road users, the use of a turbo ensures there’s always a lump of power waiting in reserve. It’s not what you’d call fast, but it makes the ForTwo a much more capable motorway car.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Ateca

2026 SEAT

Ateca

63,636 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,406
View Ateca
XC60

2020 Volvo

XC60

27,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £26,995
View XC60
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

37,200 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,895
View XC40
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

15,300 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £28,595
View XC40

That said, it’s still enormously susceptible to crosswinds – despite all cars getting ‘Crosswind Assist’ as standard. Smart says the setup specifically brakes individual wheels to reduce the need to countersteer, but in all honesty we couldn’t notice a difference. If you spend a lot of time on the motorway, larger cars like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo make much more sense.

We also tested the new ForTwo across the twisty and undulating North Yorkshire Moors – arguably as far from Smart’s natural habitat as sub-Saharan Africa. While it’s no sports car, this new turbo engine certainly helps when you want to hustle down a twisting B-road. The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup does give a sensation of being pushed rather than pulled, but all that weight over the rear axle results in overly light steering.

The ride isn’t bad given the tremendously short wheelbase, though the leather seats on our top-spec Prime model offered very little support. Our 100-mile test drive left us craving some bigger side bolsters, but on short journeys around town you’re unlikely to find this too much trouble. The driving position is fine, though we’d like the ability to lower the seat a bit more – but the elevated setup does give you a great view of the road.

Don’t be put off by the fact this ForTwo remains a two-seater. There’s a generous 350 litres of boot space (up from 220 litres) and if you really need to carry passengers, there’s also a new four-seat ForFour. It gets a Range Rover-style split tailgate, with extra storage in the lower door – while inside there’s a pair of cupholders and decent-sized door bins. You won’t want to use it as a tip trolley, but it’s actually a surprisingly versatile vehicle.

Of course, due to the car’s size, running costs shouldn’t be a problem either. The naturally-aspirated car manages almost 69mpg, while the turbo returns 67.3mpg and 97g/km CO2 emissions. The turbo version only costs £595 more, and to us is a much better purchase.

Smart thinks it’ll sell more naturally aspirated cars, but the smart money is on the turbo. It’s much more adaptable, and while most buyers will never leave the city, those that do will appreciate the car’s extra power, torque and refinement.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £32,828
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,499
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,266
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025