Skip advert
Advertisement

Smart ForTwo DCT automatic review

The new auto gearbox in the Smart ForTwo is a big leap forward from its flawed predecessor

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

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

The auto gearbox may add further cost to an already pricey little car, but if you’re going to be using the ForTwo where Smart intended, it’s definitely worth stumping up the extra cash. It’s easier to live with, more engaging and far more pleasant than before. The car 
isn’t without its flaws, but it’s
now more polished than ever.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you were one of the 100,000 UK buyers who shelled out on a first or second-generation Smart ForTwo, putting up with the sluggish automated manual gearbox was one of the sacrifices you had to make. Lethargic and speed-sapping, the old five-speed auto was one of the dinky car’s biggest foibles, but Smart now has the solution in the shape of a new twin-clutch transmission for the all-new model. 

And at £995, it’s reasonable value – especially considering that the car will spend the majority of its time battling city congestion and contending with stop-start traffic.

You can specify the new six-speed auto with either of the Smart’s engine options, but we drove the punchier 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbo. You only need to spend a few minutes behind the wheel to notice that the old nodding-dog effect gearchange has been eradicated. Shifts are sharp, well judged and arguably better executed than you could manage yourself with the sticky five-speed manual.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

C-HR

2018 Toyota

C-HR

50,830 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £14,300
View C-HR
1 Series

2019 BMW

1 Series

49,116 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,000
View 1 Series
2 Series Convertible

2020 BMW

2 Series Convertible

39,952 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £11,800
View 2 Series Convertible
Kuga

2019 Ford

Kuga

45,669 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £12,300
View Kuga

Best city cars to buy now

But it's not perfect. Downchanges aren’t delivered with the silky smoothness we’ve come to expect from a twin-clutch box, and the gearlever itself looks and feels cheap – like something Smart has dug out of Mercedes’ parts bin from the nineties. Steering wheel-mounted paddles add an extra level of engagement, but they’re part of an optional sports pack, which also brings 16-inch alloys, a chrome exhaust and a 10mm drop in ride height. 

Still, this transmission provides a greater sense of maturity, plus the combination of tiny proportions, light steering and a hilariously tight turning circle means you can enjoy what would usually be an arduous battle through city centre congestion.

However, out of its city comfort zone, the ForTwo’s wheezy nature becomes apparent despite the more powerful turbo engine. Power tends to arrive in one big serving low down in the rev range, yet the swift changes from the new gearbox do mean you can flick up and down the ratios quicker and easier, allowing you to maintain greater momentum.  

And don’t be fooled by its size. There may only be room for two, but a 350-litre boot and handy cubbies dotted around the cabin make the car more practical than it looks.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025