Skip advert
Advertisement

Smart ForTwo Cabrio 1.0 Passion review

The convertible version of the Smart ForTwo city car has unique appeal, but it's pricey

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Smart ForTwo Cabrio
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 Cabrio really is in a class of its own. Few cars are better equipped at dealing with life in the city and the availability of the cabrio will only increase its appeal among fashion-conscious buyers. A sticking point for some will be the cost – at £2,140 more than the hard-top it’s a lot to pay for an already pricey car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

British buyers cannot get enough of convertibles, no matter how big or small. And the new Smart ForTwo Cabrio is as small as they come.

Indeed, it’s such a unique proposition, it doesn’t really have any direct rivals. It’s the smallest convertible you can buy and while an Aygo x-wave comes close in terms of price and size, its fabric roof is nothing more than a glorified sunroof. The Smart is a fully-fledged convertible. 

Best city cars

Better still, the Smart’s transition from hard-top to soft-top hasn’t hampered its ability to negotiate the busiest of urban environments. Its dimensions are exactly the same as the hard-top’s and despite its dinky proportions, the clever packaging means there’s a surprising amount of space inside for two people.

Another trick of the Cabrio is that rather than simply having the roof up or down, you can retract the soft-top all the way back as a sort of extended sunroof. This can be done at any speed, too, which is ideal for the unpredictable British climate. Another press of the button next to the gearlever drops the top completely; doing so does limit rearward visibility, though.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

GLE

2023 Mercedes

GLE

33,250 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £42,187
View GLE
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

26,411 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,976
View XC40
C5 Aircross

2021 Citroen

C5 Aircross

40,189 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £13,597
View C5 Aircross
Leon

2024 SEAT

Leon

37,170 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,397
View Leon

But even at motorway speeds there’s minimal buffeting in the cabin; a bigger concern is engine noise. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine in our test car is the less powerful of the two units available in the Smart and while it delivers adequate performance for city dwellers, on the motorway it’s noisy and breathless.

Any attempt at overtaking has to be planned and well timed due to the lack of power. Back in the city – and paired with the optional six-speed dual-clutch auto box – the ForTwo Cabrio works well. The ride is not especially comfortable, but gearchanges are far slicker than with the old automated manual from the previous model.

Best convertible cars

The car is incredibly manoeuvrable and nimble around town thanks to the quick steering, but at higher speeds this can make the Smart feel a bit twitchy. However, as most of these cars will be confined to the city, it’s unlikely to be a deal-breaker.

Buyers probably won’t be expecting much in terms of practicality; the boot is a tight 260 litres, but handy cubbies dotted around the cabin compensate slightly. However, that folding roof does come at a hefty cost – £2,140 to be precise.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £8,595
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,200
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £11,879
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,450 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025
Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”

A ‘Stop-drive’ order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag
News
20 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025