Skip advert
Advertisement

New convertible cars 2016: Smart ForTwo Cabrio

It's tiny, cute and far better to drive than its predecessors - the latest Smart ForTwo Cabrio is cheap and cheerful open-top motoring

The S-Class Cabriolet is Mercedes’ biggest drop-top, and at the other end of the spectrum sits the Smart ForTwo Cabrio. At 2.6 metres long, it’s nearly half the length of the S 500 and is a world away from its sibling with two seats and compact packaging.

There’s been an open-top version of the Smart car since 2000, and the latest model has just been given the drop-top treatment. Prices start at £14,260 for the entry-level 70bhp Passion, and here we test the 90bhp turbo model. The electric roof features two-stage opening, so you can peel the canvas back to the edge of the roof and keep the rear glass in place, or you  can fold that down for the full cabrio experience.

Convertible megatest - Smart ForTwo Cabrio - rear tracking

Whichever mode you choose, the ForTwo has an advantage over all the other cars here because you can open and close the electric roof at any speed – even on the motorway. It can go from fully closed to open in 13 seconds, while putting the top back on takes 11 seconds, although you need to press the roof button twice to get the full open-top experience.

Advertisement - Article continues below

You can open the roof via the keyfob, so if you’ve parked the car on a warm day, you can let some hot air out before you climb aboard. Plus, in a long dry spell, you can remove the roof bars over the doors and stow them in the boot. That means you only get the half roof, but it makes you feel even more exposed to the elements. The two bars stow in a moulded compartment that’s set into the bootlid, yet it does encroach on the already limited load space on offer.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Giulia

2019 Alfa Romeo

Giulia

83,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £17,995
View Giulia
Giulietta

2016 Alfa Romeo

Giulietta

53,000 milesAutomaticPetrol1.7L

Cash £13,995
View Giulietta
E-Class Coupe

2014 Mercedes

E-Class Coupe

62,360 milesAutomaticDiesel2.1L

Cash £9,690
View E-Class Coupe
A-Class

2023 Mercedes

A-Class

96,000 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £14,250
View A-Class

On the move, the Smart is reasonably comfortable with the roof down, although at motorway speeds with the canvas top rolled halfway back, there’s a fair bit  of buffeting to contend with. It’s far better with the hood fully down, but that limits rearward visibility.

Convertible megatest - Smart ForTwo Cabrio - interior

The rest of the Smart driving experience remains intact, and this latest model is far better to drive than its predecessors. There’s a modest amount of power, so you find yourself trying to maintain momentum when you’re not stuck in traffic, yet the steering is responsive and has the bonus of London taxi levels of lock, which makes tight urban manoeuvres a breeze.

Although the six-speed twin-clutch auto shifts slowly and doesn’t like to be rushed, it doesn’t suffer from the jerkiness of the old gearbox, which makes the ForTwo a lot smoother and more enjoyable to drive. The only real sticking point is the price, as the Cabrio carries a £2,140 premium over the standard car.

Price: £14,855

Engine: 0.9-litre 3cyl turbo

Power/torque: 90bhp/135Nm

Transmission: Six-speed auto, rear-wheel drive

0-62mph: 11.7 seconds

Top speed: 96mph

Official fuel economy: 67.3mpg

CO2/annual road tax: 97g/km/£0

Best new convertibles 2016

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £11,847
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025