2008 Smart fortwo

Styles

Overview

The two-seat Smart fortwo is available in three different models for 2008, Pure, Passion, and Passion Cabriolet. The Cabriolet model differs from the other two models in that it offers an electric soft top that can be adjusted to any position while driving. It includes a glass heated rear window, and the roof bars for the top can be removed and stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate.

All U.S.-bound smart models include a very economical 1.0L, 70-horsepower inline three-cylinder engine. A five-speed automated manual transmission is standard on all fortwos; it does not have a clutch pedal but rather includes a button that allows either manual gear selection-by tapping forward to go up a gear or back to go down a gear-or a fully automatic mode.

The powertrain is quite peppy in city driving, and is capable of Interstate-speed cruising as well, with a top speed of about 90 mph. Fuel economy is among the best of any vehicle, with EPA ratings of 33 city, 41 highway.

With the smart's extremely small size, safety is an important consideration. Four head and thorax air bags are standard across the model line, and the fortwo has an integrated tridion safety cell that's comparable to the roll cage on a racecar. The cell is visible within the car and comes in either silver or black. Body panels are made of a tough plastic material and can be replaced in less than an hour. What's more, electronic stability control-not usually found on small cars-is standard on the fortwo, along with anti-lock brakes and a hill-start assist feature that prevents it from rolling backward when starting on an uphill slope.

The Pure model comes very simply equipped, with a central remote locking system, manual steering, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a "radio-ready console." The Passion adds considerably more commonly desired equipment, such as air conditioning, a panorama roof, alloy wheels, steering-wheel shift paddles, power windows, power heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM/CD sound system. The Passion Cabriolet also adds a premium sound system with an in-dash MP3 compatible CD changer.

A "comfort package" is optional on the Passion models and includes electric power steering, leather heated seats, rain and light sensors, and automatic headlamps.

Value

There's nothing else like the 2008 Smart fortwo available in the U.S. The Smart's design makes a strong style statement, and with an unbelievably short total length of 106 inches it will fit into small gaps in traffic and park with ease in even the tightest spots. Fuel economy is a definite selling point, too, especially for city-street commuters. The Cabriolet is now the lowest-priced convertible available in the United States.