2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet Review
Price
RM90,604
Installment
RM864/mth
2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet at a glance
The 2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe makes a stylish city car for two. And dropping the top compromises on nothing while bringing even more style. But the relatively high price for two seats means the 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet is not going mainstream.
2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Supermini |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
So, can you spot the difference? The second-generation Smart Fortwo Cabriolet does not appear that much different at a glance, mainly because the Fortwo Cabriolet uses a compact one-box design. Smart claims that a massive 90 percent of the Fortwo Cabriolet's design is new, and if you look closer, you will find a more grown-up design, featuring a different grille, new headlamps, horizontal instead of vertical door handles, and a less-steep rear window. The interior becomes more conventional, losing the previous S-shaped dashboard.
Handling
The previous Smart Fortwo Cabriolet was built more for city roads than highways, and the 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet carries on the successful formula. The Smart Fortwo Cabriolet handles no differently to its coupe sibling. Grip levels, like for similar superminis, are low. But the suspension has been improved upon and the steering is now quicker, giving the 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet better response and maneuverability than before. City driving and parking are a breeze thanks to the small dimensions.
Comfort
To counter excessive body movements due to the tall body and short wheel-base, the 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet needs firm suspension, which however deals poorly with broken, patchy surfaces. Highway cruising is more stable and relaxed, but engine noise becomes tiresome on longer trips. The distinctive dashboard consists of logically-placed controls, which are clear to see and easy to use. The roof retracts at the press of a button. Driver gets a decently comfortable seat, but there are no steering wheel or seat-height adjustments.
Quality + Reliability
Smart belongs to Mercedes-Benz, which is a fact that almost guarantees quality. Indeed, solid build quality and fine-grade materials feature throughout the entire cabin. As for most German-engineered cars, the 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet's major mechanicals such as the engine and transmission should have little, if any, reliability issues.
Performance
The 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet comes with a new rear-mounted three-cylinder 700 cc engine producing 61 bhp at 5250 rpm and 95 Nm at 1800 - 4000 rpm. A sequential six-speed automatic gearbox, which shifts more smoothly and less hesitantly than before, is standard. The engine performs adequately amid city traffic, but needs to be worked hard on the highways, which contributes to higher engine noise levels.
Roominess
The 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet, as its name suggests, has seats for only two. However the compact, tall body provides both driver and passenger with plenty of head- and leg-room. The boot capacity at 220 litres is good by supermini standards, too.
Running Costs
You will be hard-pressed to find a car as frugal as the 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet. Maintenance and repair costs could be more demanding though, as Smart belongs to Mercedes-Benz. But thanks to the same affiliation with the three-pointed star, and the limited number of Fortwo Cabriolet units on the second-hand market, we expect the Smart Fortwo Cabriolet's resale values to hold up reasonably well.
Value for Money
As distinctive as cars come, the 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet is nippy around city, while remaining impressively frugal and environmentally-friendly. The well-made cabin is spacious and generously appointed. In a way, the Smart Fortwo Cabriolet points to a new direction that future cars may take, one that emphasizes on convenience, frugality and “greenness” instead of power and performance. Which is no bad thing, but for Malaysians, the 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet remains an expensive lifestyle plaything for the well-to-do.
Equipment
The 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet is positioned and priced as a luxury supermini, with generous standard equipments to match, including items such as air-conditioning, electric windows, fabric roof, alloy wheels and CD player. Safety kit is similarly comprehensive, comprising ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS and EBD, and dual front airbags as standard.
Environment
Smart has improved on the Fortwo Cabriolet's “green” credentials, giving it extremely low carbon dioxide emissions and equally impressive fuel economy. The body panels are made to be fully recyclable, too. In short, there is no “greener” car than the 2010 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet on the market.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Distinctive appearance
Nippy around city
Impressively frugal
Firm ride
Engine noise intrusion
High price for a supermini
