2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe Review
Price
RM83,934
Installment
RM800/mth
2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe at a glance
Nippy around city, impressively frugal and “green”, the 2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe makes a stylish city car for two. But for Malaysians, the relatively expensive Smart Fortwo Coupe remains a lifestyle plaything for the well-to-do.
2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe quick specs
| Body Style | Coupe |
| Class | Supermini |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe 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 Coupe does not appear that much different at a glance, mainly because the Fortwo Coupe uses a compact one-box design. Smart claims that a massive 90 percent of the Fortwo Coupe'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 Coupe was built more for city roads than highways, and the 2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe carries on the successful formula. 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 Coupe 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 Coupe 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. 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 in the entire cabin. As for most German-engineered cars, the 2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe's major mechanicals such as the engine and transmission should have little, if any, reliability issues.
Performance
The 2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe comes with a 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 Coupe, 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 Coupe. 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 Coupe units on the second-hand market, we expect the Smart Fortwo Coupe's resale values to hold up well.
Value for Money
The Smart Fortwo Coupe is truly a smart car for two. As distinctive as cars come, the 2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe 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 Coupe 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 Coupe remains an expensive lifestyle plaything for the well-to-do.
Equipment
The 2010 Smart Fortwo Coupe is positioned and priced as a luxury supermini, with generous standard equipments to match, including items such as air-conditioning, electric windows, panoramic glass 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 Coupe'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 Coupe on the market.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Distinctive appearance
Nippy around city
Impressively frugal
Firm ride
Engine noise intrusion
High price for a supermini
