For The Smart Convertible looks great with its sporty Brabus add-ons. Faster and better equipped than any other model in the range, this is the ultimate Smart.
Against A good way to spend far more money than you need to. It’s not much quicker than the 84 Passion in the real world, uses more fuel and has an even worse ride.
This pointless range-topper takes the Smart’s weak points and amplifies them. Riding harshly, shifting gears clumsily and costing lots, it’s the anti-Smart for those with more money than sense.
Smart usurped the demand for city cars before it was there. Now, in these more environmentally and economically conscious times, the Fortwo has come into its own in both ‘Coupe’ and ‘Cabriolet’ guises.
The Smart works well in the city, where its lofty driving position and tiny dimensions make it easy to spot parking places and squeeze into them.
The ‘micro hybrid’ models come equipped with engine stop-start to improve emissions and consumption even further.
Petrol engines are all 999cc in capacity, with outputs ranging from 70-101bhp – that headline figure for the preposterous Brabus model.
Engines with middling outputs make most sense, and the small 54bhp diesel is also interesting as it brings 85.6mpg capability.
Two seats, a small luggage compartment, choppy suspension and dim-witted automatic transmission mean no version is great to drive, but it’s a clever town car.
I recently bought a Brabus cabriolet 102bhp version as I wanted something practical for town yet fun to drive. Like most people I don't need 4 seats;…