Category: City Cars 
Price Range: £8,518 to £16,026
Potential 80+mpg, free road tax, decent ride.
Ponderous gearchange, agricultural engine, poor steering feedback, expensive.
Less accomplished then its petrol siblings, but few can argue with the diesel's ultra-low CO2 emissions.
The Smart's cabin is a remarkably comfortable place to spend time in. First off, its ride is pretty supple especially for a car with such a short wheelbase: only potholes introduce the odd crash and bang into the cabin.
The driving position is acceptable and the seats are comfortable even for long distances. Luggage space behind the two front seats is a useful 220 litres - enough for a couple of weekend-sized bags and other oddments. However, that luggage space extends to 340 litres if you stack right up to the roof.
The two-piece tailgate/separately-opening glass window is awkward, needing two hands to open it, but it opens wide and the tailgate folds out flat and can support considerable weight (you could sit on it if doing a car boot sale, for example). Bags can't be concealed under a parcel shelf, though. There are also drinks holders, an optional lockable glovebox and other compartments that are pretty useful for storing stuff.
Standard equipment remains as limited. Pure models come with only 15" steel wheels, ESP and a trip computer. Pulse model adds a panoramic roof, shift paddles, alloys and a rev counter, while Passion includes aircon and electric windows.
The options list is long. Power steering costs £310 and might be essential for those of slight build, while aircon on Pulse and Pure models adds £500.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Smart fortwo
wrote on 11 08 2006