Category: City Cars 
Price Range: £8,518 to £16,026
Refined, free road tax, safest in electric class.
Limited range, occasional driveline shunt, poor steering feel, potential list price.
Smart ED comprehensively outclasses its quadricycle alternatives, but is still hobbled by a poor range and lengthy recharge time.
The Smart's cabin is a remarkably comfortable place in which to spend some time. 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: however, it opens wide, the tailgate folds out flat and it can support considerable weight. 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.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Smart fortwo
wrote on 11 08 2006