Vehicle: 2008 Smart ForTwo Coupe Passion with leather seats, alarm, fog lamps, dashboard tachometer and clock
Price as tested: CDN$19515

Performance: The biggest difference between the new and original ForTwo is the engine. While the original version got a 40hp 800cc 3-cylinder diesel powerplant. The latest version receives a gasoline-powered 999cc 3-cylinder engine. This little mill has 70hp and 68 lb/ft of torque. You won’t find anything called refinement, quietness and smoothness in this engine no matter how gentle you drive. Even with the improved insulation through the cabin, this engine remains loud and noisy thoroughout the rev range. If you can stand 13.3 seconds of rough noise from 0 to 100 km/h, this engine is certainly livable. 68 lb/ft of torque arrives at 4500rpm means one has to rev hard to squeeze the power out, even if the sweetspot remains at the bottom end of the engine. The only transmission offers is the most improved 5-speed automatic with manual mode. In terms of smoothness, its much better than the original car due to less jerky. However, it tends to creeps forward if don’t press the brake pedal firmly during regular traffic stops. While the sequential shifter on the steering is a nice touch, the shifting are jerky and bouncy.

Handling: The original ForTwo was never known for its dynamics, same goes for the latest one. With ForTwo’s fundamental shortcomings: short wheelbase, short length, tall center-of-gravity and narrow width; it doesn’t make for a capable handler. The steering feels darty on the highway. In ForTwo’s case, highway means anything over 80km/h. While on city street, it feels numb and dead without much feedback at all. Push through corners, the ESP screams out loud understandably. What I meant understandably is, given ForTwo’s fundamental chassis deficits. It needs to step in early before its too late. Mercedes doesn’t want to see any ForTwo flips over in moose test. The ride quality is choppy, mainly due to the shortwheel base natural of the vehicle. Going from 90-120 km/h feel little more stable than the original car, thanks to the revised damping of the suspension and springs. By little defines its barely better but not significantly better.

Brakes: With front discs/rear drums and standard ABS, ForTwo’s pedal feel is about average. The average scores for its stoppng distance and modulation at the same time.

Interior: When it comes to materials, its a huge improvements with more soft plastics on the center console and door panels. The panel gaps are also much more tailored than before. One still able to find hard plastic thoroughout the cabin given Smart’s price range.The leather seats are comfortable for short trip but lack of thigh support for long journey. The ergonomics are improved as well. Stereo is finally large enough to use with glove hands. The manual climate control is placed at the right location.

Conclusion: The level of improvements have made the Smart a much better car than before. It continues to be an attention getter with its cute, huggable and lovable looks. But its best to leave it as a city driver primarily because it takes lots of noise and patience merging from city street onto highway.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Smart ForTwo Coupe
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5

Overall rating: 2.25/5