Smart Fortwo CDI: The Ultimate City Car

The Smart Fortwo CDI: A Revolution in Urban Mobility

In the bustling urban landscapes of the United Kingdom, navigating through congested streets and finding suitable parking can often feel like an insurmountable challenge. For years, the Smart Fortwo has stood as a beacon of innovative design and practical engineering, specifically tailored to conquer these very challenges. This article delves into the intricacies of the Smart Fortwo CDI, a model that embodies the brand's commitment to compact efficiency, surprising agility, and a truly unique driving experience. We will explore its evolution, its core engineering principles, and the key features that make it a standout choice for city dwellers.

A Legacy of Compactness: The Fortwo's Enduring Design

One of the most defining characteristics of the Smart Fortwo, a trait that has remained remarkably consistent, is its diminutive size. Even as other vehicles have steadily grown in dimensions, Daimler, the parent company of Smart, has wisely retained the original philosophy of extreme compactness. The Smart Fortwo measures a mere smidgen under 2.7 metres in length. This adherence to its compact footprint isn't merely an aesthetic choice; it's a fundamental design principle that underpins its entire purpose. The advantages of such a small car are numerous and profoundly impactful, especially in an urban environment. These benefits have been further amplified in later iterations of the Fortwo, making it an even more capable and enjoyable city car.

Enhanced Agility and Precision: Steering and Suspension

While the overall length has been preserved, significant improvements have been made to enhance the Fortwo's agility and responsiveness. The car has been made wider than its predecessors, with an additional 100mm added to both the front and rear tracks. This wider stance is not just for visual appeal; it directly contributes to improved steering response and greater stability. Furthermore, a clever redesign of the front suspension system has allowed for an increased maximum steering angle, now reaching an impressive 51 degrees. This, in turn, has led to a dramatic reduction in the turning circle, now a mere 7.3 metres from wall to wall. This is a significant improvement from the previous generation's 8.7 metres, making the Fortwo exceptionally nimble and capable of executing tight turns and manoeuvres that would be impossible for larger vehicles.

The Heart of the Fortwo: Safety Cell and Powertrain Packaging

At its core, the Smart Fortwo's construction remains rooted in a robust and intelligent design. The fundamental shape is built around a 'safety cell' monocoque. This is not just a marketing term; it represents a meticulously engineered structure crafted from various grades of high-strength steel. This safety cell is designed to provide exceptional occupant protection, a crucial consideration for any vehicle, regardless of its size. The ingenious packaging of the engine and gearbox beneath the boot floor is another hallmark of Smart's design philosophy. This unconventional placement allows for the aforementioned compact dimensions and contributes to the car's unique handling characteristics.

Weight Considerations and Drivetrain Evolution

It's important to acknowledge that some of the distinctive plastic body panels that characterised earlier Smart Fortwo models have been replaced with more conventional materials. This, coupled with other refinements, has resulted in an increase in the overall kerb weight, now standing at 880kg. For models equipped with the two-pedal automatic transmission, the weight can even exceed 900kg. While this might seem substantial for a strict two-seater, it's essential to consider the engineering that goes into ensuring a stable and secure driving experience. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding, and the driving dynamics of the Fortwo have consistently impressed.

The evolution of the Fortwo's suspension system is another area that warrants attention. Early examples of the original Smart City Coupé utilised transverse leaf spring suspension, primarily as a packaging solution. However, this latest iteration features a more sophisticated setup. At the rear, a de Dion driven axle provides a stable and well-controlled ride. Up front, a new system of MacPherson struts has been implemented. Both of these systems are securely attached to the body via coil springs and twin-tube dampers, designed to provide a balance of comfort and control.

Recognising the need for a smoother town ride, Smart has adopted longer springs for this generation. Additionally, the tyres have been specified with a greater sidewall depth. This increase in sidewall provides a more compliant ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface more effectively, a welcome improvement for urban driving. The wheels and tyres continue to be of mixed width, with 5.0-inch rims fitted to the front axle and slightly wider 5.5-inch rims on the rear. This staggered setup is a deliberate choice, designed to promote a stability-enhancing handling bias, specifically inducing a degree of understeer. This characteristic is generally considered safer and more predictable for the average driver, particularly in challenging urban conditions.

Electrically Assisted Steering: Effortless Maneuvering

Smart can no longer boast that its steering is solely about reducing effort at parking speeds. This is because the entire Smart Fortwo range now benefits from electrically assisted variable-ratio power steering. This advanced system makes manoeuvring at low speeds incredibly light and effortless, transforming tight parking spots and intricate city driving into a stress-free experience. At higher speeds, the steering resistance increases, providing a more connected and reassuring feel, ensuring that the Fortwo remains stable and predictable even when you're cruising on the open road.

Powertrain Options: From Efficient to Energetic

The Smart Fortwo offers a compelling range of engine options to suit different driving needs and preferences. The established 70bhp, 999cc three-cylinder petrol engine, a powerplant known for its efficiency and character, is carried over. For those seeking a bit more pep in their step, there's the option of Renault's 898cc, 89bhp TCe turbo triple. This more powerful alternative provides a noticeable boost in performance, making the Fortwo even more engaging to drive. While the Renault engine offers a performance advantage, it's worth noting that due to the increased kerb weight in this generation, the power-to-weight ratio might be slightly less favourable compared to the outgoing 83bhp, 780kg Fortwo. However, the overall driving experience remains spirited and highly suitable for city driving.

For the enthusiasts who desire a sportier aesthetic and enhanced performance, Smart offers a range-topping Brabus version. This performance-oriented model boasts an additional 19bhp, along with a suite of styling adornments and chassis upgrades. These enhancements transform the already capable Fortwo into a truly dynamic and visually striking machine. Furthermore, for those who crave the open-air motoring experience, the Smart Fortwo Cabrio was introduced at the beginning of 2016. This convertible version, costing £2140 more than the hard-top variant, features a canvas roof that can be opened or closed in a remarkable 12 seconds, at any speed. It utilises the same efficient engine range as its coupé counterpart, offering the joy of open-top driving without compromising on urban practicality.

Gearbox Advancements: Ditching the Robotised Manual

One of the most significant and welcome changes in this generation of the Smart Fortwo is the discontinuation of Smart's previously employed, and often criticised, robotised manual gearbox. This transmission, while innovative in its concept, often suffered from jerky shifts and a lack of refinement. In its place, a standard five-speed manual gearbox is now fitted across the range, offering a more engaging and traditional driving experience. For those who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission, a highly capable six-speed 'twinamic' dual-clutch automatic gearbox is available as an option. This dual-clutch unit offers smoother and faster gear changes, further enhancing the Fortwo's overall driving appeal.

Smart Fortwo CDI: Key Features and Benefits

The Smart Fortwo CDI, as a representative of the broader Fortwo range, encapsulates a unique proposition in the automotive market. Here's a summary of its key features and the benefits they bring:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Smart Fortwo CDI suitable for long journeys?

While the Smart Fortwo is primarily designed for urban environments, its improved suspension and handling make it more capable on longer journeys than its predecessors. However, its compact size and two-seater configuration mean it's best suited for shorter to medium-length trips. For extensive highway driving, larger vehicles might offer greater comfort and space.

What is the fuel economy of the Smart Fortwo CDI?

The fuel economy figures can vary depending on the specific engine and driving conditions. Generally, the Smart Fortwo models are known for their excellent fuel efficiency, making them an economical choice for city commuting. For precise figures, it's best to consult the official Smart specifications for the particular model year and engine you are interested in.

Is the Smart Fortwo CDI safe?

Yes, the Smart Fortwo is engineered with a strong emphasis on safety. The 'safety cell' monocoque construction, made from high-strength steel, provides excellent occupant protection. Modern Fortwo models are equipped with a comprehensive suite of airbags and advanced safety systems, often achieving good ratings in independent crash tests for their size category.

What are the main advantages of driving a Smart Fortwo in the UK?

The primary advantages include its unparalleled ease of parking in tight city spaces, its exceptional manoeuvrability through congested traffic, and its generally lower running costs due to good fuel efficiency and potentially lower road tax and insurance premiums for some models. Its compact size makes it a joy to drive in urban settings.

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for City Living

The Smart Fortwo CDI, and indeed the entire Smart Fortwo range, continues to be a compelling and intelligent solution for modern urban mobility. Its unwavering commitment to compactness, combined with significant improvements in agility, comfort, and technology, makes it an outstanding choice for anyone navigating the challenges of city driving. Whether you're looking for a car that slips effortlessly into the tightest parking spaces or one that offers a surprisingly engaging and refined driving experience, the Smart Fortwo CDI is a testament to the fact that sometimes, less is indeed more. Its unique blend of practicality, safety, and character ensures its continued relevance in the automotive landscape.

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