New energy
Still the queen of city driving and fuel economy, the new smart is motivated by a much more powerful engine. The exact figure is 72 horsepower (up 15 percent), which might not seem a lot at first but, considering the car's weight of about 500 kilos, such output is sizeable.

The smart fortwo is still the queen of city driving.

But the real find is the smoother twin-clutch transmission that offers significantly more seamless, though not completely absent, shifts. Reportedly, it's impossible to eliminate all the jolts from the gearbox because of the small engine that drives such a small mass. It's a remarkable evolution for sure, but we're not talking about perfection.

Another improved feature is the newly calibrated suspension, not to mention the revised steering. Together, they allow better control of the car. Interestingly, an electromagnetic steering is optional.

All these modifications prove to be successful. When I went to Spain to test the car back in January (the company forbade all journalists to talk about the new model until its official launch), the smart did not waste any time before showcasing its new talents. While it's true that the transmission is less aggressive during shifts, it nevertheless remains eminently responsive.

The fact of the matter is, each time the car needs to upshift, the driver feels a slight jolt but no intervention is required. One engineer I spoke with explained to me that the engine's inertia cannot be totally eliminated. Overall, the transmission is 75-percent smoother than ever before, so it is no longer one of the fortwo's drawbacks.

As mentioned, the quality of the new suspension and steering is remarkable. Once, I got lost in downtown Madrid and it took me almost an hour and several detours (did you know that the smart could climb on sidewalks to make a U-turn?) to get where I had originally planned. It was a very challenging experience for my nerves; I was alone and I didn't speak Spanish at all. Yet, I was able to appreciate the car's handling and ability to sneak anywhere and fit in any spot.

In the end, after this first road test (there will be another coming up after the new smart makes its Canadian introduction), I can safely say that the microcar company has considerably improved its star. The fortwo is now more user-friendly than ever, even during long highway stretches. One thing's for sure, though: it continues to be a design icon first and foremost, not an automotive masterpiece.


Same punchy look
More interior space
Increased horsepower


Transmission still hesitates sometimes
Dashboard is too bland


No diesel engine


Photo Credit : Marc Bouchard