Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (07 on) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 20 September 2010
This is the convertible version of the car that most people know simply as the Smart car - although it looks very similar the normal coupe. The model's picked up a cult following since being launched in right-hand drive form in 2001 and is now an everyday sight in towns and cities up and down the country. It's easy to see why: it's fun, simple to park, cheap to run and well equipped for urban life. The cheeky cabriolet version injects an extra dose of fun and feel-good factor in the summer thanks to a fabric roof that quickly folds down. Unfortunately it shares the same sluggish gearbox as the coupe model and is not great on open roads. However, there is a Brabus version available which adds more power and a sporty bodykit.
3.5 out of 5

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Buying new

Looking at list prices, the Fortwo appears decent value for a convertible - although it is almost £2,000 more than the coupe version. The base levels are sparsely kitted out too and taking a closer look at the options list shows that all is not as it seems. Some extras start to make Smart look decidedly mean - £20 for a glove box and £310 for power steering for example. Both are usually standard on small city cars. Air conditioning will set Pure and Pulse buyers back £500, while the most expensive item on the list is the Brabus Sports package. £1450 buys you 16-inch alloy wheels and tyres, wider wheel arches, sports suspension and exhaust and body styling. Our advice is to try and get as much as you can thrown in for free.

3.5 out of 5

Buying used

Smart dealers usually have the best examples, but be prepared to pay extra for them. It does mean that the cars are properly serviced, have at least a year's warranty, are mechanically inspected and have roadside assistance for 12 months. Not all Smarts are fitted with power steering, so don't assume the model you're looking at has it. Ask the seller whether it's fitted and check any documentation or original sales invoices for proof.

  • Boot/Load Space Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (07 on)
  • Interior Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (07 on)

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See 94 used Smart Fortwo Cabriolets for sale, starting at £3,995

4 out of 5

Selling

The cars that will be easiest to sell will be those with 71bhp and 84bhp with desirable options such as power steering and air conditioning. Rising costs for large and polluting cars and the solid Mercedes-Benz engineering behind Smart means that there's a steady market for the small city car. All cars should sell easily as long as they are sensibly priced.