Review of the new Smart fortwo Cabrio

Isn't an open-topped citycar a contradiction in terms? Do urban dwellers really want to breathe in each other's exhaust fumes? Apparently so, at least according to the thousands of buyers who have been snapping up the clever smart car in its trendy fortwo cabrio form.

Here, we're looking at the second generation version which looks the same as its predecessor but in fact is very different. Today's model is significantly improved - and bigger. For example, i's 19.5cm longer from nose to tail but crucially, it's 5cm longer in the wheelbase with a wider track and wider tyres. As a result, it's more comfortable on the open road, cornering with some composure and with less of the worrying body roll that can afflict narrow, high-sided vehicles. There are better handling city cars but the fortwo has definite benefits in terms of manoeuvrability, and ease of use around town. The optional power steering lacks feel and I'd settle for the unassisted helm if you can put up with the extra effort needed to execute low speed manoeuvres.

With the roof up, the cabrio model we look at here is barely any noisier at cruising speeds than the hard-topped coupe with just an extra rustle of wind noise reminding you you're in the convertible. The trio of 1.0-litre petrol engines smart offers are all highly refined but the entry-level 61bhp model feels under-powered and even the 71bhp option is found wanting at higher speeds. These cheaper units are fine for pottering about town and have the benefit of the clever mhd (micro hybrid drive) system that cuts the engine at traffic lights or in the urban crawl to save fuel. If you're not bothered about that and plan on covering longer distances, the lively 84bhp turbocharged option is the way to go. That or the 98bhp unit used in the flagship Brabus version. Like the coupe version, a 54bhp diesel option is offered.

The smart people have done away with the sequential gearbox that was used in the old car, swapping its jerky six-gear set-up for a faster shifting, five-speed unit. The standard manual shift option gives decent control, letting you prod the lever to select gears yourself or flip the optional steering wheel paddles. Lift off the gas as you do this and it manages quite nicely but the softouch fully-automatic mode on the Passion models is preferable most of the time.

"This car represents a clever idea, cleverly executed."

The cabriolet's folding fabric roof is easily operated at any speed at the touch of a button. It retreats backwards in the manner of a conventional sun roof revealing a big slice of sky overhead but drivers wanting to go fully convert their smart will need to stop and get out. Removable side roof bars unclip and can be stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate while the rear roof section, once released, drops down to sit on top of the boot.

It's hard to argue with the suitability of the fortwo concept to its urban transport role. With two seats, tiny dimensions, that self-shifting gearbox and fuel-sipping engines, it makes all kinds of sense for all kinds of reasons. The fortwo cabrio seems less sensible, exposing its occupants to the noise and smog of the city but it's more extrovert, more stylish and more fun and these attributes are just as important to the smart package.

The fact that there is a boot to speak of hints at the way this fortwo cabrio has grown-up. Owners get a respectable 220-litre luggage capacity in the back, there's a glass rear window to improve visibility and on the inside, the fortwo now feels like part of the Mercedes-Benz family, rather than the scruffy stepchild that smart's prestigious parent company would rather forget.

Prices start at well under £11,000 and the latest fortwo attacks the market with familiar Pure, Pulse and Passion trim levels. Pure keeps it simple with steel wheels and manual windows but buyers do get ABS brakes, twin front airbags and ESP stability control - a laudable standard inclusion on a car in this sector. The Pulse models offer a sporty flavour with a rev counter, racy trim materials, a sports steering wheel, electric windows, alloy wheels and front fog lights. The range-topping Passion delivers air-conditioning, different alloy wheels, a silver grille and the softouch automatic gear shift option but if you want a seriously high-spec smart there's loads of personalisation potential in the options list. If you can afford around £16,000, the flagship Brabus model offers a unique dose of urban chic.

Given the dimensions of the car and its engine, you wouldn't expect the fortwo to achieve anything but the most miserly fuel economy. Sure enough, the combined cycle figure for the mid-range 71bhp cabrio is 64.2mpg. The drop top models are 40kg heavier but that will only cost owners a couple of miles in the gallon and CO2 emissions are pegged at 105g/km for the 71bhp car, 2g/km up on the equivalent coupe. The insurance groups are similarly low, partly thanks to the smart's plastic bodyshell which is both surprisingly durable against minor knocks and inexpensive to replace after bigger ones.

It's often the way that a model which pioneers a market sector fails to capitalise on its visionary design. Copycat rivals are usually quick to emerge which do it all a little bit better. Although the original smart was certainly groundbreaking and remained the only city car to be seen in around our cities' fashionable districts, it never felt like the complete package. The latest fortwo cabrio model is a far more sophisticated prospect, at home doing far more than parking or creeping along in traffic.

This car represents a clever idea, cleverly executed. If you like the idea of an open-top and space is not important, then the latest fortwo cabio is worth a look, as long as you can afford the rather high price tag. Provided you don't mind being stared at of course.

TOP 5 FORTWO CABRIO DEALS

The results below show the top FORTWO CABRIO deals on buyacar

Smart Fortwo Cabrio Pulse mhd 2dr Softouch Auto [Luxury Pack] [2010]
Price £10,824 Click for a Fortwo Cabrio Review	Save £531
Smart Fortwo Cabrio CDI Pulse 2dr Softouch Auto [2010] Fortwo Diesel Cabrio
Price £10,857 Click for a Fortwo Cabrio Review	Save £533
Smart Fortwo Cabrio CDI Pulse 2dr Softouch Auto [Luxury Pack] [2010] Fortwo Diesel Cabrio
Price £11,526 Click for a Fortwo Cabrio Review	Save £554
Smart Fortwo Cabrio Passion mhd 2dr Softouch Auto [Luxury Pack] [2010]
Price £11,552 Click for a Fortwo Cabrio Review	Save £553
Smart Fortwo Cabrio CDI Passion 2dr Softouch Auto [2010] Fortwo Diesel Cabrio
Price £11,584 Click for a Fortwo Cabrio Review	Save £556