The 2011 Smart Fortwo can, at low speeds, feel quite perky and nimble. What's still genuinely worthy of oohs and ahs is the Fortwo's interior space. What's a little more disappointing is the Fortwo's lack of cargo space. The base Pure model doesn't even come with a sound system, though high-end Passion and sporty Brabus models add more extras—albeit at a significantly higher price tag.
For 2011 the Smart Fortwo receives a few minor cosmetic changes, LED daytime running lights, a new upper dash panel, cruise control, additional interior storage options and an upgraded audio system as well as side curtain and knee airbags.
The 2011 Smart Fortwo is a car of contradictions. The Smart Fortwo's 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine puts out 70 horsepower -- an unimpressive figure in today's world. This single-clutch, automated manual transmission shifts gears so slowly and clumsily that the noticeable shift shock will make passengers wonder what's wrong with it.
Considering all this, the Smart Fortwo's competition looks pretty attractive.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Smart Fortwo is a two-seat subcompact available as a hatchback coupe or a convertible (Cabriolet). The Passion Coupe adds the Pure's options, plus 15-inch alloy wheels, transmission shift paddles, a glass roof, heated power mirrors, power windows and a sport steering wheel. The Passion Cabriolet further adds a power convertible top, a glass rear window and side airbags (in place of side curtain airbags).
Options on the Pure and Passion include LED daytime running lights, automatic lights and wipers, power steering, heated seats, center console storage and an alarm. Powering the 2011 Smart Fortwo is a rear-mounted 1.0-liter three-cylinder Mitsubishi engine that delivers 70 hp and 68 pound-feet of torque. This is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed automated manual transmission. The transmission can be shifted manually if desired via the console-mounted stick on all models or shift paddles on the steering wheel of the Passion.
In Edmunds testing, a Smart Fortwo went from zero to 60 mph in a glacial 14.1 seconds on its way to a 90 mph top speed.
Safety
The 2011 Smart Fortwo is built by Mercedes-Benz, and as such, it offers ample occupant protection. Standard safety equipment includes side curtain airbags for the coupe models and side airbags for the cabriolet, knee bolster airbags, antilock brakes (front discs and rear drums), hill-hold assist, stability control and traction control. The Smart Fortwo has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures.
Interior Design and Special Features
Despite its comically small exterior proportions, the Smart Fortwo is remarkably roomy inside.
most car shoppers will cross the 2011 Smart ForTwo off their list quickly and look for alternatives with better safety scores and more space. Both have good safety ratings; the Fiesta is even a “2010 Top Safety Pick.” Neither can top the Fiesta and Fit’s performance or fuel economy ratings, but they do have standard features that cost extra on the base ForTwo. On the downside, the Soul and Cube have acceptable fuel economy ratings.
