2017 Smart Fortwo Overview
The 2017 Smart Fortwo is a distinctive urban microcar renowned for its incredibly compact size, agile maneuverability, and efficient operation. Designed for navigating congested city streets and finding parking in tight spaces, the Fortwo offers a unique ownership experience for those prioritizing practicality and a car that's easy to handle.
Highlights
- Engine: The 2017 Smart Fortwo is powered by a 0.9-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This small but potent unit produces 89 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. While not built for outright speed, it offers peppy acceleration around town and is well-suited for city driving. It's paired with either a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (offered on most trims) or a 5-speed manual transmission (available on the Pure trim).
- Safety Features: Despite its small size, the Fortwo is equipped with a surprising array of safety features:
- Crosswind Assist: This standard feature uses the braking system to help stabilize the vehicle in strong crosswinds, enhancing driver confidence on exposed roads.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps prevent skidding and maintain control during sudden maneuvers or slippery conditions.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Driver and Passenger Airbags: Standard front airbags, along with side airbags and knee airbags for the driver, provide occupant protection.
- Reinforced "Tridion" Safety Cell: The high-strength steel passenger cell is a core structural element, designed to protect occupants by absorbing impact energy and maintaining cabin integrity.
- Trims: The 2017 Smart Fortwo was offered in several distinct trims, catering to different needs and preferences:
- Pure: The entry-level trim, offering essential features for a no-frills urban driving experience. It typically comes with the manual transmission and a more basic feature set.
- Passion: A step up from the Pure, adding more convenience and comfort features such as air conditioning, power windows, and a more advanced infotainment system.
- Prime: The top-tier trim, focusing on premium touches and enhanced technology. It often includes features like a panoramic roof, leather upholstery, heated seats, and more sophisticated infotainment options.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Turning Radius: The Fortwo boasts an exceptionally small turning radius, making it incredibly maneuverable in tight city spaces and allowing for U-turns in areas where other cars cannot.
- Convertible Option (Brabus models): While not standard across all trims, some higher-performance Brabus variants offered a cabriolet version, allowing for open-air driving.
- Rear-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive: This unique layout contributes to its agile handling and compact packaging.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Smart Fortwo is generally a straightforward and economical experience, particularly for urban dwellers.
- Ownership Experience: The Fortwo excels in city environments. Its compact dimensions make parking effortless, and its maneuverability is unmatched. Drivers will appreciate the ease of navigating traffic and the car's "go-kart like" feel. On highways, it's competent but can feel less stable than larger vehicles, especially in windy conditions. The ride can be a bit firm due to its short wheelbase.
- Maintenance: As with most small European cars, maintenance can be slightly more expensive than comparable Japanese or American models. However, due to the car's specific nature, finding mechanics specializing in Smart vehicles might be necessary. Routine maintenance like oil changes, filter replacements, and brake services are generally standard. The unique rear-engine layout means access to certain components may differ from conventional cars.
- Insurance: Insurance costs can vary depending on the driver's profile, location, and the specific trim of the Fortwo. Due to its niche market and specialized parts, some insurance providers might view it as a higher-risk vehicle, potentially leading to slightly higher premiums compared to more common compact cars. However, its lower overall value might offset this for some policies.
Potential Considerations
While the Smart Fortwo offers unique advantages, there are a few aspects potential buyers should be aware of:
- Limited Seating Capacity: The most obvious consideration is that the Fortwo is strictly a two-seater. There is no rear seat, making it unsuitable for families or those who frequently carry passengers.
- Cargo Space: With only a small trunk behind the rear engine, cargo capacity is very limited. It's suitable for groceries or a couple of small bags but not for larger shopping trips or luggage for extended travel.
- Highway Performance: While capable of highway speeds, the Fortwo's small engine and short wheelbase can make it feel less planted and more susceptible to crosswinds than larger vehicles. It's best suited for shorter highway stints rather than long-distance cruising.
- Ride Comfort: The firm suspension, while contributing to sporty handling, can result in a less comfortable ride over rough roads or bumpy surfaces.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Smart Fortwo remains a compelling choice for urban motorists seeking an ultra-compact, highly maneuverable, and fuel-efficient vehicle. Its exceptional parking ease and agility make it a champion in congested city environments. While its practicality is limited by its two-seat configuration and minimal cargo space, and its highway prowess is not its forte, for the right driver prioritizing urban convenience and a unique driving character, the Smart Fortwo is an unparalleled solution.