Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2016 – 2019) Review
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Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2016 – 2019) Verdict
Great around town. Folding fabric roof can be operated at any speed. Easy to drive.
No rear seats. Expensive next to coupe. Limited boot access. Poor ride quality.
Find out more about the Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2016 – 2019)
With its cute styling, compact size and easy to drive nature, the Smart Fortwo Cabrio is great for nipping around town in the sun. However, its folding fabric roof does mean some compromises. The back window is prone to getting dirty quickly since it has no rear wiper and while the boot is the same size as in the hard-top, access is tighter in the Cabrio. Oh, and it's more expensive than the Fortwo coupe, too.
The roof can be retracted while on the move and set to any position – so it can be treated like a sunroof or taken all the way back. If you know it’s going to be nice and sunny with no chance of rain, you can go one step further and remove the bars from above both doors, storing them in a special pocket in the tailgate.
On the move the Fortwo Cabrio is extremely easy to drive, with very light controls and a tight turning circle. U-turns in busy streets, parallel parking and tight gaps in traffic are made almost effortless. Both the 71PS and 90PS engines are perky and responsive and they work well with either the manual transmission or the smooth dual-clutch auto, which is a great choice for stop start urban driving.
But the Fortwo Cabrio clatters over speed bumps and feels a bit wobbly and jittery on uneven tarmac. It’s loud on the motorway too – though it can hold its own when it comes to overtaking and keeping up with high-speed traffic. The problems don’t stop there – the Fortwo Cabrio costs a lot more than the hard-top version and is similar in price to the Fiat 500C, which is more practical.
That said, any Fortwo buyer knows the limitations before they buy and, while there may only be two seats, there is a surprising amount of space in the cabin. Tall drivers and passengers shouldn’t have much trouble with head or legroom and there is enough storage for the usual odds and ends, like coffee cups, smartphones, dash cameras and maps, to be stored neatly.
The lack of rear seats, a small boot and surprisingly high pricing mean the Cabrio will hold limited appeal for the average urban motorist. But many buyers will fall in love with the quirkiness of the Fortwo Cabrio, and will be willing to pay the extra for it. If that’s the case with you then you’re unlikely to be disappointed - it’s great in town, easy to drive and packed with character.
Reviews for Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2016 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
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Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2016 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 0.9 Automatic to 1.0
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 40–79 mpg
The Fortwo has an unusual rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. This has the advantage of giving it an extremely tight turning circle. Paired with the Fortwo’s tiny size, it means getting in and out of tight gaps and small parking spaces is incredibly easy. U-turns are effortless too – a three-point turn is only necessary on very narrow roads.
Both the 71PS and 90PS petrol engines (there is no diesel) are perfectly at home around town and come with a slick five-speed manual transmission. If you make longer journeys regularly then the higher output engine is a better bet - it’s a little more responsive thanks to a turbocharger, so it's more effective when accelerating on a slip road or overtaking slower traffic.
Earlier Smart models were available with an automatic gearbox and it was laughably slow and jerky – but if you’re worried about the new model there’s no need. The current Smart is offered with a very smooth, slick dual clutch automatic as an option. It works very well, particularly for those frustrating urban stop and start jams.
Official fuel economy figures are more than 65mpg for both engine variants, regardless of whether they are linked to a manual or automatic transmission. Real world figures are obviously less impressive, but the Smart is still cheap to run. It has a tiny fuel tank, though – so expect frequent, if cheap, trips to the petrol station.
While the Smart Fortwo Cabrio is easy to drive in town, it does have some issues. The suspension jiggles and wobbles over uneven surfaces and thumps over potholes, while the fabric roof makes motorway speeds blustery and loud. Speed bumps are uncomfortable too thanks to the short wheelbase.
That said, the Fortwo copes well in corners. The handling is predictable and stable even on country roads, with good body control for the most part. Despite the rear-wheel drive layout there is no sense the car ever wants to spin around even on loose surfaces like in a gravel carpark.
Driver aids include cruise control and a speed limiter as standard, along with hill start assist. Optionally there is a lane keep assistance system that provides a visual and audio warning if the driver starts drifting out of their lane on the motorway, plus a front collision warning system that provides an alert if an imminent crash is detected.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.9 | 52–67 mpg | 10.4–10.8 s | 97–122 g/km |
| 0.9 Automatic | 53–69 mpg | 10.8–11.7 s | 96–122 g/km |
| 0.9T 109 Automatic | 61–69 mpg | 9.5–11.3 s | 96–104 g/km |
| 1.0 | 55–69 mpg | 14.4–14.9 s | 93–114 g/km |
| 1.0 Automatic | 54–69 mpg | 15.1–15.5 s | 94–119 g/km |
| EQ | - | 11.5–11.8 s | - |
Real MPG average for the Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2016 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
88%
Real MPG
40–79 mpg
MPGs submitted
9
Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2016 – 2019) interior
- Euro NCAP rating of four stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2695–2740 mm |
| Width | 1893 mm |
| Height | 1543–1555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1873 mm |
The folding fabric roof on the Smart Fortwo Cabrio retracts electronically at any speed. Fully retracted it bundles up above the load cover, plus the roof bars can be removed easily from above the doors and stowed in the boot. In this configuration it feels more truly ‘open’ than the Fiat 500C or DS 3 Cabrio.
On a Smart Fortwo coupe the tailgate glass opens as well as the tailgate itself, which makes access easy. Sadly the folding fabric roof means this isn’t possible in the Fortwo Cabrio, which makes access to the boot a little tighter, although it has exactly the same 260-litre capacity. It’s still fine for shopping trips or soft luggage, though.
Up front there is a surprising amount of space, with enough leg and headroom for tall occupants. Obviously the big caveat is the lack of any rear seats, but you wouldn’t be looking at a Smart Fortwo Cabrio review if you needed those. There’s plenty of seat adjustment so getting comfortable is straightforward.
Material quality is very sturdy and there are neat touches like a fabric-covered dashboard and cute slider controls for the temperature. The ball-like vents and pod-mounted rev counter are clever throwbacks to the original Smart, too – though they’re much better made in the new car.
All versions have Bluetooth connectivity, an aux-input and a USB socket, along with climate control and electric windows. Opting for a higher trim level brings largely cosmetic improvements, meaning useful extras like the touchscreen navigation unit are cost options across the whole range.
That said, we’d recommend keeping costs down and going for the affordable smartphone cradle. This allows drivers to plug their phones in to maintain charge and safely use their screen for functions like navigation, but without the expense of the integrated – and clunky – touchscreen nav.
Standard equipment (from December 2016)
Passion includes 15-inch alloy wheels, black interior fabric, automatic air conditioning, electric windows, colour multi-function instrument computer, USB connection, Bluetooth, Aux-in, cruise control, speed limiter and hill start assist.
Prime adds alternative alloy wheel design, alternative interior colours and heated seats.
Prime Sport adds 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome tailpipe, 10mm lower suspension, sports steering wheel and stainless steel pedals.
Brabus Sport 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels, Brabus exterior and interior details.
Smart Fortwo Cabriolet (2016 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 2695–2740 mm |
| Width | 1893 mm |
| Height | 1543–1555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1873 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 880–1115 kg |
| Boot Space | - |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Servicing | 9000–12500 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £10,000–£27,135 |
| Insurance Groups | 4–16 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–D |
| Official MPG | 52.3–68.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 4 |
On sale until July 2020
On sale until April 2017
Model History
- December 2015: Smart Fortwo Cabriolet goes on sale
- September 2016: Smart Fortwo Brabus Cabrio launched
December 2015
Smart Fortwo Cabriolet goes on sale
The newest addition to the smart range comes with an electrically-operated fabric roof that can be lowered or raised in just 12 seconds at any vehicle speed.
The fortwo cabrio’s triple-layered soft top –including glass rear screen - fully opens, while the roof side bars are removable and fit easily into the cabrio’s folding tailgate ensuring they never encroach into the cabrio’s boot space. The fortwo cabrio comes with a black soft top as standard, but customers can also opt for the red option (£115). A compact wind deflector (£59) is also available.
The fortwo cabrio is available with one of two engines - 71 hp or 90 hp turbo - twinned with a new five-speed manual gearbox (available to order in spring 2016) or twinamic six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission (£995), which brings quick gear shifts and even greater efficiency when paired with the 90hp engine.
When powered by the 71PS engine the fortwo cabrio returns up to 65.7 mpg on the combined cycle, emits just 99 g/km of CO2 and has a top speed of 94 mph. The 90PS turbo variant (which costs £595 more) returns up to 67.3 mpg, emits 99g/km and has a top speed of 96 mph.
Like its fortwo and forfour siblings, there are three model lines available for the fortwo cabrio: passion, prime and proxy. The passion features 15-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels along with automatic climate control; smart audio system with Bluetooth connectivity; and a choice of either an orange/black or a grey/black interior.
The prime model comes with 15-inch five-twin-spoke black alloys with high sheen finish; black leather upholstery with grey topstitching; and heated seats. Additional dashboard instrument pods with a cockpit clock and rev counter are a classic smart touch.
The proxy model is fitted with 16-inch eight-Y-spoke alloy wheels in black. It also features a blue and white interior with Artico and cloth upholstery, and – as standard – the Sports Package which includes: a sports perforated leather multifunction steering wheel; sports suspension lowered by 10 mm; rubber-studded brushed steel sports pedals and a chrome exhaust finisher. Both prime and proxy are priced at £695 over passion models.
| smart fortwo cabrio | g/km CO 2 | % - BIK tax rate | £ - P11D value | £ - Price OTR |
| 71 hp passion - manual | 99 | 13 | £13,210.00 | £13,265.00 |
| 71 hp passion – auto | 99 | 13 | £14,205.00 | £14,260.00 |
| 71 hp prime - manual | 99 | 13 | £13,905.00 | £13,960.00 |
| 71 hp prime - auto | 99 | 13 | £14,900.00 | £14,995.00 |
| 71 hp proxy – manual | 99 | 13 | £13,905.00 | £13,960.00 |
| 71 hp proxy – auto | 99 | 13 | £14,900.00 | £14,995.00 |
| 90 hp passion - manual | 99 | 14 | £13,805.00 | £13,860.00 |
| 90 hp passion – auto | 97 | 14 | £14,800.00 | £14,855.00 |
| 90 hp prime – manual | 99 | 14 | £14,500.00 | £14,555.00 |
| 90 hp prime – auto | 97 | 14 | £15,495.00 | £15,550.00 |
| 90 hp proxy – manual | 99 | 14 | £14,500.00 | £14,555.00 |
| 90 hp proxy – auto | 97 | 14 | £15,495.00 | £15,550.00 |
September 2016
Smart Fortwo Brabus Cabrio launched
Prices for the new Smart Brabus range start at £18,460.
The Brabus range uses the existing turbo-charged 898cc engine, with an increased power output of 109PS up from 90PS. In keeping with its sportier engine and exterior, it also comes with Brabus Performance sports suspension with specially adapted ESP, sports power steering, and a twinamic dual-clutch transmission with race start function.
Based on the existing passion model, the Brabus models add significant styling updates including Brabus badging, a sports steering wheel, Brabus seats with dinamica inserts, handbrake and gear shift with Brabus logo, Brabus sports pedals, 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels. Passion models come generously equipped as standard, including the smart audio system; automatic climate control; and cruise control.
For £845 Brabus customers can add the Premium package which includes height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel; heated and electrically operated door mirrors; rear parking sensors; and smart media system. The night sky option also adds a fabric folding sunroof for an additional £625 on smart forfour models only.
For an additional £3170 customers can opt for the Brabus Xclusive model, which adds leather sports seats, a bi-fabric dashboard (leather and mesh), Brabus floor mat and Xclusive badging. Brabus Xclusive models come standard with the Premium Plus package (£1,345 on BRABUS models) which includes ambient lighting, rear view camera, automatic window wipers and lights, fog lamps with cornering function and a centre armrest.
What to watch out for
Seems to be a problem with the electric windows of Smart 453 ForTwo models sticking down. The windows can eventually be closed by incrementally 'nudging' them up a little at a time by short switch activations.
