Loading ...
- Category:
- Motor
- Author:
- Contributor
- Posted:
- Wednesday, 9 July 2008
by ANDREW KOCH
The first time most of us remember seeing a smart fortwo was when Patsy and Eddy from Ab Fab tore around the streets of London in one. And there was The Da Vinci Code more recently, which further highlighted the versatility of the car around the urban environment. The next generation from the Mercedes-Benz micro car company has now hit our shores and we did more than take it for a spin around the city.
I recently had the pleasure of giving a fortwo 999cc Cabrio a good work-out for a week. Not only did it get me around town, but also a trip from Sydney to the Hunter Valley and back for a work conference. Driving up the F3 highway with the top down, baseball cap and sunglasses on, with my colleague Robert next to me, two good-sized overnight bags and laptop in the boot — it was quite a sight I’m sure.
A special feature of the Cabrio is that the roof can be operated at any speed, although try to avoid closing it with a head wind as it will struggle to close. With the roof down, there is not a lot of wind noise and a conversation can be had with very little increase in the volume.
Were hills a problem? No. With only around 980kg (that includes 180kg of humans and luggage) the 52Kw engine easily kept us at 110km in 4th gear, and on the flat in 5th it just buzzed along.
Did we feel safe? Yes. The tridion safety cell has proved itself time and time again and, together with front and side airbags, Mercedes-Benz ESP® and ABS, this is one safe little car. The car is tall, but it still feels sure-footed. Even passing trucks, there was very little buffeting of the car.
Were we cramped? No. The new fortwo is 19.5cm longer than the previous model (now a massive 2.7m long). Inside the cabin two 180cm blokes had ample room, with plenty of distance between shoulders and an amazing amount of leg room. Robert was blown away with the spaciousness and the fact that after two hours of driving he was able to get out of the car not feeling tired and stiff. The new fortwo boot now has 220 litres, room enough for the goodies from a normal shopping trip.
Inside the cabin the layout has matured. The clock and tacho stalks have remained, but everything else is now imbedded in a layout with clean lines and everything in easy reach, but unfortunately no steering wheel controls. You will still find the ignition behind the gear stick.
Being a clutchless manual, you can drive the car in auto, flicking the gear stick or using the paddles on the steering wheel to change the gears. The new fortwo also has hill start assist — the brakes will hold for a moment when performing a hill start, doing away with having to use a handbrake. You need only use this when the car is parked.
Would I buy one? Yes. I had a hoot and I’m looking forward to the turbo version in a couple of weeks, which gives another 10kw of power to an already zippy drive.
Tags: Motor
