For those navigating the dense urban landscapes of cities like New York, London, or Los Angeles, the allure of a mini car is undeniable. Slicing through congested traffic and slotting into seemingly impossible parking spaces are just a couple of the perks. Among these diminutive vehicles, the Smart Fortwo, a Mercedes Mini Car, stands out as one of the smallest available. The latest iteration of this Mercedes-Benz-engineered car remains remarkably compact at just 8.8 feet in length, yet it has gained width and boasts a more forgiving suspension, making it an even more compelling option for city dwellers. Furthermore, an array of enhanced standard features elevates the driving experience, making it feel less like a compromise and more like a fully-fledged automobile. To showcase these improvements, Smart organized a scavenger hunt in Portland, Oregon, a city known for its challenging road layout, perfectly suited to testing a car designed for the urban jungle.
After spending two days putting the Fortwo through its paces, in both manual and automatic versions, it largely lived up to its reputation as a city-savvy Mercedes mini car. The scavenger hunt format was ideal, requiring navigation to various locations in and around Portland, thus providing a comprehensive test across diverse driving conditions. We decided to initially explore areas outside the city, venturing onto the winding mountain roads to assess its performance in a more open environment.
The Fortwo’s three-cylinder engine, paired with a manual transmission, delivers 89HP and 100 foot-pounds of torque. While this won’t set pulses racing on uphill climbs, the robust Tridion safety cell, acting as an integrated roll cage, provides remarkable chassis rigidity. This minimizes body roll during cornering, resulting in surprisingly agile handling, further enhanced by the car’s wider stance. The 2016 redesign and increased width contribute to a more assertive, almost aggressive aesthetic. Whether this bolder look will discourage the infamous San Francisco prank of flipping these vehicles remains to be seen. However, the enhanced maneuverability of this Mercedes mini car makes escaping such situations far easier, thanks to its exceptionally tight turning radius.
Smart boasts a 22.8-foot turning radius for the Fortwo, the smallest in the US market. This feature is a game-changer for navigating constricted city streets and executing quick U-turns. On numerous occasions, the Cross Connect companion app (still in beta during our test) led us astray, missing turns or ending up on dead-end streets. However, the Mercedes mini car’s ability to effortlessly reverse direction, avoiding cumbersome three-point turns typical of larger vehicles, proved invaluable. This agility was particularly useful when those U-turns weren’t entirely legal – a minor detail best kept between us and the open road.
The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration of the Fortwo hints at the potential for playful oversteer and even executing “donuts” in a parking lot. Unfortunately for thrill-seekers, the car’s robust traction control system is firmly committed to safety. It actively prevents any loss of traction, diligently reducing power during sharp turns to maintain stability. And for those hoping to disable this nanny system, think again – it’s permanently engaged. This Mercedes mini car prioritizes safe and predictable handling over tail-out antics.
This Mercedes mini car isn’t designed for performance tuning enthusiasts; it’s purpose-built for urban mobility, effortlessly navigating downtown areas and squeezing into parking spaces that larger sedans can only dream of. To further aid in the hunt for those elusive tiny parking spots, the Cross Connect app includes a crowdsourced parking finder, highlighting spaces specifically suited for the Fortwo. Beyond navigation, the app manages the car’s radio, displays vehicle data like fuel economy, and integrates a phone dialer. Given the app’s central role in the driving experience, Smart offers an optional $100 smartphone cradle that mounts on the dash and provides charging. While seemingly pricey for a phone holder, it integrates seamlessly with the car’s entertainment system via a dedicated dash port, minimizing clutter and offering a cleaner aesthetic compared to aftermarket solutions. Importantly, the mount isn’t limited to the Smart app; it’s compatible with popular navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, and any audio app, via a standard USB connection.
Smart has significantly enhanced the 2016 Fortwo, aiming for greater refinement and broader appeal to urban commuters. Beyond optional extras like the smartphone cradle, crucial standard features, previously absent, have been added. These include Bluetooth hands-free calling, cruise control, power steering, and power windows. Another notable addition is crosswind assist, a valuable safety feature for a lightweight car frequently exposed to gusts from passing trucks. Collectively, these improvements transform the Fortwo into a vehicle that genuinely feels modern, a substantial leap from the somewhat basic and less refined previous model.
Transmission choices for this Mercedes mini car now include a manual or a six-speed automatic. The manual gearbox is a welcome addition for driving enthusiasts, while the updated automatic features a dual-clutch system for quicker, smoother gear changes compared to its predecessor. Both transmissions result in a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just over 10 seconds. For a more engaging driving experience, the manual transmission allows drivers to extract a bit more performance from the small engine.
Priced from $14,650, this Mercedes mini car competes in the market with vehicles like the Fiat 500 Pop, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa Note, and Honda Fit. Among these competitors, the Fiat 500, although slightly pricier, shares a similar “tiny car” spirit with the Fortwo. However, the Fiat is longer and includes a rear seat, which compromises its parking prowess, though it does offer space for rear passengers and a larger trunk. In contrast, the Fortwo’s trunk capacity is limited, perhaps accommodating four grocery bags. For larger items, the passenger seat folds flat, providing approximately five feet of cargo length, suitable for small surfboards or flat-pack furniture.
After concluding the scavenger hunt and navigating the city streets, we returned the Fortwo. Subsequent city and highway driving further solidified its credentials as a capable commuter car. While the electronic stability and traction controls curtail some of its potential for playful driving, their presence reinforces safety and predictability.
Ultimately, for daily commutes dominated by narrow streets, frequent U-turns, and the perpetual quest for parking, the updated Smart Fortwo emerges as a compelling and practical Mercedes mini car. It genuinely feels like a contemporary vehicle, perfectly suited for the challenges of modern urban life. And even with just one passenger seat, you can still access the carpool lane, making it a surprisingly versatile option for city dwellers.
