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Smart claims that the vehicle's roof can be opened to any position while the vehicle is traveling at any speed, adding versatility to the convertible setup that is not often found on this style of automobile.
The base Smart is the Fortwo Pure…that’s without an air conditioner or radio.
controls are intuitive and simple
from a strictly practical standpoint, the Smart ForTwo is not so smart.
basic amenities like power steering and a radio are optional
FEATURES | 6 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Smart claims that the vehicle's roof can be opened to any position while the vehicle is traveling at any speed, adding versatility to the convertible setup that is not often found on this style of automobile.
Autobytel
The base Smart is the Fortwo Pure…that’s without an air conditioner or radio.
Car and Driver
controls are intuitive and simple
Edmunds
from a strictly practical standpoint, the Smart ForTwo is not so smart.
Consumer Reports
basic amenities like power steering and a radio are optional
Cars.com
This year, that changes a bit with the help of smartphones. For 2011, the SmartDrive app brings Internet radio, Bluetooth hands-free, and navigation capabilities to the Fortwo (it requires a special dealer-installed cradle however—and an iPhone and data subscription).
In addition to the extensive interior changes—including a significantly restyled instrument panel, locking glovebox, and revised materials and trims—the Smart Fortwo's standard-equipment list remains mostly unchanged for 2011.
The Coupe is offered in two different trims, Pure and Passion, while the Cabriolet is only offered in Passion form. The Pure is the lowest, most fundamental equipment level, giving buyers only the very basics—not even a stereo. All Smart ForTwo models do have keyless entry, a rear defroster, and an outside temperature display. Most buyers will want to upgrade to the Passion model, which includes a panorama roof, flashier alloy wheels, automatic climate control, power windows, and a two-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system (although it remains inaudible at speed). The "premium" four-speaker-plus-subwoofer system that's optional on Passion Coupes and standard on the Cabriolet is better, though. Top-of-the-list options include electric power steering, which frankly seems superfluous on the Smart ForTwo, heated seats, and fog lamps. Air conditioning is optional, and power windows and mirrors aren't at all available.
For 2011, there's a new factory-option cruise control system and two new exterior colors. A rain/light sensor is now a standalone option, enabling automatic operation of the headlights and wipers.
Cabriolet models add removable side roof bars that stow neatly in a compartment in the tailgate; it's not quite the wide-open experience of a standard convertible, more the modern-day equivalent of T-tops.
Also new this year is a Lightshine Special Edition, which comes in Passion Coupe or Cabriolet models in either green matter or light blue metallic colors, bringing high-performance audio, navigation, Bluetooth hands-free, and BRABUS LED running lamps and dashboard instruments. BRABUS 15-inch alloy wheels are also included.
Conclusion
For all its stylishness, the 2011 Smart Fortwo isn’t leading-edge for features, though an iPhone-based nav system helps fill the gaps this year.
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