The more relaxed smart fowtwo - the cabriolet - is an open-air version of the smallest car in Daimler's stable. Like its hard-top counterpart, the fortwo cabriolet received a reworking for the latest model year, most notably for the interior that enjoys unfiltered and unadulterated direct sun thanks to an infinitely adjustable soft-top.
While the exterior of the smart fortwo cabriolet remains unchanged and itty-bitty (at best) with an overall length of just 8.8 feet, the interior has received a working over in order to be a bit more competitive for discerning buyers in the U.S. Changes for the latest model year include new fabric,a new instrument panel, new HVAC controls and style changes throughout.
The speedometer has a redesigned dial face with a contrasting dark central disc in the instrument cluster, a style carried throughout the dashboard instruments. The large and basic display shows the fuel level, current gear and the odometer reading. For the latest model year the trim around the optional rev counter and clock on the dashboard is color coordinated to match the interior fabric color selection.
Tie-ins include the left and right-hand sides of the instrument panel which frame a visual representation of the tridion safety cell structure that gives the smart fortwo its strong safety rating.
The unique offset positioning that puts the passenger six inches behind the driver for added shoulder room remains unchanged, but a new seat style integrates a seat belt guide that swivels and rotates, which allows for a more simplified operation and greater comfort.
Another interior change includes first-time availability of the three-spoke leather sport steering wheel with cruise control, as well as shift paddles on vehicle with the cruise control option. Other changes include the debut of ambient LED lighting.
Outside the news is less exciting as the basic form remains the same, based strongly on the tridion safety cell that sets up the use of two exterior colors for contrast. Smart did however extend the body color onto the front front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron, moving past the basic black plastic style of years past.
The smart fortwo continues to offer premium halogen projection headlamps as standard, along with integrated turn signals in the headlamps.
In terms of exterior changes, smart fortwo gains two new exterior colors, including a matte green finish.
Also new for the latest model year is a freshly designed standard alloy wheel with a 12-spoke layout on the passion coupe and passion cabriolet. Both passion models also offer a new optional six-spoke alloy wheel with wider P175/55 tires in the front at P195/50 tires in the rear.
The pure comes standard with steel wheels featuring smart wheel covers. All wheels measure 15 inches.
An optional style package is available for which combines new exterior enhancements with premium color choices into a single value-added offering. The style package features the new six-spoke alloy wheel, a choice of metallic bodypanel color, a silver tridion safety cell and fog lamps.
Key competitors
The smart fortwo cabriolet is the only convertible of its size in the U.S., but those not set on a drop-top city car may want to consider the Fiat 500 or Scion iQ offerings. There are also slightly larger subcompacts such as the Ford Fiesta, Mazda Mazda2 or MINI Cooper to consider.