Performance
All Fortwos use a 999cc petrol engine, but buyers can choose from outputs of 61bhp, 71bhp, 84bhp and 98bhp. We'd go for the 71bhp model, because it's just as economical and green as the 61bhp, yet noticeably livelier in the cut and thrust of city traffic. You still need to work it hard on the motorway, though.

Ride & handling
Power steering is only an option, yet without it, parking is more hassle than it should be. Then there's the ride - this tall, short-wheelbase car needs stiff suspension to stop it tottering through bends, so imperfections in the road surface are transmitted to occupants in magnified detail. The front tyres run out of grip pretty quickly, too, but it's comparable with other city cars.
Refinement
The biggest disturbance comes from the three-cylinder engine, which sits just behind the seats. It emits a distinctive thrum whenever you touch the accelerator and, although the sound is far from unpleasant, it becomes tiring on long journeys. A clutchless semi-automatic gearbox is standard, but up-changes are jerky unless you ease your foot off the accelerator.

Very low running costs are guaranteed whichever model you choose. The Fortwo is cheap to insure, and even the most powerful engine averages 43.5mpg in town and an impressive 54.3mpg on average. On the down side, Smart salesmen are reluctant to offer discounts.

Quality & reliability
Apart from some flimsy heater controls, the interior has a solid, durable feel. Even the base Pure model looks reasonably classy inside, but the pricier Pulse and Passion trims are much smarter, thanks to fabric trim on the dash and doors. Smart's reliability record needs to improve, though.
Safety & security
All Fortwos have a stability control system that helps you keep on the road in tricky conditions. Driver and passenger airbags are also standard, but it's disappointing that side airbags are only optional. An engine immobiliser means thieves will struggle to drive it away, but the absence of deadlocks diminishes the car's security. You also get charged for a lock on the glovebox.

Behind the wheel
The distinctive interior is well laid out and has big, user-friendly buttons and dials. However, some people will struggle to make themselves comfortable, because there's no seat-height adjustment and the steering wheel is fixed. If you want a brightly trimmed interior, you'll have to go for the top-trim Passion model.
Space & practicality
Practicality is limited because it has only two seats, but there's enough room for a pair of broad six-footers. Wide-opening doors mean it's easy to get in and out, and although the boot isn't massive, its 220-litre capacity compares favourably with other city cars.

Equipment
In entry-level Pure trim, the Fortwo is poorly equipped, getting a CD player but little else. The sporty Pulse adds a rev counter, electric windows, a panoramic glass roof, alloy wheels and steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, while more luxury-orientated Passion cars do without the paddles in favour of a fully automatic programme for the clutchless gearbox (optional on other models) and air-conditioning.