Published:
9 March 2015The Smart Fortwo’s innards are a pleasant enough return to the kind of funky look conveyed by the original Smart.
Pods – most obviously in the shape of the speedometer, rev counter and air vents – make a welcome comeback and, together with the white-on-black trim of our test car and floating infotainment display, give the car a happy, almost Pixar-like presence.
Some of the plastics, particularly on the centre console, aren’t of a terrifically high standard, but city car buyers are unlikely to make a fuss about that. Instead, they are likely to appreciate the naturally high seating position (you almost step up into a Fortwo), the clever use of mesh-like fabric trim on the dashboard and the surprisingly decent sense of space that’s afforded by the high roofline.
Although putting someone in the passenger seat is still liable to take the edge off that perception, the extra width is appreciated – especially if your companion has broad shoulders. A certain amount of cosiness is expected, though, and there are now Isofix mountings on the passenger seat, should you wish to share the car with a much smaller occupant.
The instrument cluster is not so much dominated by its speedo as by the smaller, 3.5in, screen that appears below it, a Mercedes display chiefly concerned with preaching the benefits of economical driving. The steering wheel is nicely proportioned but perhaps dotted with a few too many buttons for our liking.
