Insurance Group: 3
MPG: 65.7
CO2: 98
0-62 Mph: 13.7 secs
BHP: 71 BHP
Range: 477 miles
PROS: Benefitting from a softouch automatic gear programme with kickdown function, this model puts a little more oomph into the drive.
CONS: Although this only costs £800 more than the fortwo pulse there are few additional features added as standard and some features, such as cruise control, are more expensive.
The fortwo passion offers a fairly low power output of just 71 bhp with torque figures of 68 lb-ft at 2800 rpm. Despite the low power, efficiency is high and the car achieves an impressive 65.7 mpg – a figure which many may find surprising in a petrol engine but is still lower than 67.3 mpg figure offered by the fortwo pulse.
There is a fairly fast response between gears as compared to previous models and the car feels comfortable on city roads as well as out of town. The drive is relaxed thanks to improved suspension but those after a powerful drive could still find the low power output a hindrance.
Unfortunately, noise disruption is still a problem within the cabin – although it is vastly improved. This is worst at high revs and means long stretches of motorway driving could be frustrating.
With power steering costing an additional £325, the fortwo passion still lacks some of the standard equipment offered by rivals. That said, with an exceptionally low purchase price of £10,000 these additional costs are unlikely to push people outside of their budgets and the model does offer more tech than the fortwo pulse.
Central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, air conditioning and electric front windows are still standard features, as is MP3 connectivity for the stereo system. However, the joint sat nav and Bluetooth option becomes a standard fixture and the automatic gear programme helps to boost drivability.
Electric door mirrors will still cost you another £130 with metallic paint finishes,leather seats and an alarm system also featuring as chargeable extras. Cruise control costs an additional £380 in the passion - £105 dearer than the £275 cost incurred in the pulse.
A refined interior gives this model an easy to navigate dashboard that is sure to appeal to most drivers. The drive is more comfortable thanks to improved suspension and the automatic gear programme, and interior space is used well. The cabin benefits from a tall shape which offers generous leg and headroom whilst still abiding by Smart’s dedication to offering compact vehicles.
In terms of safety, the foretwo passion comes with driver and passenger airbags as standard but front side airbags will still set you back an additional £205. Whilst the low price of the car means this additional extra is unlikely to have a major impact on budgets it is a disadvantage considering that a number of manufacturers now offer these features as standard.
Elsewhere an immobiliser is fitted as standard but an alarm costs an additional £210 – the same as in the fortwo pulse. That said, the model performed amicably in the NCAP tests, achieving a four star rating for occupant safety.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of this vehicle is the exceptionally low running costs. It is placed in the cheapest road tax band (A) and also benefits from low insurance premiums under insurance bracket 3.
Green credentials are strong with carbon emissions hovering under the 100 g/km threshold at 98 g/km. Achieving 65.7 mpg, refuelling is inexpensive and infrequent – keeping running costs at an all time low. However, the fortwo pulse does boast marginally lower carbon emissions of 97 g/km and better fuel efficiency of 67.3 mpg with a lower purchase price to boot.
For a two-seater city car, this car delivers everything it promises and more. Clearly aimed at eco-conscious road users, the low carbon emissions and lower running costs make this an attractive proposition for any driver.
The purchase price of £10,000 is another attractive feature and offers great value for money when combined with the aforementioned running costs. However, with certain features such as power steering and front side airbags still only available at an additional cost, some drivers may be put off and find the model offers little improvement on the fortwo pulse despite an additional £800 fee.
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