Smart fortwo cabrio passion (84bhp) 2dr Car Review - February 2012

The fortwo cabrio passion offers a higher power output of 84 bhp with torque figures of 88 lb-ft at 2500-4750 rpm. This gives the model an additional boost over the standard fortwo passion and efficiency remains fairly high for a car of this calibre. The car achieves a decent fuel efficiency of 57.6 mpg – a figure which many may find surprising in a petrol engine. Whilst this is lower than 65.7 mpg figure offered by the standard fortwo passion it is better than the 54.3 mpg efficiency offered BRABUS Xclusive.

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 cabrio passion still lacks some of the standard equipment offered by rivals. The purchase price of £12,000 seems reasonable but offers little additional tech compared to the standard fortwo passion which is a full £2,000 cheaper.

Central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, air conditioning and electric front windows are still standard features, as is MP3 connectivity for the stereo system. The joint sat nav and Bluetooth system remains a standard feature and there are no other noticeable differences in terms of tech.

Electric door mirrors will still cost you another £130 with metallic paint finishes, cruise control and an alarm system also featuring as chargeable extras. Cruise control costs £380 which is more expensive than in the fortwo pulse or cabrio 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 storage capacity, the fortwo cabrio passion still offers a mediocre 220 litre capacity when the rear seats are in place, expanding this by 120 litres when the seats are folded – giving a maximum capacity of 340 litres. The twin section tailgate makes loading goods easier by acting as a small platform.

In terms of safety, the cabrio passion comes with driver and passenger airbags as standard with front side airbags costing £205. This is a huge disadvantage as many rival manufacturers now offer these features as standard equipment.

Elsewhere an immobiliser is fitted as standard but an alarm costs an additional £210 – the same as in the standard fortwo passion. That said, the model performed amicably in the NCAP tests, achieving a four star rating for occupant safety.

Despite the additional power, this vehicle is still exceptionally inexpensive when it comes to running costs. It is placed in a fairly cheap road tax band (C).

Green credentials are strong with carbon emissions of 115 g/km. Achieving 57.6 mpg, refuelling is inexpensive and infrequent – keeping running costs at an all time low. However, both these figures fail to match the standard fortwo passion which boasts marginally lower carbon emissions of 98 g/km and better fuel efficiency of 65.7 mpg at a lower purchase price. The additional ecological benefits of the fortwo passion also place it in road tax band A – making road tax costs non-existent.

For a two-seater city car, this model 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.

However, the purchase price of £12,000 is a little high considering the value offered by the basic fortwo passion. Whilst the additional power boost is welcomed the top speed remains the same and the minor improvements fail to justify the £2,000 mark-up. Those after a powerful, high performance car are likely to see the fortwo cabrio passion as a worthy investment but those more concerned with buying a basic and economical city car would be better off with the standard passion or even the standard fortwo pulse.