Those who had the opportunity to drive the first-generation fortwo are quite familiar with the hard-shifting transmission. While the new autobox is smoother, maintaining a solid foot on the throttle still results in a lot of jerky action. However, there's a way to eliminate it significantly: all you have to do is to slightly release the throttle near shift points.
In manual mode, with the help of the tachometer, finding the ideal spot to shift gears is easy. You can either use the console-mounted stick or the shift paddles on the steering wheel (Passion models only). Engineers made a significant addition to the whole process: by clicking twice on the paddles or quickly tapping the shifter forward twice, you can skip a gear. For instance, after taking off in first gear, you can shift directly to third gear, which comes is handy in fast city traffic. You can also downshift from fifth to third gear when the traffic slows down unexpectedly.
All these tips and tricks can help you get the most out of the fortwo's engine. Otherwise, leave the shifter on Drive and simply focus on the throttle.
City and highway
The all-new smart handles equally well on the highway. During our trip to Uncle Sam's land, my colleague Louis easily maintained a speed of 130-140 kph and had no problems keeping up with the traffic. With the steering wheel paddles, shifts are easier to anticipate and quicker to perform. Therefore, you can keep a good momentum when going uphill.
In the city, the fortwo is quick to take off at stoplights and its tiny size allows it to deftly thread its way through the traffic. Driving this microcar is truly a unique experience. And when it's time to park, you laugh upon realizing the ridiculous amount of space to maneuver around.
All-around performer, sort of...
The new 2008 smart fortwo can handle multiple tasks and play multiple roles. First and foremost, it's an excellent city car. Since there are only two seats, you can tell your friends to take a cab or the bus -- further proof that nothing is ever perfect.
Size and agility
Gasoline engine
Stability on highways
Storage
Jerky shifts (in auto mode)
Storage (cabriolet)
Winter tires and rims recommended
None
photo:Amyot Bachand
In manual mode, with the help of the tachometer, finding the ideal spot to shift gears is easy. You can either use the console-mounted stick or the shift paddles on the steering wheel (Passion models only). Engineers made a significant addition to the whole process: by clicking twice on the paddles or quickly tapping the shifter forward twice, you can skip a gear. For instance, after taking off in first gear, you can shift directly to third gear, which comes is handy in fast city traffic. You can also downshift from fifth to third gear when the traffic slows down unexpectedly.
All these tips and tricks can help you get the most out of the fortwo's engine. Otherwise, leave the shifter on Drive and simply focus on the throttle.
 |
| The 5-speed manumatic can be operated in three different ways. |
City and highway
The all-new smart handles equally well on the highway. During our trip to Uncle Sam's land, my colleague Louis easily maintained a speed of 130-140 kph and had no problems keeping up with the traffic. With the steering wheel paddles, shifts are easier to anticipate and quicker to perform. Therefore, you can keep a good momentum when going uphill.
In the city, the fortwo is quick to take off at stoplights and its tiny size allows it to deftly thread its way through the traffic. Driving this microcar is truly a unique experience. And when it's time to park, you laugh upon realizing the ridiculous amount of space to maneuver around.
All-around performer, sort of...
The new 2008 smart fortwo can handle multiple tasks and play multiple roles. First and foremost, it's an excellent city car. Since there are only two seats, you can tell your friends to take a cab or the bus -- further proof that nothing is ever perfect.
 |
Gasoline engine
Stability on highways
Storage
 |
Storage (cabriolet)
Winter tires and rims recommended
 |
None
photo:Amyot Bachand