► Smart Fortwo convertible is here
► On sale February 2016
► Removable roof bars
Meet the teeniest convertible around – the new 2016 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet. It’s another world debut lined up for the autumn’s Frankfurt motor show, and it’s got a few tricks up its tiny sleeves.
This is the third generation of Smart soft-top, after 2000’s original and the 2006 Mk2. Not forgetting 2002’s wacky, screenless Crossblade. Daimler’s sold 220,000 open-air Smarts to date.
What’s new on the Smart cabrio?
It’s reasonably predicatable: they’ve lopped the top off the Fortwo city car, stupid. But this remains the smallest convertible on sale, measuring just 2690mm long – with space for two passengers, and a little bit of luggage. The fabric roof slides along like a sunroof or you can remove the roof beams entirely for a more fully al fresco journey. Smart calls it a Tritop roof and it sits atop the usual Tridion safety call (which features a narrower B-pillar than on the tin-top bodystyle).
The hood comes in three colours, including a denim jeans style, and flips fully open in 12 seconds at the touch of a button on the dash or the key. It should be pleasingly draught-free too; Daimler engineers used a special aero-test dummy called Tanja, fitted with 16 sensors on her necks and arms so they could measure passing airflow. The polyacrylic roof is 20mm thick and features a rubber layer of insulation to keep wind and cold out.
Engines, specs
Two versions will be available at launch:
- Smart Fortwo Cabriolet 71hp 999cc three-cylinder, 0-62mph 14.9sec, 99g/km
- Smart Fortwo Cabriolet 90hp 898cc three-cylinder, 0-62mph 10.8sec, 99g/km
It’s telling that Smart has photographed it exclusively in a built-up cityscape; this car is best suited to urban driving and it expects to sell most to city dwellers.
