Smart Fortwo Cabrio
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a tiny convertible that makes parking effortless and turns heads wherever you go? The Smart Fortwo Cabrio might just be the perfect city companion you’ve been searching for. This ultra-compact two-seater convertible strips driving back to its purest form, offering open-air motoring in a package small enough to squeeze into the tightest parking spaces. It’s the car for people who prioritise convenience and fun over traditional practicality.

From the moment you see one, the Fortwo Cabrio stands out with its distinctive bubble-like shape and cheeky personality. Unlike conventional convertibles, this isn’t about performance or luxury. Instead, it focuses on making urban life simpler and more enjoyable. The soft-top roof can be lowered at the touch of a button, transforming your daily commute into an open-air adventure. Competitors like the Fiat 500 or Mini Cooper offer more traditional motoring experiences, but neither can match the Smart’s unique blend of compactness and convertible thrills.

The appeal of the Fortwo Cabrio lies in its ability to make every journey feel special, no matter how mundane. Whether you’re nipping to the shops or cruising through town on a sunny day, the open-top experience adds a sense of occasion that larger cars simply can’t replicate. Yes, it’s not the most practical choice for families, and longer journeys might test your patience. But if you live in a busy city and want something genuinely different, the Smart Fortwo Cabrio delivers an ownership experience unlike anything else on the road.

What's the smart fortwo-cabrio Like to Drive?

The Smart Fortwo Cabrio isn’t designed to set your pulse racing, but rather to provide adequate performance for city driving. The range typically includes small petrol engines from 0.7 to 1.0 litres, producing between 60 and 90 horsepower. The 0.7-litre turbo engine offers surprising pep around town, while the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated unit provides smoother power delivery. Acceleration to 60mph takes around 11-14 seconds depending on the engine, which feels perfectly adequate for urban environments where you’ll rarely exceed 40mph.

Where the Fortwo Cabrio truly excels is in its city-focused dynamics. The incredibly tight turning circle makes three-point turns a thing of the past, and you can literally park nose-first into spaces that other cars couldn’t even consider. The steering is light and direct at low speeds, though it can feel a bit vague on faster roads. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, soaking up potholes and speed bumps with surprising composure. On the motorway, you’ll notice some wind buffeting and road noise, but around town, it feels perfectly at home weaving through traffic with confidence.

smart fortwo-cabrio Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Step inside the Fortwo Cabrio and you’ll be surprised by how spacious it feels for such a tiny car. The high roofline and large windows create an airy cabin that doesn’t feel claustrophobic, even with the roof up. The dashboard is quirky and colourful, with a mix of hard plastics that feel functional rather than premium. The seats are comfortable for short to medium journeys, with decent support and plenty of adjustment. Taller drivers might find legroom a bit tight, but most people will find a comfortable driving position.

The real magic happens when you lower the soft-top roof, which takes just 12 seconds and can be operated at speeds up to 60mph. With the roof down, the cabin transforms into an open-air cockpit that makes even the most mundane journey feel like an adventure. Standard equipment typically includes air conditioning, electric windows, and a decent sound system. Higher-spec models add features like heated seats and satellite navigation. The interior feels robust and well-built, designed to cope with frequent roof operation and the elements. Storage space is limited to a few small cubbyholes and door pockets, but that’s part of the minimalist charm.

The Smart Fortwo Cabrio succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: provide affordable, practical convertible motoring in the most compact package possible. Its strengths lie in its incredible manoeuvrability, excellent fuel economy, and the sheer fun factor of open-air driving. The unique design and city-focused dynamics make it genuinely useful for urban drivers who want something different from the norm. However, it’s not without compromises. The limited seating, modest performance, and occasionally rough ride quality on faster roads won’t suit everyone. It’s very much a specialist tool rather than a do-everything car. If you live in a city, rarely carry passengers, and want to inject some fun into your daily driving, the Fortwo Cabrio makes perfect sense. It’s an honest car that delivers exactly what it promises, making no pretence to be anything other than a stylish urban runabout with a convertible twist.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a smart fortwo-cabrio?

The Smart Fortwo Cabrio’s running costs are one of its strongest selling points. The small engines deliver excellent fuel economy, with real-world figures typically ranging from 55 to 65 MPG depending on your driving style. This means you’ll spend significantly less at the pump compared to larger convertibles. Insurance groups are generally low, making it an affordable choice for younger drivers or those looking to reduce their annual premiums. Road tax is minimal thanks to the low CO2 emissions, and the compact size means lower tyre costs too.

Purchase prices are reasonable for a convertible, though you’ll pay more than for a conventional small hatchback. The Smart’s unique positioning means it holds its value reasonably well, particularly in good condition with full service history. Servicing costs are competitive, and the simple engine design means fewer expensive complications. Reliability is generally good on newer models, though some older examples can experience issues with the automated manual gearbox. For those considering car finance, the relatively low purchase price makes monthly payments very manageable compared to larger convertibles.

Is the smart fortwo-cabrio Practical for Everyday Use?

For such a tiny car, the Smart Fortwo Cabrio makes surprisingly good use of its limited space. The 260-litre boot is actually quite generous, easily accommodating a week’s shopping or a couple of overnight bags. The rear shelf can hold additional items when you’re not carrying passengers, though you’ll need to be strategic about what you pack. Inside the cabin, storage is minimal with just a few small compartments for your phone, keys, and loose change.

The two-seat configuration is both a blessing and a limitation. You’ll never have friends asking for lifts, but you also can’t carry rear passengers when needed. For couples or single drivers who rarely need more than two seats, this isn’t an issue. The car excels in urban environments where its compact dimensions are a major advantage. You can park in spaces that would defeat much larger cars, and manoeuvring in tight car parks becomes effortless. For comparison with other used smart cars, the Fortwo Cabrio offers the ultimate in city-friendly dimensions while adding the joy of open-top motoring.

The Smart Fortwo Cabrio occupies a unique position in the convertible market by combining ultra-compact dimensions with open-top thrills. It’s a car that prioritises convenience and character over conventional measures like performance or space. For drivers who value easy parking, low running costs, and the ability to drop the roof on demand, it offers an ownership experience that’s genuinely different from mainstream alternatives.

This isn’t a car for everyone, but for the right buyer, it’s absolutely perfect. Urban drivers who want affordable convertible motoring will find it hard to beat, especially when considering the excellent fuel economy and low insurance costs. If you’re looking for a fun, characterful car that makes city driving more enjoyable, the Smart Fortwo Cabrio deserves serious consideration, particularly among cars under £15,000 where it offers genuine uniqueness.