Smart has added a convertible version to its all-new Fortwo city car line-up that features a novel new roof arrangement.
The two-seater Cabrio’s ‘tritop’ fabric roof can be pushed back as a more conventional sunroof, with the rear screen built into it still up. Alternatively, it can be fully folded onto the tailgate along with the rear screen, at which point the two roof rails can also be removed and stored in the boot to turn it into a full convertible.
The roof, which is offered in three different colours, can be fully opened in 12 seconds, even when the car is travelling at top speed. It can also be opened from outside the car using the key fob.
Design-wise, the cabrio shares its look with the standard hard-top Smart Fortwo on which it is based. The Mercedes-Benz-owned brand has, however, improved rigidity underneath the car to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof.
A steel cross has been added beneath the vehicle, the A-pillars have been reinforced, and the front and rear bulkheads have been beefed up. The result is a car that is 15% stiffer than its predecessor.
The engine range of the Fortwo cabrio is shared with the hard-top, meaning a pair of three-cylinder petrol units is offered: a normally aspirated 70bhp 1.0-litre and an 89bhp turbocharged 0.9-litre. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a DCT dual-clutch automatic.
The new Smart Fortwo Cabrio will be available to order from mid-November, when prices will be revealed. The model will reach dealers in February 2016.
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Nothing novel about the roof
As for the looks, well, I still think they could have done a lot better, but it has grown on me. I've seen quite a few of them, and the forfour, on the roads in Edinburgh now, and they definitely stand out.
novel...
...at which point it looks even more like a child's pram.
Neat idea, but...
It used to be a cute city car, now those headlights just shout Ugly! Any purchase is also based upon the looks and perception given by the vehicle, this would make me hesitant to buy.