Whether you’re won over by the European charm, or you just want a vehicle that will make parking so much easier, you just might enjoy the 2012 Smart ForTwo. However, just be prepared that as the name suggests, this is one microcar that only holds two. Surprisingly, it does that very well, offering plenty of space in the passenger compartment.
Key Features
When the Smart ForTwo hits the road, it is squared off against some sizable opponents that can be quite formidable. As an added safety feature, the Tridion Safety Cell spreads the energy over a wider area of the vehicle if an accident occurs, helping to provide improved impact resistance when you need it most. Paired with a steel shell also distributes the energy of an impact, and the Smart car becomes a bit safer on the road.
Changes for 2012
The 2012 Smart ForTwo received a few tweaks to the overall appearance to increase aesthetics. Additionally, it now has a navigation system available as well.
What We Like
Given its small footprint, this microcar is surprisingly comfortable. It also provides excellent fuel economy and a roomy interior that can easily accommodate two 6-foot people. Also, if you’re not expecting to carry much, the cargo space is also adequate for storing groceries from the store.
What Concerns Us
If you want a smooth ride, you will definitely want to look elsewhere. The 2012 Smart ForTwo lacks stability and an ability to maintain at higher speeds, which means you’ll need to be prepared for frequent corrections. Another major issue is the fact that the transmission shifts very roughly, making for an uncomfortable ride. You’ll also want to be aware that the base model doesn’t even include the standard features seen in most cars, such as air conditioning and a radio.
Available Models
The 2012 Smart ForTwo is available in one model that features a 1.0-liter inline 3-cylinder engine. This tiny workhorse delivers 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque while providing a fuel economy of 34/38 mpg city/highway.
Major Recalls
No major recalls have been issued for the 2012 Smart ForTwo.
Common Issues
There are also just a couple of complaints listed for this vehicle. One was concerning the air bags failing to deploy after being rear-ended and forced into another vehicle. The second complaint was regarding the accelerator, gear indicator and speedometer becoming unresponsive while driving. Once stopped, the car would not go in park for a period of two minutes, at which time it was started and ran fine.
