I had a 2003 for two Passion some years ago that I heavily modded. It had a brabus cam, forced induction, remap, lowered springs, wider track, wider Toyo tyres, uprated brakes, a Bonalume racing clutch which improved the gearchange speed and many other modifications. It had 120 bhp and handled like a go cart. I believe, because it was so light, these modifications didn't ruin the driveability and they were done in stages so the changes felt sympathetic and considered. This was the most fun car I ever owned apart from a Smart Roadster that I had at the same time. Thanks for the review.
Love the intro music by the way (as well as the videos of course)! It's just so darned catchy - it always cheers me up (especially if I'm having a "blue day" 😊!).
The final generation Fortwo and Forfour both had a similar arrangement for removing the cover for the front compartment, so it isn't the first time I have had to have a go at it.
Thank you for this video. I have heard of the Twingo, but not this car! Very interesting engine layout, on paper it sounds more like something from 1960s Continental Europe. I have only just started watching the video as I am making this comment but already I am wondering if there is any handling advantage with the engine in the back? Granted this is not an MR 2, but does it feel light in the front at higher speed?
The early Smart car, around 2000, with the peanut headlights, was one of the worst I have encountered for DIY maintenance. No drain plug for engine oil, having to suck the old oil through dipstick hole. Oh what joy (Not). Simple fluid checks and bulb changes were very difficult. Perhaps things have improved although, looking at that front bonnet, I doubt it. Regards
I have driven a previous generation Smart Fortwo (as well as the one based on the shortened version of this Forfour), and it was not very good... It was a right fiddle getting the cover off the front compartment, and putting it back on. Funnily enough, all three Smarts I have for review have been supplied by Langley Prestige, and Simon seems to sell quite a few of them.
One you get used to removing the bonnet a few times it actually becomes very easy! It can be fiddly and you have to be very specific to put it back in the little rails though
That key came as standard with the 2015 cars, but from 2016 it got a much nicer silver and black flip key and then the key shown in this video became the spare key
A very intriguing car with nice engine sound. At least it's different to most other cars at its price point . Would consider one as well as a Fiat TwinAir Panda if I was in the market for a supermini.
100% charactorless versus original. Is it any good. I don’t know. Never driven it. But. Given the Yaris and Fiesta so good. Why would you want a Smart like this ???
Well, someone thought it was a good idea, and it wasn't that bad, although taking off and replacing the cover for the front compartment is a bit of a pain...
@@lloydvehicleconsulting Seriously that screw down engine cover is a little daunting. Was it only meant to be open by professional mechanics specialising in Smart? I remember a BMW with a sealed unit transmission designed to be thrown away after a certain amount of kilometres. Is it like that?
@@lloydvehicleconsulting Sounds like it. Servicing one of those in a remote area would be any motorist and AA mechanic's worst nightmare. Remind me, was the Twingo engine bay also effectively a sealed unit?
