Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

Smart Fortwo Brabus

Our Smart engine's loosening up nicely. Same can't be said of the gearbox

Smart Fortwo Brabus

It seems the fault that means the Smart sometimes refuses to select first gear just after you’ve started it up has now extended to reverse gear as well. Trouble is, it’s so infrequent that I just know it wouldn’t happen if I asked a dealer to investigate. But apart from that, and a driver’s seatbelt that puts up a fight when you try to pull it out or return it, everything is great. The engine is getting better and better, making the Smart nippier than ever.

Running Costs

Date acquiredMarch 2008
Total mileage1926
Costs this month£0
Mileage this month276
MPG this month36.3
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

This secret British sports car is a £5m gamble, inspired by Lotus and with Ferrari looks
Wells Vertige
Features

This secret British sports car is a £5m gamble, inspired by Lotus and with Ferrari looks

Robin Wells fancied a new sports car so decided to build his own. The result is the Wells Vertige, and now you can have one too
28 Apr 2026
Volvo XC90 review – still the king of the school run or past its best?
Volvo XC90 front
Reviews

Volvo XC90 review – still the king of the school run or past its best?

Volvo’s star flagship family car has been renewed with more hybrid power, sharper tech and looks and competitive pricing
30 Apr 2026
New Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake review – a good electric car, if not a thrilling driver’s car
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake front
Reviews

New Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake review – a good electric car, if not a thrilling driver’s car

Mercedes-Benz keeps the Shooting Brake alive with the new CLA – it’s practical, efficient and refined, if not massively fun
28 Apr 2026