What’s Under the Hood

A three-cylinder engine sits under the rear floor of the Smart. In Europe the standard gas engines make up to 71 horsepower while a turbo variant whips up a palpitation-inducing 84 ponies. The sequential five-speed manual transmission has no clutch; rather, the shift lever is tapped or paddles on steering wheel are twiddled. Smart says the model we get will average 40 mpg combined. Top speed of the 1,653-lb. Smart Fortwo is 90 mph. If you dare. Smarts come standard with ABS, EBD, and brake assist; stability control, dual front airbags, and hill start assist. Side-impact airbags are optional.