Sponsored: The Toyota iRoad or Smart ForTwo—Which One Should You Choose?
Giancarlo Perlas March 5, 2015As a city grows, more people choose to move within or closer to it in order to have access to the seemingly boundless opportunities it offers. However, the increase in population is also coupled with congestion. Therefore, one of the solutions to the issue is the use smaller vehicles. That’s what exactly what led to the development of the Smart ForTwo and the more recent Toyota iRoad—to give commuters an easy access to their destination without contributing or worrying much of the congestion in traffic. Grenoble will be the first city outside of Japan in which Toyota has installed the Ha:mo system and will be testing the iRoad.
But, if given a choice between the two, which one should you choose?
Here is a quick run on the five factors that customers usually consider when purchasing a ride, which will hopefully help you decide between the two:
1. Design
The Toyota iRoad features a very unique style that combines the features of a motorbike and a car with its three-wheel system and two-seating capacity. On the other hand, the ForTwo is much simpler in design since it simply borrows the concept of a super compact two-seater family car.
2. Maneuverability
When it comes to this element, the iRoad stands out because it is slimmer than the ForTwo. It can be easily squeezed in tight areas, and looking for a parking space for it is a lot easier. Whether it is a parallel or horizontal parking, it’s just like looking for a motorcycle spot.
3. Comfort
If you have motion sickness, or you are not comfortable with a ride that tilts to the side whenever it makes a turn, the ForTwo is certainly recommended.
4. Power
Again the ForTwo beats the iRoad on this one. The Smart car boasts up to 96 mph maximum speed from its turbocharged and intercooled inline-3. Since the iRoad is more of a motorcycle, it only had around 28 mph maximum speed from its twin-in wheel motors.
5. Pricing
Although no pricing for the iRoad is available yet, it is expected to be more or less the cost of a ForTwo.
Verdict
Pitting the iRoad against the ForTwo is comparing a motorcycle to a car. However, since they touch the same segment of the market, putting them side-by-side in a discussion just can’t be avoided. As for the verdict, it seems like the two are evenly matched if the five factors mentioned here are the only things to be considered. Therefore, it all boils down to which features do buyers really put the greater weight.
If it is uniqueness in style and maneuverability you are looking for, the iRoad is for you. Then again, if you prefer simplicity, comfort and power above all else, go for the ForTwo.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Toyota, but all thoughts are our own.
