By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Mercedes Benz US Press Information
For 2016, the all-new smart fortwo has undergone improvements in virtually all areas and is markedly more comfortable. As Europe’s youngest car brand, the new smart fortwo adopts the proven concept while offering more of just about everything, more space, more color, more equipment and the vehicle length remains as unique as ever, at 2.69 meters.
Exterior
The brand appeals to the heart and mind in equal portion. An expressive design idiom and coloring embody pure joie de vivre. The compact proportions and clever details attest to unique functionality.
Extremely short overhangs at front and rear, the new smart generation also possesses these typical proportions. And thanks to the 100 mm wider track, the wheels are positioned further outwards. These characteristic proportions offer outstanding visibility and agility and, together with the rear engine, enable a passenger cell accommodating an unrivalled amount of space in such compact dimensions. The color contrast between tridion cell and body panels is another characteristic feature of the smart brand.
The smart fortwo features a friendly but self-assured face. A decisive feature of this friendly face is the signature smart grille, which is now slightly larger. The grille’s perforated structure results from a honeycomb pattern. The honeycomb is paler towards the outside; the designers refer to this as fading. The radiator trim is available in a variety of colors to match the tridion, including black, cool silver and white. The second, black cooling air opening in the bumper also features the honeycomb pattern.
Attention to detail is demonstrated, for example, by the way in which the honeycomb pattern is cited in the headlamp covers. On the indicators, the honeycomb pattern even performs the function of dispersing the light. The hood also highlights the new sculptural lines, describing a powerful and sporty downward sweep between the headlamps.
The rhombic tail lights framed by the tridion cell are reminiscent of the first smart generation and combine with the large track width to emphasize the width at the rear. A unique LED scenario is optionally available in conjunction with the Lighting package: eleven individually illuminated cubes are allocated to each tail light, providing for a striking night design. The typical honeycomb pattern features once again in the clear glass over the indicators and reversing lights in the middle of the lamps.
Interior
Loop is the designers’ name for the emotional sweep that features as a theme in the interior, embellishing the dashboard and doors. The sculptural dashboard itself consists of two sections, a bold and sensuous outer section which can optionally be covered with fabric, and a large, concave inner section incorporating the functional elements. In front of the dashboard, the instrument cluster and the infotainment center with radio/navigation appear to hover in front of the dashboard.
The instrument cluster and its semi-circular segmentation for speed and warning indicators cites the previous smart models, but in a new look. The striking spherical air vents are simple and fun to use. The centrally positioned air conditioning control unit also features a distinctive appearance and the desired temperature can be set on a scale in the middle with the aid of a sliding magnifying glass.
In addition, the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel can be used to control the radio or navigation unit positioned in the center of the dashboard. The infotainment center in modern consumer electronics style appears to hover in front of the dashboard. The interior thus reflects the values of a young, active and networked generation.
New three-cylinder engine dual clutch transmission
A state-of-the-art turbocharged three-cylinder engine will be standard on the new smart fortwo. The turbo engine is rated at 89 hp. The 898 cc engine mobilizes maximum torque of 100 lb-ft at 2500 rpm. The totally new turbocharger features an electronically controlled waste gate which enables increased engine dynamics in conjunction with a sustainable reduction in fuel consumption.
Apart from the turbocharger, a whole range of other technical measures also contributes to the engine’s excellent fuel efficiency and performance. These include variable swirl control and variable adjustment of the inlet valves. Another defining trait of the all-aluminum three-cylinder engine is the square bore/stroke ratio.
Both transmission variants are also new for smart: customers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission and the twinamic six-speed dual clutch transmission.
Summary
Smart stands for FUN.ctional design, as the brand is defined by two poles, the heart and mind. The design idiom is clear and purist and therefore very progressive. The new smart fortwo has everything it takes to maneuver elegantly into any parking space and around every corner, too. When it comes to the turning circle, the new smart fortwo sets a new benchmark: at 22.8 ft. (from curb to curb) and 24 ft. (from wall to wall) it makes turning maneuvers extremely simple.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $14,650.00, the one I drove included the EDD midnight blue body panels, 6 speed automated dual clutch transmission and the Proxy Line and it came in at $20,750.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
