By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Mercedes Benz US Press Information.
For 2017, smart fortwo launches with additional options for increased customization, the coupe has undergone improvements in virtually all areas and is markedly more comfortable.
Exterior
The smart fortwo features a friendly but self-assure d 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 radiator trim is available in a variety of colors, including black, cool silver, black-to-yellow and white. It is now possible to mix and match the grille and tridion cell colors for increased personalization.
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.
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.
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 color and material concept underscores the easy going and charming character of the smart fortwo generation, with the equipment lines standing for a distinctive and individual appearance. The sporty front seats with bold contours are designed as integral seats; A three-spoke multifunction steering wheel can be used to control the radio or navigation unit positioned in the center of the dashboard.
Performance
A state-of-the-art turbocharged three-cylinder engine is standard on the smart fortwo; the turbo engine is rated at 89 hp. The 898-cc engine mobilizes maximum torque of 100 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The 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.
The smart fortwo has essentially been configured for gently understeering handling characteristics. The different tire sizes at front and rear have thus been retained, whereby the narrower front tires in conjunction with a high outside wheel turn angle contribute to the unprecedentedly small turning circle. ABS, ASR and ESP are ready to intervene at the critical limits of road holding. Hill-Start Assist and brake assist are integrated in the brake system.
In addition, the smart fortwo also features a sophisticated De-Dion rear axle, which has been modified for substantially greater comfort. Two elastomer shims provide for effective noise decoupling of the helical springs between body and rear axle; The standard Direct-Steer system with variable ratio and electric power assistance provides for considerably enhanced driving enjoyment, even better handling and increased efficiency.
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 EDB lava orange metallic body panels ($350.00), the P10 Passion Line ($1,490.00), and it came in at $17,240.00 including destination charges ($750.00).
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
