Bigger, better smart fortwo

Smart has released its new fortwo minicar with two petrol engines and two body style options for Australian buyers this week. Prices start at $19,990.

Available as coupe or cabrio, the fortwo is offered with an updated version of the three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine co-developed with Mitsubishi. The unit is available either naturally-aspirated or turbocharged, producing 52kW and 62kW respectively. Both versions come with a new five-speed automatic transmission.

Aside from a Brabus model under consideration for Australia later this year or in early 2009, of three power outputs available for the petrol engine overseas, we get the two largest. However, there is still no oiler option, as smart does not produce a diesel model for right-hand drive markets.

President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Australia, Wolfgang Schrempp, says his team will form part of a meeting in Europe this month to discuss HQ's appraisal of its RHD options worldwide, including those for both M-B and smart products.

"The basis of this car can't be changed right now but the refurbished generation will be available with the chance [for a diesel]... I'm disappointed we can't offer immediately a right-hand-drive diesel version.

"But when you are comparing a small engine as a petrol or diesel version, the difference in fuel consumption is very low," he reasoned.

"To be honest you can drive a smart remaining absolutely around 4-litres [per 100km]. It depends what kind of mood you are in, in the morning!" he opined.

The latest fortwo has been significantly reworked, in part due to US crashworthiness and European pedestrian safety standards. It is now 195mm longer, including 72mm at the front alone, but city-dwellers will be pleased to know two fortwos can still be parked end-to-end in a 'normal' carparking space.

Rear cargo room has increased by 70 litres -- enough now to store a golf bag -- and the new model retains the handy two-section tailgate.

Importantly, the fortwo is safer, now coming standard with front and side head/thorax airbags. Its trademark 'tridion' safety cell has been uprated and smart says the car's side protection has been enhanced with the inclusion of a steel door structure, replacing the outgoing model's aluminium version which failed US requirements.

Standard equipment also includes anti-lock braking with brakeforce distribution and assist feature, plus stability control.

The fortwo's green credentials have changed slightly, however; both the non-turbo and turbo options sneak under 5.0L/100km for ADR 81/01 fuel consumption ratings.

The naturally-aspirated engine uses 4.7L/100km while the turbo engine consumes 4.9L/100km. In coupe guise the non-turbo unit's CO2 output is down 1g to 112g/km but all other fortwo models are rated at 116g/km.

The new fortwo is offered in Australia at the 'pulse' specification level with option packages including leather and stereo upgrades.

In standard form the fortwo comes with cloth trim, polycarbonate panoramic sunroof, 15-inch six-spoke alloys, sports steering wheel with gearshift function, foglights and electric windows. The new fortwo also features a dash-mounted tacho and lockable glovebox.

For full details visit the Carsales Network again for our upcoming launch review of the new smart fortwo coupe and cabrio.

Pricing
fortwo coupe
52kW non-turbo -- $19,990
62kW turbo -- $21,990
 
fortwo cabrio
52kW non-turbo -- $22,990
62kW turbo -- $24,990

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