Power hike for new fortwo

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has announced the tiny smart fortwo will be launched in a new model range later this month.

The tiny city cars haven't captured the public's imagination the way the company had hoped when the cars were first launched here in 2004, but they have found some sort of niche as marketing drawcards and sold 95 units for the month of December of last year.

New models were unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last year and are ready to go on sale later this month, providing an expanded product range and improved specification for the same starting price.

Superseding the current model with a turbocharged 698cc three-cylinder engine, the new model offers two engines, both measuring 999cc. For the entry-level variants, the engine is naturally aspirated and develops 52kW of power and 92Nm of torque.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are 4.7L/100km and 112g/km for the coupe, 4.9L/100km and 116g/km for the cabrio model.

An extra $2000 buys the turbocharged model, producing 62kW of power and 120Nm of torque. Both engines generate more power than the smaller engine of the superseded car (45kW), although with the turbocharger, the old car developed more torque (95Nm) than the new, naturally-aspirated model.

Pricing for the new model commences from $19,990 for the fortwo coupe with the 52kW engine. The cabrio version is priced at $22,990 and the 62kW turbocharged engine costs that extra $2000 for both models.

All variants of the new model are fitted with the same five-speed sequential shift automated manual transmission, which has been revised for better shifting.

Along with the new engines, the second generation of fortwo is 19.5cm longer, which helps luggage space (increased by 70 litres to 220 litres) and boosts pedestrian safety.

Standard features include ESP, ABS, Brake Assist, dual airbags for frontal impacts, side-impact airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, force limiters and air conditioning.

Optional features comprise leather upholstery, heated seats, electric power steering and an upgraded audio system (MP3-compatible).

Over the specification of the previous (450 series) smart, the new model range (451 series) provides the side impact airbags, sequential gearchange paddles on the steering wheel, dash-mounted clock and tachometer, automatic door locks, luggage compartment cover, pollen and dust filter for the HVAC system and Comfort windscreen wipers.