Smart ute for small loads

Mercedes-Benz has previewed a new compact 'utester' that will make its public debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in mid January.

While smart would have us believe it's blazing new trails and creating fresh automotive genres with its "rule-breaking" sub-compact ute, Daihatsu with its 1980s Handivan commercial vehicle and Suzuki with its Mighty Boy (pictured), might beg to differ.

Measuring 3547mm long, the smart for-us fills just over half a normal parking space, and at 1506mm wide is almost half a metre thinner than some large cars. Suffice to say, finding a spot at the local tip shouldn't be a problem.

Compared to the standard smart fortwo microcar, the for-us has a 613mm longer wheelbase, yet remains relatively compact by way of short overhangs. The track has also been widened by 50mm to "emphasise the robust look of the study", says the German company.

While the tray isn't massive, it does offer 90cm of length, and smart has worked around the lack of rearward vision that plagues many utes by using an integrated video camera.

The smart CEO, Dr. Annette Winkler, seems very keen on the idea of a compact ute, though at this stage the for-us concept has not been confirmed for mass production. "We at smart love pick-ups – they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable," she said.

Power for the world's smallest ute comes from a 55kW/130Nm electric motor, which can propel the tiny workhorse to speeds of around 120km/h. Energy for the electric motor is via a 17.6kWh lithium-ion battery, and the powertrain is being deployed on the smart fortwo electric car in mid 2012.

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