15 Nov 06
There are three trim levels - Pure, Pulse and Passion - the last two of which have a polycarbonate roof in the coupe version, plus additional features such as alloy wheels, electric windows, a rev counter, fog lights and steering wheel-mounted gear-change paddles.
The main changes to the new Fortwo are largely under skin, with a power boost to the three-cylinder, one-litre engine, which now generates 61bhp or 71bhp when naturally aspirated, and 84bhp in its turbo guise. A warmer Brabus version will also be available in the autumn.
There's no confirmation yet on whether the UK will get the new 45bhp diesel engine, but the UK arm of the company is very keen to add it to the range.
Perhaps the most significant - and much needed - change to the new Fortwo is its transmission: a new five-speed clutchless automated manual 'box from Getrag will hopefully rectify what many found to be the original car's biggest drawback. We'll know more when we drive it next year.
Safety has always been an important selling point for the Smart, with DaimlerChrysler conscious of the fact that consumers might be wary of a car with plastic panels. To counter that concern, the company has always stressed the strength of the so-called Tridion safety cell that forms the basis of the car and allows it to withstand front and side impacts as well as rolling over and getting hit from behind.
Smart is aiming for a four-star EuroNCAP rating with the new model, the changes including new head/thorax side airbags as an option and a new front section to accommodate pedestrian safety legislation. And there's ABS and ESP fitted as standard.
So the new Smart Fortwo: bigger and safer. And just right for the US.
