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Smart ForTwo gets updates, new matte finish option

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:38:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Hatchback, Smart

2010 Smart ForTwo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here in America, the Smart ForTwo isn't exactly selling like hotcakes, mostly due to the fact that it isn't very practical or efficient, it can carry an awfully high price point and the engine and transmission are, well, less than stellar. Still, Smart is hoping that a host of upgrades to the diminutive ForTwo will make it a more attractive to potential buyers seeking a sort of trendy urban-mobile, and the automaker will be adding things like new paint colors, better interior refinement and slight styling tweaks to the car in the Fall of this year.

In addition to the six metallic exterior colors, the ForTwo is now available in a cheeky matte light green, and convertible models can now be fitted with a red or blue soft top. Additionally, a slight nip/tuck has been given to the front fascia, which now includes optional LED daytime running lights in the lower air intakes. Inside, the instrument panel has been redesigned and a new touchscreen infotainment system is on hand, encompassing navigation, audio and Bluetooth connectivity controls. What's more, a limited edition "Lightshine" model will be on hand, which adds things like body-colored headlamp surrounds, new 15-inch wheels and contrasting matte chrome components.

Not much has changed in the area of engines or transmissions, but Smart has found a way to lower the overall CO2 emissions of each powerplant. Even the most powerful engine remains under the 120 g/km mark, and the smallest diesel offering (not available in America) produces just 86 g/km of CO2. Fuel efficiency might not exactly be the Smart's forte, but in terms of cleaner emissions, it's seriously good.

Still, though, the Smart's biggest challenge in America is being able to stand up against the rest of the sub-$20,000 competition, which offers better all-around utility, power and efficiency. It's a hard sell, the ForTwo, but the 2010 model is certainly better equipped than any model before it. Follow the jump to read the full list of changes in Smart's press release.

Gallery: 2010 Smart ForTwo

[Source: Smart]

Continue reading Smart ForTwo gets updates, new matte finish option

Smart ForTwo gets updates, new matte finish option originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mini working on city car

Dan Roth — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, BMW, Mini, UK, Rumormill

Here in the U.S., the Smart ForTwo has proven less than successful considering the needs of most of drivers. Sold here on the merits of its efficiency, the Smart's true element is in the cities of Europe, where the small size allows nose-in parking and a diesel powertrain that's actually pleasant to drive. Mini and its BMW parents think that there may be something to Smart's success, even though the company has said in the past that small city cars aren't profitable.

According to an Autocar source, a Mini city car concept may debut within the next year. Part of the impetus for the reversal is BMW's backing of a three-cylinder engine, as well as a heavy focus on component sharing with the upcoming BMW MegaCity and other models under the BMW umbrella, along with new production techniques. The car should be smaller than the current Mini, though larger than the Smart. Details like chassis layout and styling have not been divulged, though back in the Rover days, Mini showed off the Spiritual concept (pictured above) and there was talk of a production version. However, how it fares in the marketplace will hinge on how well BMW packs value and the trademark Mini verve into its tiny shell.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Mini working on city car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Smart ForTwo+2 in the works?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Smart, Electric

Smart, the German-born automaker that revived the stagnant microcar market in the first place, has seen itself fall behind in the city car wars with Toyota's oh-so-clever iQ taking the top spot with its extra space for passengers and packages via its brilliant layout. What's more, new machines are on the way from BMW (the long-rumored Isetta revival) and the Audi (the A1, which will be debuted at the next Geneva Motor Show).

As such, we're not surprised to see Smart engineers out and about testing what appears to be the next generation of the diminutive Fortwo. Judging from the fender flares, we might make and educated guess that the new model will be slightly wider than the current car, which makes sense as the same platform is rumored to gain an extended-wheelbase variant called the Fortwo+2.

Unlike the previous Forfour, the Fortwo+2 would share the expected rear-engine, rear-wheel drive architecture with the base car and would come equipped with what would surely be a mini set of rear doors. According to Auto Express, we should see the next Fortwo in dealerships late next year with the +2 showing up in 2012. Electric and hybrid versions are reportedly in the works - and here's hoping they finally fix that horribly awkward transmission.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Smart ForTwo+2 in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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