Bid to boost sales of Smart micro car with new engines and comfort

By Reino Gevers Feb 21, 2007, 11:54 GMT

Stuttgart - The new generation Smart Fortwo has been launched on the European market offering more safety and comfort in a renewed effort by the DaimlerChrysler concern to boost stagnating sales of the micro car.

DaimlerChrysler has streamlined the Smart model range by scrapping several models and concentrating on the core smart that has occupied a niche market among young European urbanites frustrated by lack of parking space in densely-populated city centres.

However, the Smart subsidiary has been struggling ever since the first generation was launched in 1998. Critics have railed poor safety and 'jumpy' roadholding, especially on motorways and in windy weather.

DaimlerChrysler says it has now significantly improved the Smart Fortwo in terms of comfort, agility, safety and environmental friendliness. With a length of 2.70 metres it is still one of the shortest cars on the road and can be squeezed into small parking space.

The Smart Fortwo, ready to order from European dealers, features reengineered upgraded petrol engines. The three-cylinder engine has capacity of one litre and delivers 45 kW, 52 kW or 62 kW (61 hp, 71 hp or 84 hp). The smart fortwo cdi has a power output of 33 kW/45 hp.

All engines are linked to a new automated manual five-speed transmission. The petrol variants have a maximum speed of 145 km/h - 10 km/h more than the predecessor model.

The car maker lists petrol consumption at 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres with the 45 kW and 52 kW variants at 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The diesel version has a consumption of 3.4 litres of per 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions at just 90 grammes per kilometre. According to Smart spokesman Hubert Kogel the petrol-engined Micro- Hybrid, planned for later in the year, will achieve a similar consumption figure. The start-stop automatic function saves between ten and 15 per cent fuel.

The increased length of 19.5 centimetres improves rear impact protection and especially ride comfort. Among the exterior modifications are newly-designed headlights and flanks, giving it a more muscular appearance.

The luggage compartment is 70 litres bigger than the predecessor model, holding 220 litres. The fortwo also features the familiar twin-section tailgate. The lower part can be used as a little platform and facilitates loading and unloading. When folded down it can take a load of 50 kilogrammes.

Interior features include the characteristic external-mounted air vents and dials, the large fabric-covered areas on doors and instrument panel, the safety seats with integral seat belts and the ignition lock behind the shift lever.

In contrast to the previous model the instrument panel is no longer curved in an S-shape towards the passenger side but straight, partly to comply with US crash regulations. DaimlerChrysler is planning to start selling the smart in the U.S. next year, after its premiere at this year's Detroit Motor Show.

New regulations on pedestrian protection have been implemented in the front. Buyers have the option of head/thorax side airbags.

Standard features include a safety cell, front airbags, seat belts with belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and safety seats with integral seat belts. Unique to a vehicle in the class are standard ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) and integrated brake assist.

The Smart Fortwo convertible comes with an electric soft top. It operates automatically and can be opened and closed at any speed, according to DaimlerChrysler. The roof bars can be removed and stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate.

The model variants go by the names of pure, pulse and passion. Whereas the basic pure version has a plastic roof, the pulse and passion feature a transparent panoramic roof made of polycarbonate.

Other individualised extras are electric power steering, heated seats, alloy wheels (standard for pulse and passion), leather seats, Isofix child seat fastener, a high quality audio system with a CD changer for six CDs and a sound system featuring a subwoofer and an MP3 interface.

A portable navigation system can be integrated in the car with voice instructions given via the loudspeakers of the stereo system. Further options that are often only found in high-end cars include a light and rain sensor and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

As part of cost-cutting measures for the smart, assembled modules are delivered to the factory in the French town of Hambach, reducing production time from 9.5 to eight hours. The final assembly, which took 4.5 hours for the predecessor model, now takes just 3.5 hours.

A tuned-up version, the smart Brabus, is being planned for the Geneva Motor Show in March with more power and better fuel consumption.

The basic Smart Fortwo is available for 9,490 euros (12,328 euros), the same price as the predecessor model.