The 2016 smart fortwo: Now smarter
Think small, smart urban mobility and the ‘smart fortwo’ will likely come to mind. When this mini-car first came to the American market nearly a decade ago, it was startlingly diminutive. Images of crowded European cities with limited parking spaces seemed its raison d’etre, rather than the urbanscapes of the United States. And, although cute and kitschy, there were some rough spots that needed attention particularly in the powertrain department. Times have changed. Not only have stateside cities grown more crowded and parking-constrained, but Smart-marketer Mercedes-Benz has now upgraded its smart fortwo after selling 1.5 million models in 46 countries around the globe.
The smart fortwo has grown up, even though it remains the shortest car sold in the United States. As to what’s changed, there’s more, there’s less and some things have stayed the same. The new version gets more width, more standard and optional equipment, more powertrain options and it comes in more exciting colors. The miniscule model takes less space to turn, boasting an impressive turning circle of 22.8 ft., (the compact Honda Fit turns in 35.1 ft. by comparison) while its length and state-of-the-art The new version gets more width, more standard and optional equipment, more powertrain options and it comes in more exciting colors.
safety engineering stay the same.
On sale now, the 2016 smart fortwo comes in four trims called Pure, Passion, Prime, and Proxy that arrive with a mix of different features and unique exterior and interior trim and fittings that give each a distinct character. A special Edition # 1 trim package will only be available for this model year. Pricing for the updated runabout starts slightly below $16,000 and includes delivery, while a fully loaded model with multiple high-end options is priced between $20,000 and $21,000. For 2016, the Smart Electric Drive version, powered by a battery and electric motor, will continue to use the older design and be updated next year. A Cabrio model with a roll-back cloth roof will be offered for the 2017 model year, as well.
All smarts fortwo have power windows, central locking, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, automatic climate control and power steering with audio and other steering-wheel-mounted controls. The base audio system brings a CD player, Bluetooth streaming for audio and hands-free commands. The instrument cluster has a 3.5-inch color display; a trip computer and an exterior temperature display. Standard is a Smart Cross Connect app that lets owners access their car for useful functions, while away from the vehicle. Each trim features unique upgraded levels of standard equipment that can include a leather steering wheel, powered and heated mirrors, height adjustable driver seat, and a retractable cargo cover. There are multiple options including a top-end JBL sound system with eight speakers and a 240-watt amplifier, and a navigation system with real-time traffic and weather data.
The two-door body shell is constructed of ultra-highstrength steel and has been engineered for crash protection with larger, taller vehicles. Onboard are a host of safety systems, including eight airbags and some advanced assistance systems, typically reserved for higher classes of vehicles, like standard Crosswind Assist and optional forward collision warning.
The slab-sided twoseater sits tall and appears wider rather than long; it keeps its 8.8 ft. of length, but grows 3.9-in greater in its track width, which translates to more elbow and cargo room inside. The rear-engined coupe’s silhouette is outlined by the trademark “Tridion” safety cell that generally comes in one of four contrasting colors to the body panels that can be ordered in more than 40 palettes. Mercedes-Benz calls the vehicle’s unique and creative design FUN.ctional. It keeps its ultra-short overhangs and smart’s distinctive rhombic headlamps, while wearing a new, slightly larger honeycomb front grille with a bigger smart logo in the middle; a higher hood for greater pedestrian protection; and wheels that are pushed further outward. Its large doors with a frameless window extend into the B pillar, and a twin-section tailgate is beset by sporty rhombic taillamps.
Designers describe the updated styling of the funky and fun interior as “Loop”. There are high-quality materials that trim the doors and the sculptured two-section dashboard, where the instrument cluster and infotainment center appear to hover in front of the dash. Spherical air vents are attractive and easy-to-use and a centrally-positioned air conditioning control unit features a sliding magnifying glass to set the desired temperature. Sporty seats have mesh inserts similar to modern sports shoes; behind the seats is a luggage compartment that can hold up to 9.2 cu.ft. of goods. Notable is the folding front passenger seat backrest that also aids in stowage.
Under the urban warrior’s hood is a new 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that gets 89 hp and 100 lb.-ft. of torque matched to a choice of two transmissions — a five-speed manual transmission or a twinamic six-speed automatic dual clutch transmission (the DCT is a $990 upcharge). Combined EPA fuel economy for both versions is 36 mpg, said Mercedes-Benz. Test drive
We drove the new automatic model in Portland, Oregon, a locale that Mercedes has identified as having the greatest potential for smart fortwo sales, along with 16 other cities in North America.
By comparison to the previous generation, we found the drive more zippy, with its 0-to-60-mph acceleration time 10.5 seconds for the DCT (10.1 for the manual), and a quieter, smoother ride as a result of upgrades to the chassis and suspension; the standard Direct Steer variable-ratio electric power steering; and tires with higher side walls. Most impressive is the mini-car’s ability to practically pirouette to maneuver and park.
Also of note are the hill-hold function and brake assist that are integrated into the brake system.