Monday, October 4, 2010

Paris Show 2010 Highlights: 2011 Smart ForTwo


Smart has unveiled tweaked ForTwo coupe and cabriolet models at the Paris motor show.

There have been some subtle optional styling changes, a revised interior and more economical petrol engines as part of a mid-life refreshing for the second-generation city car.

The changes were initially unveiled in July and are prior to the arrival of an all-new successor on a heavily reworked rear-engined/rear-wheel drive platform presently being developed in co-operation with Renault in 2013.

Due to go on sale in the UK soon, the facelifted ForTwo is differentiated from the existing model on sale here since 2006 by optional Brabus style day time running lights and the choice of three new 15-inch alloy wheels.

At the same time, Smart has also added a new light green matt finish to the list of seven exterior colour choices for the new two seater.

Buyers can now also specify the Fortwo with a white steel safety cell with matching grille and door mirror surrounds. Previously they were restricted to silver or black.

Inside, the ForTwo receives a new instruments and redesigned dashboard capable of housing a 16.5 inch colour monitor for the optional communication and entertainment systems.

Also available are optional USB and auxiliary ports, an interface for the Apple iPod and a surround sound system with eight 40 watt speakers.

As part of a push to lift the perceived quality, Smart is now also offering the ForTwo with a new optional steering wheel, redesigned centre armrest and LED interior lighting.

On the engine front, the existing Mitsubishi sourced 1.0-litre three-cylinder direct injection petrol engine has been upgraded with new software in a move that lowers its average consumption in 60bhp and 70bhp versions to 57.7mpg on the combined European cycle – a figure corresponding to 97g/km of CO2 emissions.

The power output of the top-of-the-line Brabus version’s 1.0-litre petrol engine has also been increased incrementally from 98bhp to 101bhp.

Thanks to: Autocar

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