The revolution goes into the next round – the smart fortwo has been improved in almost all areas and made significantly more comfortable. The typical smart rear-engine concept is also offered for the first time in the four-seater smart forfour. Drive is provided by modern three-cylinder engines with 45 kW/60 hp, 52 kW/71 hp and 66 kW/90 hp, while power transmission is provided by a five-speed manual transmission or the twinamic dual-clutch transmission. Many innovative details guarantee even more fun in the city.
The smart brand appeals to the heart and mind in equal measure. Expressive design language and color scheme embody pure joie de vivre. The compact proportions and clever details testify to unique functionality. The new smart fortwo and the new smart forfour are unmistakably recognizable as members of the same family. Many design features, such as the headlights, front cooling air grille and the iconic tridion safety cell, are identical. Both vehicles also have rear-mounted engines, which makes them particularly maneuverable in urban traffic.
Short overhangs, short length and high steering angle are further optimum prerequisites for the new smart models to get into every parking space and around every corner. The new smart fortwo sets a new benchmark for turning radius: at 6.95 m (from curb to curb) and 6.5 m (from front to rear) respectively. 7.30 m (wall to wall) it makes turning maneuvers extremely easy. And the new smart forfour turns circles almost as small as the previous fortwo (wall to wall: 8.75 m). Its values: 8.65 m (curb to curb) resp. 8.95 m (wall to wall). The direct steering with variable ratio and electric power assistance, which is standard on all smart models, contributes to this excellent maneuverability.
At the same time, the new models once again score points for maximum space in minimum space, as documented by the excellent body space index. This describes the ratio of interior to exterior length, whereby the interior length is measured horizontally from the non-pressed accelerator pedal to the rear end, so that different vehicles can be easily compared with each other. Both new smart models achieve top scores in this criterion: 75% (smart fortwo) and 77% (smart forfour).
The most important dimensions of the two new smart models:
Turning circle (curb-to-curb) (m)
Turning circle (wall-to-wall) (m)
Interior length (accelerator pedal to rear end) (mm)
Body space index (ratio of length to interior length) (%)
Trunk volume (behind front seats) (L)
Trunk volume (behind front seats to roof) (L)
Trunk volume (behind rear seats) (l)
Trunk volume (behind rear seats to roof) (L)
The new smart forfour naturally has more cargo capacity. When the rear seat backrests are folded down, the result is a flat load area of 1285 x 996 mm with a load volume of up to 975 liters – the best in its segment. The loading length when the passenger backrest is folded forwards is also outstanding; it is 2.22 meters (6.5 feet).
And that’s not all: the forfour is available with reversible cushions for the rear seats as an optional extra. The rear "readyspace" seats can be turned around and lowered significantly with a flick of the wrist. This results in a 12 cm higher loading height in the interior, which is very easy to use thanks to the rear doors opening at an angle of almost 90.
Real life safety
The successful basic safety idea of the predecessors has been retained. Like a nut, a solid shell ensures the safety of the core: the tridion safety cell. A high proportion of ultra-high-strength hot-stamped steels and ultra-high-strength multiphase steels are now used in the new smart. In keeping with the mercedes-benz "real life safety" philosophy, car-to-car crash tests also focused on compatibility with significantly larger and heavier vehicles. This is how the new smart proved itself in head-on collisions with the S and C classes.
Advanced assistance systems, previously reserved for higher vehicle classes, further enhance safety and comfort. These include side wind assist (standard), distance warning function (optional), and lane departure warning (optional). Smart thus offers customers safety features that significantly exceed the segment’s usual standards.
The highlights of the new chassis are a new front axle design borrowed from the previous mercedes-benz C-Class, an optimized de-dion rear axle, significantly longer spring travel all round, tires with a greater sidewall height and an unprecedentedly small turning circle. Based on experience with previous smart models, the chassis of the new smart generation was designed in sindelfingen with a view to significantly improving ride comfort.
New three-cylinder engines, dual-clutch transmission – the powertrain
Two modern three-cylinder engines are being launched in the new smart models: the naturally aspirated engine produces 52 kW/71 hp from a displacement of 999 cubic centimeters. Thanks to its torque with a maximum of 91 nm at 2.850 rpm, the unit enables economical driving, especially in city traffic. Top engine is the turbo engine with 66 kW/90 hp. The 898-cubic-centimeter engine mobilizes a maximum torque of 135 nm at 2.500/min. The completely newly developed turbocharger has an electronically controlled wastegate that increases engine dynamics in conjunction with a sustained reduction in fuel consumption.
In addition to turbocharging, the engine’s excellent fuel consumption and performance figures are due to a host of other technical measures. This includes, for example, variable adjustment of the intake control times. Another feature of the all-aluminum three-cylinder engine is its square bore-stroke ratio.
A few months after the market launch, a basic gasoline engine with 45 kW/60 hp expands the range of options.
A sporty five-speed manual transmission and the particularly comfortable twinamic six-speed dual-clutch transmission are available for the 52-kw and 66-kw engines; the 45-kw variant is always supplied with a manual transmission.
Passion, prime and proxy – the new lines
Three equipment lines (passion, prime and proxy) and a wide range of optional extras, some of which were previously reserved for higher segments: every smart fortwo or smart forfour becomes unique. Even in the entry-level version, both models offer a comprehensive range of safety and comfort features. These include LED daytime running lights, central locking with radio remote control, visual locking feedback and immobilizer, cruise control with limiter, outside temperature display with frost warning, ESP ® with side wind stabilization, active seat belt tensioners in the rear of the forfour, and power windows in the front.
Passion, prime and proxy are the three lines with which the smart fortwo and smart forfour can be upgraded and differentiated, particularly in the interior. Its features include u. A. Multifunction steering wheel in leather, instrument cluster with 3.5″ TFT color display and heated seats.
For the market launch of the new smart generation, the limited edition #1 is also available. It offers exclusive design features such as a tridion safety cell in lava orange combined with bodypanels/bodywork in white on the fortwo or. Graphite grey on the forfour.
Comprehensive smartphone integration, real-time navigation and intuitive operation with touchscreen – the multimedia systems meet the highest demands. For the first time, smart offers the JBL sound system, which develops an impressive sound volume. It includes a 6-channel DSP amplifier (240 watt) for the fortwo and a. 8-channel DSP amplifier (320 watts) in the forfour. A total of eight (fortwo) or four (fortwo) engines provide listening pleasure. Twelve (forfour) high-performance speakers. Particularly practical: the intelligently integrated bass box in the trunk of the fortwo can be easily removed when more space is needed – another detail that underscores the vehicle concept’s special suitability for everyday use.
With the smart cross connect app, smart is also introducing a revolutionary new app for the smart fortwo and smart forfour, which is offered to customers free of charge. The app was developed specifically for use in the vehicle while driving and for further use outside the vehicle. It is available for cell phones with ios and android. For in-vehicle use, a cradle has been developed that allows a wide variety of smartphone models to be easily mounted in the vehicle.
FUN.Ctional – the exterior design
Extremely short front and rear overhangs – the new smart generation also has these typical proportions. The wheels are also positioned even further out thanks to the 100 mm wider track. These distinctive proportions provide excellent visibility and maneuverability and, together with the rear engine, allow for a passenger compartment with unrivaled space in a compact footprint. The color separation of the tridion cell and bodypanels is also typical of the smart brand.
"one-and-a-half-box" design is how the smart designers describe the evolutionary further development of the silhouette. The higher front hood gives the smart a more mature and sporty appearance.
Friendly but self-confident, the smart looks out at the viewer. The typical smart grille, which is now slightly larger, makes a decisive contribution to the "friendly face". The hole structure of the grille is formed by a honeycomb pattern. The honeycombs fade on the outside, which the designers call "fading. The radiator grille is available in black, cool silver and white – in the same color as the body panels or in contrast to them. The second, black cooling air opening in the bumper is also decorated with the honeycomb pattern.
Self-confidence is also demonstrated by the significantly larger and more advanced smart logo in the center of the grille. It is now three-dimensional, almost spherical in shape and thus harmonizes with the much more sensual shapes of the smart. Like all the chrome accents – which are used sparingly – the logo has a matte finish rather than a high-gloss finish.
The rhombic front lights are slightly cut at the top for a sporty, appealing look. The U-shaped daytime running lights create a characteristic design. In combination with the LED& sensor package, the front headlights have a welcome function: when the car is unlocked, the light pulses in the headlights – the smart appears to greet its owner.
The attention to detail is reflected in the honeycomb pattern on the cover glass of the headlights, among other things. In the case of the turn signals, the honeycomb pattern even takes over the scattering function. The front hood also underscores the new sculptural design, swinging down between the headlights in a sporty and powerful manner.
The new smart forfour is unmistakably a member of the new smart family, sharing many design features with the smart fortwo. The difference between the fortwo and forfour is naturally most obvious in the profile: the smart fortwo has a large door extending into the B-pillar with a frameless screen. Even at a distance, the typical smart genes are recognizable on the road: the distinctive door contour and the unique tridion cell. A characteristic beading, around the middle of the doors, complements the brand image. This is followed by the fuel filler cap on the right and the air intake for the rear engine on the left below the B-pillar. As before, the door is clad with a panel of high-quality, lightweight plastic. the king of parking spaces is thus impervious to parking bumps from other road users.
The side view of the smart forfour shows the same elements as the fortwo, but in addition to the extra door it also has a longer tridion cell. The front and rear overhangs look just as short as those of its smaller brother. The roof line of the forfour slopes down toward the rear in a coupe-like design.
A new feature on both models is the clearly defined shoulder line. It leaves both variants standing firmly on the road and provides visual separation between the vehicle body and the greenhouse.
Smart drivers love the two-part tailgate dearly. It goes without saying that the new smart fortwo once again has this special feature that makes loading easier even in the smallest parking spaces.
The rhombic taillights framed by the tridion cell are reminiscent of the first smart generation and, like the wide track, emphasize the width of the rear section. On request, in conjunction with the LED& sensor package a unique LED appearance is available: a total of eleven individually illuminated cubes are arranged in a ring for each taillight, creating a striking night design. The typical honeycombs are again embossed in the clear glass above the turn signals and reversing lights in the center of the light cluster.
The smart forfour basically has the same elements as the smart fortwo. However, it has a one-piece, upward-opening tailgate for convenient loading of the deeper luggage compartment.
With new, intense exterior colors and a total of around 40 possible combinations of bodypanels and tridion cells, the brand’s fun-loving image is intensified. The new options include moon white (matt), lava orange (metallic) and hazel brown (metallic), which can be contrasted with new colors from the tridion cell such as cool silver (metallic) or lava orange (metallic).
Lighthearted and charming – the interior design
"loop" is the name given by the designers to the emotional sweep that characterizes the interior as a continuous signature and can be found, among other things, on the instrument panel and doors. The sculptural instrument panel itself is divided into two parts and consists of a powerful, sensual outer part, which can be covered with fabric if desired, and a large, concave decorative part on the inside, where the functional elements are presented. The instrument cluster and infotainment center with radio/navigation sit in front of it, seemingly floating, as additive elements.
The instrument panel and center panels of the doors in the three lines are extensively upholstered in fabric. This high-quality and haptically very pleasant textile surface is reminiscent of the "mesh" inserts of modern sports shoes. The mesh structure is a unique feature in this vehicle segment.
The color and material concept underlines the carefree and charming character of the new smart generation. The equipment lines stand for an independent and individual appearance. The sporty, powerfully contoured front seats are designed as integral seats.
The instrument cluster and its semi-circular segmentation for speed and warning indicators are reminiscent of previous smart models, but at the same time have a new look. The concise spherical nozzles of the air outlets are easy and playful to operate. The central control unit for the air conditioning is also unusual: the desired temperature can be set on a scale in the middle with the aid of a sliding magnifying glass.
The steering wheel in three-spoke design is a multifunction model that can be used to operate the radio or navigation unit positioned centrally in the instrument panel if desired. The infotainment center appears to float and is designed in modern consumer electronics style. The interior thus reflects the values of a young, active and networked generation.
With their elliptical curve, the doors pick up on the "loop" of the instrument panel. The large armrest provides comfort. The honeycomb pattern from the exterior is echoed in the integrated loudspeaker and the tweeter in the mirror triangle.
Success story – an idea catches on
Around 1.6 million smart fortwo models show how successfully the idea of a unique city car has been implemented at smart. Even in the last years of the model life cycle, annual sales remained stable around 100.000 units. In 2013, the smart electric drive was the market leader in germany, ranked number 3 in european electric registration statistics and number 5 worldwide. At the beginning of 2014 the smart fortwo was voted "microcar of the year" in china for the fifth time in succession. Today, five years after the market launch, the country is smart’s second most successful market after germany.