.
Smart Fortwo: Difference between revisions
172.16.2.114 (talk | contribs) |
172.16.2.114 (talk | contribs) |
||
Line 96: | Line 96: | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
[http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/05/31/109354.html Smart Car news] | [http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/05/31/109354.html Smart Car news] | ||
[http://www.automatters.net/2006%20Columns/0185.htm Automotive Journalist Jan Wagner's cross-country Smart road trip] | [http://www.automatters.net/2006%20Columns/0185.htm Automotive Journalist Jan Wagner's cross-country Smart road trip] |
Revision as of 22:11, 11 July 2006
The Fortwo is the original Smart model that was launched in 1998 as City Coupe. The name Fortwo was introduced when Smart began to produce new models. It will make its US debut in 2007 or 2008.
Recent Changes
A major redesign is in the works for the 2007 model year. While not yet released publically, it is known that the car's length is being increased by some margin to meet US safety standards.
Styles and Major Options
Instead of trims or styles, fortwo has three 'design lines': Pure, Pulse, and Passion.
The Pure is the basic model, providing a basic configuration and minimal extras. It is the least expensive of the three.
The Pulse is a sportier model, including leather steering wheels, the unique 'alien eyes' tachometer and clock, alloy wheels, and sportier interior.
The Passion is considered the luxury line, with air conditioning, electric mirrors, and other speciality options.
A cabriolet verison is available.
Pricing
Since the vehicle is not yet available for purchase from dealers in the United States, final pricing remains to be seen.
Gas Mileage
Until the vehicle is formally available in the US, official mileage data is not yet available. However, by European measures, the Smart is considered particularly fuel efficient, averaging 50 mpg for the gasoline model and 69 mpg for the Diesel.
Reliability
The fortwo's Mercedes Benz heritage comes through here, earning the car high marks for reliablility in Europe, Japan, and Canada.
Safety
Probably the biggest concern about the smart car people express is the issue of safety. In the US, 'bigger is better' is the normal rule-of-thumb when it comes to deciding which vehicle is safest. With the fortwo, that rule fast becomes becomes roadkill.
The secret to this vehicles safety rating comes from its 'Tridion Safety Cell.' This cell is designed to retain its shape in a collision, transfering much of the impact force back to the other vehicle. Also, given its size, the likelihood of stiking one of the tires in a collision is high, which means the suspension helps absorb the force of the impact.
To help avoid the crash, the all fortwos come with Electronic Stability Control and Anti-lock brakes as standard features. Dual airbags, self-tensioning seatbelts, knee impact cushions and a collapsible steering column also come standard. Side-impact airbags are available as an option.
US Safety ratings have not yet been set, but in European ratings[1], the fortwo gets a very respectible 3-stars.
Photos
Colors
Main Competitors
Hybrid Models
Unique Attributes
Resale Values
Criticisms
Current Generation: (YYYY–present)
Previous Generations
(Fill in as many as appropriate. Add more if necessary)
Seventh generation (YYYY–YYYY)
Sixth generation (YYYY–YYYY)
Fifth generation (YYYY–YYYY)
Fourth generation (YYYY–YYYY)
Third generation (YYYY–YYYY)
Second generation (YYYY–YYYY)
First Generation/Origins
Worldwide
Design quirks and oddities
Awards
See also
External Links
Automotive Journalist Jan Wagner's cross-country Smart road trip