The new Smart fortwo and forfour have been given UK prices, specs and an on-sale date, which is splendid news for anyone who likes their cars small and easy to park.
Both the Smart fortwo and forfour will go on sale in the UK in early 2015, the latter coming in a choice of 71 and 90hp power outputs and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox – a first for the model. An optional six-speed dual clutch automatic is available.
The 71hp fortwo is said to be capable of 68.9mpg, 93g/km of CO2 emissions and a top speed of 94mph. The £595 more expensive 90hp output is only slightly less frugal, at 67.3mpg, 97g/km of CO2 while being two miles per hour faster.
Coping with the perils of city motoring is still very much the aim. The 2.69m long fortwo has a kerb to kerb turning circle of just 6.95 metres – better than a London cab, which typically needs 7.6 metres, and nearly half as much as a Mercedes S-Class.
The Smart forfour only gets the 71hp output, although Mercedes says the 90hp and optional six-speed automatic gearbox will follow. Fuel economy and emissions are 67.3mpg and 97g/km of CO2, respectively.
Such is the larger dimensions and four seats, Mercedes claims the forfour can accommodate items up to 2.2 metres long and 0.95 metres high. Fewer Ikea trip palavers, then.
A choice of passion, prime and proxy trim levels are available. Passion gets 15-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels, automatic climate control, smart audio system with Bluetooth and either a orange and black or white and black interior.
An extra £695 gets prime, which ups the ante with shinier 15-inch five-twin-spoke alloys, panoramic glass roof, black leather upholstery, heated seats and lane-keeping assist.
Another £695 for proxy gives you black 16-inch eight-Y-spoke alloys, blue and white interior, lane-keeping assist and the sports package comprised 10mm lower suspension, leather multi-function steering wheel, sporty pedals with rubber studs and a chrome exhaust finisher.
Various options can further bump up the spec, including the £1,295 Premium Plus Package. It adds ambient lighting, LED headlamps, rain and light sensors, rear-view camera and a ‘coming home’ function.
A special edition #1 version comes with the Sports and Premium Plus Package as standard in addition to an orange and white paintjob, orange and black interior and various elements of #1 embroidery.
Renault co-developed the fortwo and forfour with Daimler, which explains more than a passing whiff of the third-generation Twingo.
The old Smart forfour was phased after it failed to sell in great numbers.
A fortwo passion with 71hp starts at £11,125 rising to £12,415 for the 90hp proxy, while the Smart forfour starts from £11,620. An edition #1 fourtwo and forfour is £13,720 and £13,820, respectively.
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