Smart Fortwo City Car
The new Smart is larger than the original, but not by much. It’s 7.6 inches longer than before and almost 2 inches wider, with a roughly 2-inch-longer wheelbase. This increase was required to provide additional luggage capacity and to meet pedestrian safety requirements. But despite this, the Fortwo is still a tiny car. At 106 inches long, it’s more than 3 feet shorter than the new Mini.
Clever packaging makes the most of the space. Just one engine will be offered in the U.S. — a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder developing 71 horsepower and 68 pound-feet of torque — and it’s mounted under the trunk floor, just in front of the rear axle. The steeply raked rear hatch provides a surprisingly spacious load bay. There are 7.8 cubic feet of cargo space, which gives it an edge over the Mini. Occupant space is also generous. The passenger seat is positioned slightly behind the driver seat to optimize shoulder room, and this 6-foot-4-inch scribe had no trouble getting comfortable.
Smart would like you to think that its new styling has ‘grown up’. The exterior shape, while still instantly recognizable, is more angular and masculine than before. Inside, the cutesy curves of the original have been replaced by a blocky center console that’s disappointingly conventional. At least the periscope-like rev counter and clock — trademark Smart features — have been retained.
Tags: 3 feet, cargo space, City Car, cubic feet, fortwo, luggage capacity, new smart, occupant space, passenger seat, pedestrian safety, periscope, pound feet, rear axle, rear hatch, rev counter, safety requirements, smart features, tiny car, trunk floor, wheelbase
