2017 smart fortwo Launches with Additional Options for Increased Customization

The revolution enters the next round – the smart fortwo coupe has undergone improvements in virtually all areas and is markedly more comfortable. Drive power is supplied by a state-of-the-art three-cylinder engine rated at 89 hp, while power transmission is performed by a five-speed manual transmission or the twinamic automatic dual clutch transmission (DCT). A host of innovative details guarantee even more fun in the city.

The smart brand appeals to the heart and mind in equal portion. An expressive design idiom and coloring embody pure 'joie de vivre.' The compact proportions and clever details attest to unique functionality. The new smart fortwo is instantly recognizable as a member of the smart family with many distinctive design features including the trademark smart headlamps and front grille and the iconic tridion safety cell. In addition, its intelligent rear engine setup helps ensure the smart fortwo is particularly agile in urban traffic.

Extreme agility and optimum use of space – more fun in the city

Short overhangs, minimal length, and ultra-high steering angle: the smart fortwo has everything it takes to maneuver elegantly into any parking space - and around every corner, too. When it comes to the turning circle, the smart fortwo sets a new benchmark: at 22.8 ft (from curb to curb) and 24 ft (from wall to wall) it makes turning maneuvers extremely simple.

This smart fortwo coupe also leads the way once again with regard to the maximum of space packed into minimal dimensions, as documented by the excellent body space index. Additional highlights include the folding front passenger seat backrest for maximum versatility.

Real Life Safety – safety features

The essential safety concept embodied so successfully by the preceding models has been retained. Like a nut, the soft interior is protected from harm by a rigid shell: the tridion cell. A high proportion of ultra-high strength hot- formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steel is now used on the smart. In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz "Real Life Safety" philosophy, the focus in car-to-car crash tests was on compatibility with substantially larger and heavier vehicles. The new smart vehicles performed well in frontal collisions with the S- and C-Class.

Advanced assistance systems which were previously reserved for higher classes of vehicle further enhance safety and comfort. These include Crosswind Assist (standard) and forward collision warning (optional).

A front axle design adopting elements of the previous Mercedes-Benz C-Class, an optimized De Dion rear axle, substantially increased spring travel all round, tires with higher side walls and an unprecedentedly small turning circle are the highlights of the new chassis. The chassis and suspension of the new smart generation have been evolved on the basis of the experience acquired with previous smart models and designed for markedly enhanced ride comfort.

Three-cylinder engine, dual clutch transmission – the drive system

A state-of-the-art turbocharged three-cylinder engine is standard on the smart fortwo; the turbo engine is rated at 89 hp. The 898 cc engine mobilizes maximum torque of 100 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The turbocharger features an electronically controlled waste gate which enables increased engine dynamics in conjunction with a sustainable reduction in fuel consumption.

Apart from the turbocharger, a whole range of other technical measures also contributes to the engine's excellent fuel efficiency and performance. These include variable swirl control and variable adjustment of the inlet valves. Another defining trait of the all-aluminum three-cylinder engine is the square bore/stroke ratio.

Both transmission variants are available for smart: customers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission and the twinamic six-speed dual clutch transmission.

pure, passion, prime and proxy

The most important features at a glance:

• The entry-level pure line offers a comprehensive scope of safety and comfort features. These include LED daytime driving lights, central locking with radio remote control, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, smart radio, Bluetooth® (hands-free/audio streaming), power steering, exterior temperature indicator with frost warning, instrument cluster with 3.5-inch color display and trip computer, and power windows.
• The passion line is very stylish and modern with a choice of color combinations in black/orange, black/white, or black/grey for the interior. The multifunction steering wheel in leather, power and heated mirrors, and a retractable cargo cover combine a high-quality ambience with functionality.
• Features such as black leather seats with grey topstitching, a multifunction steering wheel and shift lever knob in leather give the interior of the prime line an elegant and classic look. Standard equipment features include fog lamps, heated seats for driver and passenger, exterior LED lighting, ambient lighting, rain and light sensor, and panorama roof.
• The proxy line defines itself as an innovative trendsetter. Highlights are the seats in leather look and white/blue fabric. The Sport package with 16-inch alloy wheels is perfect for dynamic motoring, and the JBL® 8-speaker sound system provides an impressive audio experience.

FUN.ctional – the exterior design

Extremely short overhangs at front and rear – the new smart generation also possesses these typical proportions. And thanks to the 100 mm (3.9 inches) wider track, the wheels are positioned further outwards. These characteristic proportions offer outstanding visibility and agility and, together with the rear engine, enable a passenger cell accommodating an unrivalled amount of space in such compact dimensions. The color contrast between tridion cell and body panels is another characteristic feature of the smart brand.

The smart fortwo features a friendly but self-assured face. A decisive feature of this friendly face is the signature smart grille, which is now slightly larger. The grille's perforated structure results from a honeycomb pattern. The radiator trim is available in a variety of colors, including black, cool silver, black-to-yellow and white. It is now possible to mix and match the grille and tridion cell colors for increased personalization.

The smart fortwo is clearly recognizable as a member of the new smart family. It has a large door extending into the B-pillar with a frameless window. The typical smart genes are thus apparent from afar on the road: the striking door contours and the unique tridion cell. A characteristic swage line, such as features in the middle of the doors, underscores the brand image. This is followed by the fuel filler cap on the right and the air inlet for the rear engine under the B-pillar on the left. As previously, the door is lined with a panel in high-quality lightweight plastic. This allows the king of the car park to shrug off any knocks and bumps from other road users- perfect for urban parking!

A new feature on the smart fortwo is the pronounced shoulder line. This provides a firm look on the road and establishes a visual separation between the vehicle body and greenhouse.

The twin-section tailgate is close to smart drivers' hearts. The smart fortwo thus boasts this special feature once again, enabling the vehicle to be loaded even in the tightest parking spaces.

The rhombic tail lights framed by the tridion cell are reminiscent of the first smart generation and combine with the large track width to emphasize the width at the rear. A unique LED scenario is optionally available in conjunction with the Lighting package: eleven individually illuminated cubes are allocated to each tail light, providing for a striking night design.

To provide even greater customer customization, tridion cell colors and grill colors are no longer linked. Three new tridion cell colors are available for ordering on MY17 models: jupiter red, lava orange metallic and graphite grey matte.

Easy-going and charming – the interior design

"smart stands for FUN.ctional design, as the brand is defined by two poles – the heart and mind. The design idiom is clear and purist and therefore very progressive. The typical smart attributes are being carried into a new era: the typical silhouette with the ultra-short overhangs, the clear lines, forms and surfaces, the tridion cell and the updated, likeable smart face," says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG.

"Loop" is the designers' name for the emotional sweep that features as a theme in the interior, embellishing the dashboard and doors. The sculptural dashboard itself consists of two sections - a bold and sensuous outer section which can optionally be covered with fabric, and a large, concave inner section incorporating the functional elements. In front of the dashboard, the instrument cluster and the infotainment center with radio/navigation appear to hover in front of the dashboard.

The dashboard and the door center panels feature extensive fabric coverings in the three lines. This high-quality textile surface is very pleasant to the touch and is reminiscent of the mesh inserts in modern running shoes. The mesh structure is a USP in this vehicle segment.

The color and material concept underscores the easy-going and charming character of the smart fortwo generation, with the equipment lines standing for a distinctive and individual appearance. The sporty front seats with bold contours are designed as integral seats.

The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel can be used to control the radio or navigation unit positioned in the center of the dashboard. The infotainment center in modern consumer electronics style appears to hover in front of the dashboard. The interior thus reflects the values of a young, active and networked generation.

smart cross connect is a revolutionary and class-exclusive app which is available to customers free of charge from smart for the smart fortwo. smart cross connect offers even more features while on the move and outside of the vehicle. smart parking is among the features which now offer a more user- friendly design and incorporate new functions.

Smallest turning circle of any car

Short overhangs, minimal length, high steering angle. The smart fortwo has everything it takes to maneuver elegantly into any parking space - and around every corner, too. When it comes to the turning circle, the smart fortwo sets a benchmark at 22.8 ft. (from curb to curb) and 24 ft. (from wall to wall) it makes turning maneuvers extremely simple. The smart fortwo makes exceptional use of the available space. The smart engineers have developed the body space index (BSI) to describe how efficiently space is used. It describes the ratio of interior to exterior length, whereby the interior length is measured from the accelerator pedal in unused position along a horizontal line to the rear end, as a simple means of comparison between different vehicles. At 75%, the smart fortwo attains top ratings for this criterion.

Markedly more comfortable – the chassis

The smart fortwo has essentially been configured for gently understeering handling characteristics. The different tire sizes at front and rear have thus been retained, whereby the narrower front tires in conjunction with a high outside wheel turn angle contribute to the unprecedentedly small turning circle. ABS, ASR and ESP® are ready to intervene at the critical limits of road- holding. Hill-Start Assist and brake assist are integrated in the brake system.

The engineers have designed a McPherson suspension with a triple-path head bearing for the front axle. Each wheel is controlled by a wishbone under the wheel center, the McPherson strut and a tie rod. Comfort and guide bearings for the wishbones provide for added comfort, along with the markedly increased overall spring travel. During the compression phase in particular, the smart runs markedly more smoothly over uneven surfaces than previously.

The smart fortwo also features a sophisticated De-Dion rear axle, which has been modified for substantially greater comfort. Two elastomer shims provide for effective noise decoupling of the helical springs between body and rear axle.

The sport suspension is available as part of the optional Sport Package to those seeking sportier handling from their smart. The springs are firmer here and the vehicle is ten millimeters lower.

The standard Direct-Steer system with variable ratio and electric power assistance provides for considerably enhanced driving enjoyment, even better handling and increased efficiency.

Crosswind Assist as standard – active safety

Several advanced assistance systems are available on the smart fortwo, including Crosswind Assist (standard) and forward collision warning (optional).

Every car driver will be familiar with risky situations when surprised by strong gusts of wind while overtaking trucks or on bridges. Standard-fit crosswind assist is able to defuse such dangerous situations by carrying out specific braking intervention when the vehicle threatens to drift off track. As a result, less countersteering effort is required of the driver. Crosswind assist is active from 50 mph when driving straight ahead and in gentle bends. The ESP® indicator lights up in the instrument cluster in response to noticeable intervention by crosswind assist.

A brief lapse in concentration is all it takes for the driver to edge too close to the vehicle ahead – this is one of the main causes of serious traffic accidents. The forward collision warning (optional) helps to defuse such dangerous situations. For example, it can prevent rear-end collisions when the driver approaches the end of a traffic jam. The system can also prompt the driver to take action in dangerous traffic situations in the city, thereby helping to avoid accidents. The distance to the vehicle ahead and the closing speed are monitored continuously by mid-range radar.

Comprehensive occupant protection – passive safety

The bodyshell of the smart fortwo and the tridion safety cell have undergone further development to adapt them to even more stringent safety requirements. A high proportion of ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steel is now used. These are used in the sidewall and in particular in the substructure.

In order to assure the structures of a high level of deformation and energy absorption capacity in frontal collisions, the new smart generation has been provided with the largest possible crumple zones and attention has been devoted to ensuring an effective flow of the accruing forces.

In a severe frontal collision, the rear structure also helps to absorb the energy acting on the vehicle. The forces are channeled into the extremely robust passenger cell, which is designed as a safety cage. Particularly extensive work went into adapting the front axle carrier to crash requirements.

The highly robust tridion passenger cell is able to prevent major deformation even in very severe collisions, thus helping to protect the occupants' space. The fuel tank is located safely outside the deformation zone in front of the rear axle.

The Mercedes-Benz safety engineers were involved in the cooperation project with Renault throughout all phases of the development process and were able to contribute their amassed know-how. For example, this was particularly helpful in the area of computer simulation, where it was possible to calculate in detail the behavior of individual weld spots or the newly introduced bonding methods, such as MIG soldering.

The number of assessed collision cases far exceeded the mandatory scope, both in the simulations and in real crash testing. The smart fortwo underwent the same development program as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, for example. As it was designed for the global market, the number of crash tests was four times that required for vehicles designed primarily for the European market.

In keeping with the Mercedes-Benz "Real Life Safety" philosophy, the focus in car-to-car tests was on compatibility with substantially larger and heavier vehicles. The smart fortwo was required to demonstrate its capabilities in frontal collisions with the S- and C-Class.

The way in which all components (body, seat belts, airbags and sensor system) interact is crucial to effective protection. The forward displacement space for the occupants is to be sufficient to provide them with an adequate deceleration distance to minimize accident-induced physical stress in the event of a collision.

The smart fortwo comes with 8 airbags as standard. The kneebags have a positive influence on occupant kinematics in a frontal collision, thus offering the occupants additional protection in many frontal collision scenarios.

The standard-fit sidebags (head-thorax bags) are accommodated in the driver and front passenger seat backrests and provide side cover for the respective occupants' head and chest. The sidebags incorporate two chambers to enable due adaptation to different sizes of head / upper body. When inflated in side-on collisions they are able to lower the degree of stress to which the chest area is exposed and reduce the risk of the head colliding directly with the side window or other objects likely to cause injuries, such as a pylon, a tree or parts of a colliding vehicle. The occupants' pelvic areas are additionally protected by deformation elements installed at appropriate points in the door panels.

Practical  equipment combinations:  the packages

smart has combined various features in two practical packages:

• Building on the lines, the Sport Package underscores the car's dynamism on both a technical and visual level. Lowering the vehicle by 10 millimeters lowers the center of gravity for even better roadholding. The Sport package is a standard feature of the proxy line (without the sport wheels) and is available as an option for passion and prime.
• The Lighting Package comprises headlamps with daytime driving lights featuring LED fiber optic technology and LED taillamps. It comes standard in conjunction with prime and proxy.

Production – Hambach plant remains a role model

Highly efficient assembly and logistics operations and suppliers based directly on site at the plant as system partners: since it was opened in October 1997 the smart plant in Hambach, Lorraine, has stood for the success story of an innovative, particularly lean production concept which continues to set new standards in its area of the automobile industry. With investments in the order of 200 million euros for production of the new generation of the two-seater, the plant has brought its original production concept into line with the state of the art while further increasing the flexibility of production operations. The innovative, lean production concept at 'smartville' is based on smart assuming overarching control of the plant and responsibility for the end product, while at the same time drawing on the expertise of specialized suppliers and service companies for numerous areas of production.