메르세데스가 2023 오토 상하이(Auto Shanghai)에서 열린 스마트(Smart) 브랜드 행사를 통해 최초의 스포츠 유틸리티 쿠페, 스마트 #3(smart #3)를 공식 출시했습니다. 스마트 #3의 디자인은 최첨단 연결성을 기본으로 하면서도 메르세데스-벤츠 글로벌 디자인 팀이 독자적으로 개발한 디자인 철학을 더욱 스포티하게 재해석한 것이 특징입니다. 스마트 #3의 출시와 함께 스마트는 미래 도시 모빌리티를 위한 최상의 솔루션을 탐구하는 선구자적 비전에 충실합니다.
안팎의 고급스러운 디자인
스마트 #3의 디자인은 공기역학적 성능을 향상시키기 위해 매끄럽고 부드러운 라인과 운동선수 같은 곡선으로 정의됩니다. 차체는 다양한 디테일로 더욱 강조됩니다. 전면부에는 슬림한 사이버스파크 LED 헤드라이트가 독특한 '샤크 노즈'와 A자형 와이드 그릴과 조화를 이룹니다. 측면에는 눈에 띄는 투톤 루프가 팽팽하게 당겨진 활을 연상시키는 시그니처 라인과 만나 매끄럽고 우아한 스포티 패스트백 실루엣을 완성합니다. 스포일러, C필러, 리어 펜더가 범퍼와 어우러져 모던한 곡선을 연출하고, 픽셀화된 요소의 테일라이트가 고급스러운 느낌을 더합니다.
실내는 터빈 흡입구를 연상시키는 원형 형상으로 스포티한 에너지를 발산하는 콕핏이 차분하고 세련된 구조에 볼륨감 있는 요소를 더했습니다. 조각된 대시보드는 높은 콘솔로 매끄럽게 이어지며, 12.8인치 높이의 중앙 스크린이 있는 중앙 콕핏을 수용합니다.
헤일로 루프에서 나오는 자연광과 멀티컬러 앰비언트 라이트의 인공 조명이 어우러져 실내 분위기를 한층 더 높여줍니다. 더 길어진 휠베이스 덕분에 스마트 #3는 더욱 넓은 실내 공간을 제공합니다. 통합형 헤드레스트는 운전의 편안함을 더욱 높여주고 스포티한 인테리어 디자인 컨셉을 강조합니다. 한편, 13-스피커 Beats® 사운드 시스템이 장착된 인포테인먼트 시스템은 아방가르드한 스마트 #3의 실내 경험을 보완합니다.
또한, 스마트 #3는 생동감 넘치는 포토톤 오렌지 메탈릭과 미래지향적인 일렉트릭 블루 매트 외관과 새로운 바이브런트 브라운 인테리어를 포함한 새롭고 흥미로운 색상으로 출시됩니다.
스마트 #3는 2023년 9월 IAA에서 유럽 관객들에게 공개될 예정이며, 내년 초 각 유럽 시장에 출시될 예정입니다. 유럽 시장용 신형 스마트 #3에 대한 자세한 내용은 추후 공개될 예정입니다.
이름에서 알 수 있듯이 도심에서 쉽고 자유롭게 탈 수 있는 오픈 모델을 지향하고 있습니다.
포이즈는 스마트 EQ 포투 카브리오(Smart EQ Fortow Cabrio)를 기반으로 설계되었으며 디자인 핵심은 짧은 앞 유리, 사고 발생 시 안전 보장을 위한 좌석 뒤에 위치한 2개의 돔입니다.
포이즈 내부에서 가장 시선을 끄는 부분은 반짝이는 금속성 흰색 페인트 마감이죠. 매트 실버 트라이 디온(Tridion)셀과 내외부의 화려한 "스트림 그린" 액센트는 미묘한 대조를 이루고 있습니다.
특이한 점은 인스트루먼트 패널의 중앙 공기 송풍구가 2개의 둥근 디지털 디스플레이로 교체됐다는 점이에요. 이 디스플레이를 사용하여 관련 스마트폰 앱의 콘텐츠를 표시할 수 있습니다.
스마트는 2020년부터 전기차 전용 브랜드가 되며, 이를 위해 차근차근 준비하고 있는 모습입니다.
Stuttgart/Paris. smart celebrates its 20 anniversary at the Paris Motor Show (4 to 14 October) with a show car that interprets and embodies urban driving fun in a refreshing way. The smart forease is extroverted and offers an uncomplicated solution for urban mobility. Seated under the open sky, the driver is at the centre of the hustle and bustle of the city, in which, thanks to the electric drive, they can freely participate. The openness and minimalistic style are a tribute to the pioneering smart concept vehicles "crossblade" (2001) and "forspeed" (2011).
Everyone knows that smart is practical. That smart is cool will be made clear to visitors at the Paris Motor Show by the smart forease show car. Reduced to the essential, it is uncompromisingly open, pays no heed to convention and is, of course, powered by an electric powertrain. It takes up the original motto of smart, reduce to the max, with a twinkle in its eye, standing for the authentic urban mobility that continues to be the underlying concept behind the brand.
Both the smart brand and the smart forease stand for emotionality, lifestyle and attitude. The vehicle owes its unconventional beauty to the opening of the interior to its environment, the absence of a roof and the shorter windscreen. With its radiant, dramatic metallic-white and colour accents in "stream green", the smart forease promises a carefree driving experience, freed from convention, yet in harmony with its surroundings.
"The smart forease embodies a refreshingly simple form of driving fun in the city, standing for urban electric mobility without compromise – because, if in doubt, smart always opts for a consistent approach. The result is a sustainable driving experience built on freedom," says Katrin Adt, new Head of smart from October.
"The smart forease is proof that smart thinks unconventionally. Its design is reduced and pure," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Daimler AG. "The smart forease is a statement of urbanity and individual style. It has the coolness of the metropolis and demonstrates a truly free spirit."
The design: uncompromisingly open based on the smart EQ fortwo cabrio
The designers bring the smart brand aesthetic to life with the smart forease, creating a light-heartedness that results from the unconventional approach typical of smart (ease by being unconventional): unconventional beauty, lightness and energy (energizing lightness) are achieved by reduction to the essential (clever reduction).
Like the concept vehicles "crossblade" (2001) and "forspeed" (2011) before it, the smart forease pays no heed to the convention that a car generally has a roof. It is open to the sun's rays and the wind, allowing its passengers to enjoy a liberated and pure driving experience. The shorter windscreen offers little resistance to the headwind.
The smart forease cleverly focuses on what is essential for urban driving enjoyment. Its manoeuvrability and relaxed openness exert a liberating and invigorating effect on the occupants. Safety comes courtesy of the two domes behind the seats.
The door handles, which are seamlessly recessed in the door, make for an elegant touch. The smart forease has a paint finish in effect-rich metallic-white. This offers a subtle contrast with the matt-silver Tridion cell and the brilliant "stream green" accents both inside and outside. Some of these are instantly noticeable, such as the contrasting green decorative seams on the upholstery, the green border around the media interface and the "stream green" contrast surfaces on the sides of the seats. Others become apparent at second glance from certain angles, such as the green honeycomb look inside the air vents plus further details on the headlamps and wheels.
The open vehicle concept produces a link between exterior and interior, the entire play of colour being at all times in evidence. The interior therefore contributes to the exterior impact of the vehicle. This is also reflected in technical details in the interior. A particular feature is the two round displays in place of centre air vents in the instrument panel – as if there were not already enough fresh air! The displays can be used, for example, to present content from the "ready to" app, which allows the driver to share their smart with friends or to monitor its functions. The speakers of the audio system, which provide a perfect sound for listening to music or making phone calls, are visibly integrated in the rear wall of the cockpit, emphasising the car's cool, playful character.
The smart forease is based on the standard-production smart EQ fortwo cabrio and can therefore be driven. It is a tribute to the two earlier concept vehicles crossblade (2001) and forspeed (2011).
It also affords a preview of the electric future of the smart brand. smart is the first automotive brand with its sights set on a systematic switch from the combustion engine to the electric drive: since 2017, smart has been selling only electric vehicles in the USA, Canada and Norway. From 2020, it will be marketing only battery-electric cars in Europe, too. The rest of the World is due to follow soon after. The smart forease makes it clear that electric cars for use in the city will be anything but boring.
2002: smart crossblade for total openness
This is an area where only few concept vehicles have succeeded: unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2001, the "Crossblade" show car met with such an overwhelming response that smart decided to go into series production with it. From 2002, a small batch of 2000 units was characterised by total openness. The smart crossblade had no doors, roof or windscreen. Its driver was able to drive through the countryside under open skies with the wind in their face for an incomparable driving experience. A narrow, tinted wind deflector, extending across the cockpit area, was all there was to counteract the headwind.
2011: smart forspeed is open and electric
Ten years after the crossblade, smart unveiled another open concept vehicle. The smart forspeed was not intended for series production, but as a radical forerunner of the smart electric drive, which was to come out just a few months later. The forspeed combined contemporary urban mobility with the typical smart fun factor. With no roof or side windows, the two-seater featured a low-profile wind deflector instead of a windscreen in the style of a classic propeller aircraft. The result was an incomparable fresh air experience. Further driving pleasure was guaranteed by the responsive, further-developed electric drive with boost function.
2017 스마트 일렉트릭 드라이브(smart electric drive) 사진 100장입니다.
벤츠의 소형 전문 브랜드인 스마트의 전기차죠.
소문에 따르면 향후 스마트는 모두 전기차로 돌아 설 모양입니다.
본격적으로 시티카 시장을 노리겠다는 의도겠죠
아주 바람직한 변화라고 봅니다.
smart electric drive: agile, quiet and local emission-free urban driving
The driving characteristics are as agile and lively as ever. The ultra-small turning circle also contributes to this, and at 6.95 metres for the two-seater it corresponds precisely to that of its sibling with conventional drive. And every wish will be catered for with regard to colours and optional equipment – electric driving at smart offers maximum scope for customisation.
The charging time is an important factor for electric vehicle customers and the new smart electric drive also boasts major improvements here. All models have a new, powerful on-board charger as a standard feature. In the USA and Great Britain the charging time is 2.5 hours – half as long as for the predecessor. With the "smart control" app the charging process can be conveniently monitored from afar and many more functions such as intelligent charging can be controlled.
From 2017 a particularly powerful 22 kW fast charger will be available as an option. This enables the smart electric drive to be charged much more quickly: in less than 45 minutes if local conditions allow three-phase charging.
The smart fortwo electric drive models are series produced at smart's Hambach plant. The smart forfour electric drive is produced at the Novo Mesto site (Slovenia). The smart is equipped with a battery from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE. The company based in Kamenz, Saxony, has been building the electric heart of the smart electric drive since 2012.
A 60 kW (81 hp) electric motor works at the rear of the smart electric drive and transmits its power via a constant ratio to the wheels. Powerful torque of 160 Nm is immediately available from a standstill. The electric drive has a range of approximately 160 km – ideal for local emission-free mobility in urban areas. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h to maximise the range.
Thanks to the power characteristics of the electric motor, the smart needs just one single fixed gear ratio. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine's direction of rotation changes. The drive is produced in Renault's plant in Clèon, Northern France.
The data for the new smart electric drive at a glance:
smart electric drive
fortwo
fortwo cabrio
forfour
Motor
Separately excited three-phase synchronous motor
Battery
Lithium-ion battery
Battery capacity (kWh)
17.6
Output electric motor (kW/hp)
60/81
Torque electric motor (Nm)
160
Efficiency class
A+
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
11.5
11.8
12.7
Range NEDC (km)
160
155
155
Maximum speed (km/h)
130
Charging time, 20-100% at a household socket (h)
6 (WEU/UK), 13 (USA)
Charging time, 20-100% Wallbox (h)
3.5 (WEU), 2.5 (UK/USA)
Price1 from (euro)
21,940
25,200
22,600
1Recommended retail price for Germany incl. 19% VAT.
As well as the basic transmission mode the driver can select ECO mode. This is designed for a particularly efficient driving style. In addition, the maximum speed is limited, the accelerator pedal curve adjusted and the maximum recuperation level is pre-selected. In overrun mode or when braking the vehicle's kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy – this is called recuperation. The radar-based recuperation, which is active in the basic transmission mode, is anticipatory. The traffic situation is monitored with a radar sensor and a recuperation level that suits the current situation is selected.
To save energy and extend the range, the smart electric drive also features pre-entry climate control. For example, this enables the desired temperature to be reached in the interior while the vehicle is still charging at a socket.
With the "smart control" app lots of electric drive information can be called up via smartphone, tablet or PC and functions such as pre-entry climate control or intelligent charging can be conveniently controlled remotely. The new model has more operating options than the predecessor. For example, two programmable departure times mean that intelligent charging and pre-entry climate control do not always need to be re-set for frequent journeys.
The smart electric drive models surpass the extensive standard equipment of their siblings with conventional drive as they additionally have a dashboard instrument with power meter and battery status display (standard) or on request the winter package with heated steering wheel for maximum climate comfort (optionally available). The electric drive design package (optionally available) gives the vehicle an expressive look with tridion safety cell and door mirror caps painted in exclusive electric green. And every wish can be catered for when it comes to colours and optional equipment as the smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme is also available for the smart fortwo electric drive.
With eye-catching design details in electric green the special model smart electric drive greenflash is an exciting highlight for the market launch. This special smart electric drive will be available as a coupé and a cabrio with prices starting from €27,839 (incl. environmental bonus: €23,459).
After the world premiere in Paris, the new smart fortwo electric drive will be launched in the USA in three months, where most recently around 25 percent of all smarts sold had the battery-electric drive. This will be followed by market launch of the two-seater and four-seater in Europe in spring 2017.
Electric history at smart
With the start of the first electrically driven test fleet in 2007 in London, smart also took on a pioneering role in the field of electric mobility when 100 smart fortwo electric drives took to the roads of the British capital – with great success.
As early as 2009 smart launched the second generation of the smart fortwo electric drive, with the model being introduced in 18 markets. The objective was to gather as much experience as possible about how customers use and charge electric vehicles. The huge demand exceeded all expectations. Instead of the planned 1000 vehicles more than 2000 smart fortwo electric drives were produced in Hambach.
From June 2012 the third generation of the smart fortwo electric drive also succeeded in winning wide-ranging buyers for its innovative and forward-looking drive concept. Moreover, in 2013 the smart fortwo was the first all-electric vehicle from a European importer in China. In Germany, the electric smart established itself as the market leader among battery-electric vehicles within a very short space of time with a market share of around 40 percent and was able to maintain this position for three years in a row.
The smart electric drive also contributed to the success of the brand as part of the car2go fleet with 1400 cars in three cities. As car2go vehicles alone, the smart electric drive has covered more than 35 million km in demanding everyday use since the launch.
깜찍한 신형 스마트 포투 카브리오가 나왔네요. 아직은 사진으로만 확인 할 수 있고 실물은 9월 열리는 2015 프랑크푸르트 모터쇼에서 공개한답니다. 판매는 내년 2월부터 이뤄지고요. 국내에 쿠페가 들어왔으니 이 녀석도 곧 들어오겠군요. 부디 값이 적당했으면 하는 바람. 세컨카로 이보다 좋을 순 없겠네요.
The countdown has started for the new fortwo cabrio, a particularly iconic variant of the new model series. The open-top two-seater will have its world premiere in September at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt.The new smart cabrio will be available for ordering from mid-November and the first models will reach dealers in February 2016.
Three cars in one: at the touch of a button the new smart cabrio is transformed from a closed two-seater into a car with a large sliding canvas sunroof, or a fully fledged cabriolet with the soft top completely open. This enables the fresh air driving experience to be adapted to the weather or the driver's mood. This flexibility offered by the "tritop" folding soft top and the removable roof bars is a special feature – and not just in this segment. At the same time, the new smart cabrio is the only true cabriolet in its vehicle class.
"Our new smart cabrio really exudes joie de vivre in the city – which is what our brand stands for", says Dr Annette Winkler, Head of smart. "I am sure that we will delight our present 220,000 cabrio customers and win lots of new fans with this successful lifestyle icon."
The new smart cabrio (length/width/height: 2.69/1.66/1.55 m) is clearly recognisable as a member of the new smart generation. The third model also embodies the smart design philosophy of FUN.ctional design, defined by two poles - the heart and mind. The design idiom is clear, purist and very progressive. This includes the typical silhouette with ultra-short overhangs, the clear lines, shapes and surfaces and, of course, the tridion safety cell. With the grille in a fading honeycomb design and the rhombic headlamps, the face is unmistakably smart. The B-pillar is narrower than on the closed variant and the styling of the tridion safety cell is more progressive, giving the smart fortwo cabrio an even sportier and more forward-focused look.
Prospective customers can choose between three different colours for the "tritop" fabric soft top: blue denim (jeans look), red or black. The headlining is always grey. The removable roof bars that can be stowed in a compartment in the tailgate come in the tridion colour.
Soft top: opens within twelve seconds
When the sun peeps out from behind the clouds, smart fortwo cabrio drivers can react quickly: the fabric soft top can be opened fully automatically in twelve seconds – even when driving at top speed. With the 3-button key the soft top can also be opened from outside the car by remote control.
Removing the side roof bars enables a full-blown cabrio experience. The roof bars can be stowed on the inside of the tailgate. This stowage compartment in the tailgate also offers additional stowage space for small items, for example fluorescent jacket, first-aid kit or warning triangle.
With an area of 1.8 m2 the "tritop" fabric soft top is approximately four percent larger than its predecessor. The outer covering is made of a particularly lightfast polyacrylic fabric and the inside features a polyester/cotton mix. There is a rubber layer in the middle. The soft top has a total thickness of 20 mm. The rear windscreen is heated and is made of glass.
Safety: occupant protection space validated in roof-drop test
The new smart fortwo cabrio is the most rigid smart cabrio ever. The torsional strength has been improved by around 15 percent compared with the predecessor. The material mix comprises a high proportion of ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steels.
In addition, the cabrio has been specifically reinforced in decisive places in comparison to the coupé. The modifications include a large steel cross under the vehicle, two torsional bulkheads under the vehicle at the front and rear and an inner tube in the A-pillars made of high strength hot-formed steel.
As well as meeting the requirements of mandatory crash tests, the new smart fortwo cabrio – with a safety concept that includes the tridion safety cell typical of the brand for efficient energy absorption – also passes additional Mercedes-Benz crash tests that often have much stricter requirements. This includes the "roof-drop" test. Here the body falls at a slight angle from a height of 50 centimetres onto the roof structure and the vehicle hits one of the two A-pillars.
Advanced assistance systems which were previously the reserve of higher classes of vehicle help to prevent accidents. These include the latest-generation ESP® with Crosswind Assist and hill start assist (standard), forward collision warning (option) and Lane Keeping Assist (option).
Model versions: two engines, two transmissions, three lines
The new cabrio will initially be available with two state-of-the-art three-cylinder engines rated at 52 kW/71 hp and 66 kW/90 hp. Both engines can be combined with the five-speed manual transmission or the fully automatic twinamic dual clutch transmission. Needless to say, the smart fortwo cabrio has the agility typical of the brand – at 6.95 m (from kerb to kerb) and 7.30 m (from wall to wall) turning manoeuvres are extremely simple.
In addition to the three lines passion, prime and proxy, customers can choose from a large range of safety and comfort features – including the new features added in the latest facelift such as smartphone integration with MirrorLink® (standard in combination with the smart Media-System) or the Urban Style package (including black wheel arch linings and lowering kit). The high-quality and charming interior of the smart fortwo cabrio corresponds to that of the closed variant with standard features including two sun visors with make-up mirrors, a centre console with drawer and coat hooks at the rear on the crossbar. A wind deflector is optionally available. The interior styling is sure to delight and is characterised by a "dynamic loop" as a signature feature throughout the interior - emotional sweeping lines which feature on the dashboard and doors, for example.
The new models at a glance:
smart fortwo cabrio
52 kW
66 kW
Number of cylinders/arrangement
3/R
3/R
Displacement (cc)
999
898
Rated output (kW/hp)
52/71
66/90
at rpm
6000
5500 (6200)
Rated torque (Nm)
91
135
at rpm
2850
2500
Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km)
4,3 (4,3)
4.3 (4.2)
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)
99 (99)
99 (97)
Efficiency class
C (B)
B (B)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
14.9 (15.5)
10.8 (11.7)
Maximum speed (km/h)
151 (151)
155 (155)
Figures for vehicles with twinamic in brackets.
Endurance testing: extensive testing in laboratories and on the road
The testing programme for open-top vehicles from Mercedes-Benz Cars is extensive – and identical for all models: The new smart fortwo cabrio was therefore subjected to the same rigorous tests as, for example, the S-Class Cabriolet from Mercedes-Benz. For example, in an endurance test the opening and closing of the soft top was simulated over the whole vehicle life cycle. As well as this component test, which comprises 20,000 cycles, the soft top and the soft top mechanism must also prove themselves in the climatic chamber. Because perfect functioning must also be ensured at temperatures between –15 and +80 degrees centigrade. In addition, an "abuse test" is performed at – 40 degrees centigrade with a completely iced roof: in this case overload protection protects the motor of the soft top drive.
The car wash test ensures that smart cabrio passengers always stay dry. At 500 cycles, the requirements correspond to those for the coupé. In addition to this testing in the development phase, every single smart cabrio is also tested for leak-proofness: at the end of the production at the Hambach plant every vehicle is sprinkled with a standardised amount of water for seven minutes.
The developers tested the maintenance of a draught-free interior in the Mercedes-Benz wind tunnel with the help of the dummy "Tanja". She is fitted with a total of 16 speed sensors on her neck and arms which allow the flow speeds of the wind in the interior to be measured.
In addition, there is extensive overall vehicle testing on testing grounds and roads of different quality around the world.
smart cabrio: a car with cult character for 15 years
At the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1999 smart surprised the world public with a number of new model studies. A cabrio version was presented that was based on the smart city-coupé. This model opened a whole new dimension to the "closed" micro car community by opening up the roof. The smart cabrio offers pure joie de vivre. From the spring of 2000 the world's smallest production cabriolet rolled off the production line and onto European roads. Since the first model change in 2006 the soft top has been fully automatic. For the third generation available from 2010 new soft top colours in red and blue expanded the range of colours.
But this is not the only model in the history of smart to offer a fresh air driving experience. A special vehicle variant that was launched on the market in 2002 offered a true open sky feeling: the smart crossblade. It had no doors, no roof and no windscreen. Its drivers were able drive through the countryside under open skies with the wind in their face for an incomparable driving experience. A narrow, tinted wind deflector was all that was stretched across the cockpit area to reduce the headwind. A year later smart decided to introduce a small series of the vehicle onto the market.
3세대 스마트 포투&포포 화려한 사진들 원본입니다. 널리 알려진 것처럼 르노 트윙고와 같은 플랫폼으로 태어났습니다. 이전과 마찬가지라 RR 구동계를 쓰고 있는데 디자인 완성도는 훨씬, 아주 훨씬 나아 보입니다. 국내에 정식으로 들어오면 당장 사고 싶네요. 물론 트윙고도 아주 매력적이더군요. 땅도 작은데 국내에선 요런 작은 모델들이 많이 팔려야겠죠.
oxy – the new lines
Three equipment lines (passion, prime and proxy) and a wealth of optional items, some of which were previously the reserve of higher segments, make every smart fortwo or smart forfour a unique gem in its own right. Even in the entry-level version, both models offer a comprehensive scope of safety and comfort features. These include LED daytime driving lights, central locking with radio remote control, visual locking-verification signal and immobiliser, cruise control with limiter (variable speed limitation), exterior temperature indicator with frost warning, instrument cluster with monochrome LCD display and trip computer and electric windows in the front.
passion, prime and proxy are the names of the three lines which serve to upgrade the smart fortwo and smart forfour and provide for differentiation particularly in the interior. Their features include a leather multifunction steering wheel, an instrument cluster with 3.5 colour display and heated seats.
To tie in with the market launch of the new smart generation, the edition #1 will also be available for a limited period. This offers exclusive design features such as a tridion safety cell in lava orange combined with bodypanels/body in white on the fortwo and graphite grey on the forfour.
The multimedia systems meet the highest standards, with comprehensive smartphone integration, real-time navigation and intuitive operation with touchscreen. For the first time, smart is offering the JBL sound system, which produces an impressively full sound. It incorporates a 6-channel DSP amplifier (240 W) in the fortwo and an 8-channel DSP amplifier (320 W) on board the forfour. A total of eight (fortwo) or twelve (forfour) high-performance loudspeakers provide for outstanding listening pleasure.
smart cross connect is a revolutionary new app which is available to customers free of charge from smart for the smart fortwo and smart forfour. 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.
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 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 colour contrast between tridion cell and bodypanels is another characteristic feature of the smart brand.
The smart designers refer to the evolutionary development of the silhouette as the "one-and-a-half box" design. A change to the previous one-box proportions became necessary for two reasons: The higher bonnet lends the smart a more grown-up and sportier character.
The smart sports 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 honeycomb is paler towards the outside - the designers refer to this as fading. The radiator trim is available in a variety of colours to match or contrast with the bodypanels, including black, cool silver and white. The second, black cooling air opening in the bumper also features the honeycomb pattern.
The markedly larger updated smart logo in the middle of the grille also demonstrates self-confidence. It is now three-dimensional and almost spherical in shape, harmonising with the smart's distinctly more sensuous lines. The logo features a matt finish rather than a high-gloss look, similarly to all the sparingly applied chrome accents.
The rhombic front lamps are truncated slightly at the top, producing an attractive sporty look. The U-shaped daytime driving lights add a characteristic design feature. In combination with the LED & Sensor package, the headlamps incorporate a welcome function: when the car is unlocked, the light in the headlamps pulsates, as if the smart were welcoming its owner.
A loving attention to detail is demonstrated, for example, by the way in which the honeycomb pattern is cited in the headlamp covers. On the indicators, the honeycomb pattern even performs the function of dispersing the light. The bonnet also highlights the new sculptural lines, describing a powerful and sporty downward sweep between the headlamps.
The new smart forfour is clearly recognisable as a member of the new smart family, sharing many design features with the smart fortwo. Naturally enough, it is in the profile that the greatest difference is to be found between the fortwo and the forfour: the smart fortwo has a large door extending into the B-pillar with a frameless window. The typical smart genes are thus recognisable 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.
The side view of the smart forfour reveals the same elements as the fortwo, but has a longer tridion cell as well as the additional door. The front and rear overhangs appear just as short as on the fortwo. The forfour's roof line slopes downward towards the rear in coupé style.
A new feature on both models is the pronounced shoulderline. This provides both variants with a firm look on the road and establishes a visual separation between vehicle body and greenhouse.
The twin-section tailgate is close to smart drivers' hearts. The new 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 LED & Sensor package: eleven individually illuminated cubes are allocated to each tail light, providing for a striking night design. The typical honeycomb pattern features once again in the clear glass over the indicators and reversing lights in the middle of the lamps.
The smart forfour essentially has the same elements as the smart fortwo. It is fitted with an upward-opening single-section tailgate, however, to enable convenient loading of the lower luggage compartment.
New, rich exterior colours and around 40 combination options between bodypanels and tridion cell boost the brand's upbeat image. New colours now available include moon white (matt), lava orange (metallic) and hazel brown (metallic), which can be applied to contrast with new colours for the tridion cell such as cool silver (metallic) or lava orange (metallic).
Easy-going and charming – the interior design
"Loop" is the designers' name for the emotional sweep that features as a leitmotif in the interior, embellishing the dashboard and doors, for example. 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 centre with radio/navigation appear to hover in front of the dashboard.
The dashboard and the door centre 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 sports shoes. The mesh structure is a USP in this vehicle segment.
The colour and material concept underscores the easy-going and charming character of the new smart 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 instrument cluster and its semi-circular segmentation for speed and warning indicators cites the previous smart models, but in a new look. The striking spherical air vents are simple and fun to use. The centrally positioned air conditioning control unit also features an unusual appearance: the desired temperature can be set on a scale in the middle with the aid of a sliding magnifying glass.
The three-spoke steering wheel is optionally available as a multifunction variant which can be used to control the radio or navigation unit positioned in the centre of the dashboard. The infotainment centre 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.
The doors take up the "loop" of the dashboard with their ellipsoidal sweep. The large armrest provides for comfort. The honeycomb pattern from the exterior is cited on the integrated loudspeaker and the tweeter in the mirror triangle.
Smallest turning circle of any car – the concept
Short overhangs, minimal length, high steering angle. The new smart models have everything it takes to manoeuvre elegantly into any parking space - and around every corner, too. When it comes to the turning circle, the new smart fortwo sets a new benchmark: at 6.95 m (from kerb to kerb) and 7.30 m (from wall to wall) it makes turning manoeuvres extremely simple. And the new smart forfour turns almost as compactly as the previous fortwo (wall to wall: 8.75 m). Its statistics are 8.65 m (kerb to kerb) and 8.95 m (wall to wall).
The smart fortwo and smart forfour 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. Both the new models from smart attain top ratings for this criterion: 75% (smart fortwo) and 77 % (smart forfour).
The key dimensions of the two new smart models:
smart fortwo
smart forfour
Length (m)
2.69
3.49
Width (m)
1.66
1.66
Height (m)
1.55
1.55
Wheelbase (mm)
1.873
2.494
Turning circle (kerb-to-kerb) (m)
6.95
8.65
Turning circle (wall-to-wall) (m)
7.30
8.95
Interior length (accelerator pedal to rear end) (mm)
2011.6
2707.3
Body space index (ratio of length to interior length) (%)
75
77
Luggage compartment capacity (behind front seats) (L)
260
730
Luggage compartment capacity (behind front seats to roof) (L)
Luggage compartment capacity (behind rear seats to roof) (L)
-
255
The new smart forfour naturally offers even more loading capacity. The rear seat backrests can be folded down to produce a level load surface measuring 1285 x 996 mm with a cargo volume of up to 975 litres – the benchmark in its segment. The loading length with the front passenger seat backrest folded forward is also exceptional, at 2.22 metres.
And on top of all this, reversible cushions are optionally available for the rear seats in the forfour. The "ready space" seats in the rear can be turned around and lowered substantially in next to no time to produce 12 cm more loading height inside, which is very simple to make use of thanks to the rear doors which open to an angle of almost 90°.
Markedly more comfortable – the chassis
The new smart has essentially been configured for gently understeering handling characteristics. The different tyre sizes at front and rear have thus been retained, whereby the narrower front tyres 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. A hill hold function and brake assist are integrated in the brake system.
The engineers have designed a new McPherson suspension with a triple-path head bearing for the front axle. Each wheel is controlled by a wishbone under the wheel centre, 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 new smart runs markedly more smoothly over uneven surfaces than previously.
The new smart models also feature a sophisticated De-Dion rear axle, which has been modified for substantially greater comfort. New elements are the twin-tube shock absorbers and separate barrel-shaped helical springs. Two elastomer shims provide for effective noise decoupling of the helical springs between body and rear axle.
The Sports suspension package is optionally available to those seeking sportier handling from their smart. The springs are firmer here and the vehicle is ten millimetres lower.
As standard, the new smart models come with mechanical rack-and-pinion steering. The 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
Advanced assistance systems which were previously the reserve of higher classes of vehicle further enhance safety and comfort. These include Crosswind Assist (standard), forward collision warning (option) and Lane Keeping Assist (option).
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 80 km/h 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 (option) helps to defuse such dangerous situations. It can prevent rear-end collisions when the driver approaches the end of a traffic jam, for example. 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.
The driver is warned in two stages: when a vehicle ahead is detected, a warning lamp first of all lights up in the instrument cluster, if the distance is not within the safe range (stage 1). If the closeness to the vehicle ahead becomes critical, giving rise to a danger of collision, a warning tone additionally sounds (stage 2). The driver is thus urged to take action in the
form of emergency braking or a specific evasive manoeuvre to avoid a rear-end collision. The combined visual and audible warning is initiated in case of moving or stationary vehicles in the speed range from 7 km/h to top speed. Stationary vehicles are detected when the driver is travelling at a speed from 7 to 90 km/h.
Vehicles veering off the road or collisions with oncoming traffic are among the most common and most severe types of accident. Lane Keeping Assist (option) helps to avoid such crashes. A video camera scans road markings and detects differences in contrast between the road surface and boundary lines in real time. A control unit processes the data from the camera and the driver's activities. The system is able to recognise whether the driver intends to leave the lane by checking whether an indicator has been activated, for example. If a danger is detected, an audible warning tone is output and a visual warning is displayed in the form of a symbol in the instrument cluster.
The bodyshell of the new model series and the tridion safety cell have undergone further development to adapt them to the more stringent safety requirements in the crash test and to the new smart forfour. 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, for example. The forces are channelled into the extremely robust passenger cell, which is designed as a safety cage. Particularly extensive work went into adapting the new 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. In the area of computer simulation, for example, where it was possible to calculate in detail the behaviour 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 new smart fortwo underwent the same development programme as the new Mercedes-Benz
C-Class, for example. As it has been evolved for the global market, the number of crash tests was four times what is 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 new 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 minimise accident-induced physical stress in the event of a collision.
Driver and front passenger are each provided with a 3-point seat belt with belt force limiter and pyrotechnic belt tensioner as standard. The rear seats in the smart forfour each have a three-point seat belt with pyrotechnic belt tensioner and belt force limiter – features which other manufacturers do not necessarily provide as standard, even in higher classes of vehicle. A rear belt status indicator in the overhead control panel comes as standard.
The ISOFIX fastening system with TopTether attachment features as standard on the passenger seat of the fortwo and the rear seats of the forfour, providing a simple means of attaching child seats rigidly to the vehicle. The child seats themselves come from the Mercedes-Benz range.
The headrests for driver and front passenger are integrated in the backrests. They reduce the risk of injuries to the cervical vertebrae in a rear-end collision.
The smart models come with driver airbag, driver kneebag and front passenger airbag as standard. The kneebag has a positive influence on occupant kinematics in a frontal collision, thus offering the driver additional protection in many frontal collision scenarios. The principle of the telescoping steering column has been adopted 1:1 from the Mercedes-Benz range.
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.
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 specialised suppliers and service companies for numerous areas of production.
There is close contact between the smart plant in Hambach and the Renault production plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, where the new smart forfour rolls off the production line as part of the cooperation agreement between smart and Renault. The involvement of the production and quality experts from the Hambach plant ensures that all vehicles of the new smart generation meet the smart quality standards in full, irrespective of where they are produced.
The success story – an idea wins through
1998 saw the launch of an excitingly different car – the smart city coupé, which has since long become known as the smart fortwo. Measuring little more than two and a half metres in length, the uncompromising two-seater fitted crossways into parking spaces and established a new class of its own. Idea and brand successfully established worldwide.
With its uniquely short design, the smart is simply unbeatable for city driving – much to the delight of smart drivers in ever more cities all over the world. Following the smart fortwo's initial launch in Germany and eight other European countries, it is now available in 46 countries across the globe.
It has always been part of the smart concept to offer customers numerous additional services in the area of individual mobility. Back in an early phase of the brand's history, for example, the smartmove programme enabled drivers to hire a larger car on favourable terms, to reserve special parking spaces and to avail themselves of a car sharing programme – services which have since undergone further development and which remain closely linked to smart today as "smart add-on" or "car2go".
smart is also a pioneer of the local emission-free electric drive: 2012 saw the launch of the third-generation smart fortwo electric drive. With the new models, smart customers can enjoy even more fun at the wheel of an attractively priced vehicle that has the familiar compact dimensions, be it in coupé or cabrio style. With its 55 kW electric motor the smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 - 60 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and with a maximum speed of 125 km/h driving pleasure is also guaranteed on urban motorways. The
17.6 kWh battery enables the urban two-seater to travel approximately 145 kilometres in city traffic without producing any local emissions. The new sale&care model makes opting into electric mobility particularly attractive: it offers customers an opportunity to buy, finance or lease the vehicle at an attractive price and to rent the battery for a monthly fee.
2012 also witnessed the introduction of the first smart with just two wheels: the smart ebike features an unconventional design in line with the style of the brand, functions appropriate for city use and high technology standards which are reflected by an extremely efficient high-performance drive package among other merits.
Total sales for the smart fortwo well in excess of 1.5 million show how successfully smart has turned the idea for this unique city car into reality. Annual sales also remained stable around the 100,000 mark in the final years of the model lifecycle. In 2013 the smart electric drive war was the market leader in Germany and ranked 3rd in Europe and 5th worldwide in the registration statistics for electric cars. At the beginning of 2014 the smart fortwo won the title of "Microcar of the Year" for the fifth time in succession in China. Today, five years after the market launch, China is the third most successful market for smart, after Germany and Italy.
