The Smart ForTwo is determined to make its presence felt in the North American market, which is evitable by the fact that it only retains 10 % components of its predecessor. Scheduled for sales in the US by 2008, the latest edition of the ForTwo will be available in both Cabriolet and Coupe guises.
The Smart ForTwo boss Ulrich Walker claims that the latest version has been produced at a 25% lower production cost, something, which he says, will finally see the Smart posting profits beginning in 2008. At the first glance, one can hardly differentiate the Smart from its predecessor barring the shape of the headlights and minor exterior changes but the truth is that this latest version has a lot more to it.
The changes have been incorporated keeping in mind the crash regulations, which means, the Smart now offers more safety in comparison to the previous version. Smart ForTwo now has a longer front overhang to meet the pedestrian safety laws in Europe. The Rear Overhang has also been lengthened to see it past the NHSTA’s high-speed rear impact test.
Statistically the new ForTwo is 7.6 inches longer, 1.7 inch wider and 0.3 inch taller than its antecedent. There have been some dramatic changes in the interior as well; the conventonal dashboard has been replaced by an upright structure claimed to increase passive safety.
The new ForTwo has a 1.0 liter three-cylinder , direct injection engine assembled by Mitsubishi Japan which will be offered in three versions producing 61 hp , 71 hp and a turbocharged version producing 84 hp. It is backed by clutchless five -speed manual transmission. Three engine versions obviously mean the outgoing ForTwo will be available in three trims - Pure, Pulse and Passion.
Inspite of selling more than 750,000 in eight years the Smart ForTwo never registered profits; let’s just hope this sequel finally gives Ulrich, a reason to smile!
Image Credit : Digiads
Courtesy : Autoweek
