Launched in Europe last fall, the next-generation 2016 Smart ForTwo is coming to the U.S. with its debut this week at the New York Auto Show.
With its iconic size and profile largely intact, meaning it didn’t grow larger like cars often do, it has all-new styling inside and out.
The interior gets upgraded with finer quality ingredients and all the latest infotainment technologies. Luckily it retains its not-taken-too-seriously style that can be infinitely customized with color and materials.
A new facial expression has a more mature yet still playful demeanor and the side profile still has its trademark Tridion passenger cell exoskeleton framework for all to see.
Safety is said to be enhanced with increased use of high strength steels. Parent company Mercedes-Benz brings some of their trademark safety technology down to the ForTwo like crosswind assist and forward collision warning systems.
Chassis improvements too bring a more mature driving experience at least in terms of refinement. A front suspension derived from the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and a new DeDion rear axle offer up increased suspension travel. And there is an optional sport suspension.
In the States we get a singular engine option, an 89 horsepower .9 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine mounted in the rear under the cargo floor.
We’ll get two transmission choices for the first time though including both a five-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Nice.
While EPA fuel economy figures haven’t been yet released, we can only hope they are better than the current model which hardly does better than the average compact car.
