Smart #5 Reviews

The snow-capped start to the car year is traditionally a showcase for a wide range of concept cars and Lexus and Smart have gone early with teaser details on their contenders.The Lexus is a new sporty model that takes its inspiration from the company's LFA supercar and the Smart is a baby ute that pokes fun at the reinvention of the ForTwo.The two companies will not be alone in Motown next month, with Nissan planning a preview of its Pathfinder, Honda likely to show another NSX supercar concept and a tease for its next Accord, and Chrysler Jeep intending to make a splash with a couple of futuristic show cars.Lexus is not revealing much about its new car, although it has released teaser pictures of the nose and cabin and plans to also go public with a name before the car is unveiled on Monday, January 9.But the 19-inch alloy wheels and deep front airdam point to something that's more like the LFA than another CT200-style hybrid, and it shares the Darth Vader-style 'thimble' grille treatment already applied to the new Lexus GS."It's a concept car. it's not an update of an existing model," confirms Peter Evans of Lexus Australia.But he is keen to keep a distance between the Lexus concept and Toyota's new sports car hero."It has no commonality, nor does it have anything in common with, the Toyota 86," says Evans.There is definite production potential in the Detroit display car but, typically, it will take a people-power movement to convince Lexus executives in Japan to move it beyond a tasty piece of tinsel."The picture will get clearer over the next couple of weeks," Evans says.Apart from the concept, Lexus is also expected to show a revamped LX four-wheel drive. The heavyweight SUV, which is a tweaked Toyota LandCruiser, was originally expected at the Dubai motor show last month but its place was taken by the Toyota 86 at the last minute.Over at Smart, the baby ute is called the Smart-for-us and is deliberately poking fun at the over-complication of cars in the 21st century."This is to give people a flavour of what's possible at Smart. It's to keep people interested in the brand," says Smart's Australian spokesman, David McCarthy."I wouldn't be betting on a ute, but there will be some other design cues there for people to check.The rollout for the new ForTwo has already run through the Forvision concept and the Detroit-mobile shares the same battery power pack and electric engine.The concept is wider and longer than the ForTwo to emphasise the compact proportions, as well as making space for a tray back that can carry a couple of bicycles. In some ways it's closer in size to a potential replacement for the underachieving ForFour than the baby ForTwo."We at smart love pick-ups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable," says the CEO of Smart, Annette Winkler.

Smart, the company that produces tiny For Two city car is toying with the idea of building a modern day version of the iconic Suzuki ute.The eco-friendly arm of Mercedes-Benz has released sketches of a concept ute it intends to reveal at next month's Detroit Motor Show. Smart says its special concept vehicle, dubbed the For Us, challenges the idea of what an urban `pick-up' should look like.It certainly is smaller than any other ute available in the US, measuring just 3547mm from nose to tail. The For Us is 1506mm tall and 1701mm wide.Smart says it is the compact nature of the For Us and especially its narrow width that would enable it to reach destinations that out of bounds for cars including "isolated park trails". It would also be able to drive into areas that could ban vehicles with regular combustion engine, such as the centres of some large cities, because the For Us is powered by an electric motor.Using a similar set-up to the For Two Electric Drive, which is due to be launched early next year, the For Us concept uses a 55kW motor with 130Nm of torque fed by a lithium-ion battery with a 17.6kWh capacity.Smart says the For Us shouldn't have any trouble keeping up on highways as it would have a top speed of 120km/h. Don't expect to get too much in the tray because it is less than 1 metre long (900mm). However, the Smart's electronically operated tailgate does slide down out of the way so long items can be placed on the bed.The two-seat cabin is futuristic, with a smart phone cradle replacing the rear-view mirror. A rear-mounted camera captures what is happening the vehicle and the footage is shown on the phone's display.The Smart ute sits up higher off the ground compared to For Two hatch and has a slightly masculine design theme. Smart adds that the concept car has a "friendly but assertive" face. There is no word on whether the For Us could end up in production or whether it is simply a fun design study.

The baby B-Class is already public and the runout of a whole range of small cars continues early next year. Mercedes is starring an electric teaser for the next Smart ForTwo at the Tokyo Motor Show that has the colour and movement intended to win Japanese buyers to the brand.But there is much more to come in 2012 and the design director at Mercedes-Benz, Gordon Wagener, is blunt in his assessment of the company's earlier work."We will have the Coupe at the Geneva Motor Show," Wagener tells Carsguide at the Tokyo Motor Show."There will eventually be five cars. Or more ... "These will be youthful. Particularly the coupe. It's based on the new B-Class platform."But Wagener is no fan of the outgoing A and B-Class cars and their boxy styling. "These were old man's cars. They damaged the reputation of our brand."The new coupe is expected to be called the CLC and will be presented alongside a rounded five-door A-Class that is a world away from the outgoing model.Wagener says the arrival of the new B-Class family also opens the way for AMG hotrod versions of the cars, which were previously excluded from the work of the performance division. And he promises cleaner design on the go-fast models."We now have total control of all AMG design. It is now fully integrated," he says. "It's about the detailing. There is more we can do. Some of the stuff in the past has not been particularly elegant."

The most likely site of the preview is the Paris Motor Show in the final quarter of 2012, based on strong sales in crowded European capital cities.

The new Smart ForTwo is expected to be more rounded than the current model, which has always looked like a telephone box with wheels.

The smart was so far ahead of the curve that it missed the ballgame when it launched here in 2003. Australians at that time weren't prepared to consider a micro car and it didn't emulate its European success, where the Merc-built model was a popular city commuter. Fast forward to 2011 and small cars are increasingly in vogue. So, is the two-seat runabout a smart choice now?VALUEA $19,990 sticker price doesn't look like a smart buy in a market where the Holden Barina Spark, Suzuki Alto and Nissan Micra all undercut it by $7000 or more. And they have back seats and a boot. What the Smart does have is rear-wheel drive and the best fuel use of a conventional-engined car at 4.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 100g/km. The limited  edition "night orange" model seen here was a sellout, despite costing an extra $2800. In the UK, Aston Martin can't make enough of their Toyota iQ-based Cygnets, even at $55,000, so the re's definitely a market for upmarket city cars.DESIGNThe fortwo is all about packaging. The 999cc three-cylinder engine is mounted directly above the rear wheels so the 200-litre boot is up front. The dash plastics are as good as anything in the class and the overall cabin quality feels better than its rivals, but so it should. The exterior shape is three years old but still edgier than anything else in this market and is a big part of the reason the Smart appeals to young Europeans, according to Mercedes.TECHNOLOGYThe micro car concept is the gamechanger here. Mercedes had no competition when it launched this car in 1998. The design was widened and centre of gravity lowered when the Smart infamously failed a simulated rollover "moose test". It is the only car in this segment using an automated manual transmission but the five-speeder shifts slower than a politician in front of the cameras.SAFETYThere's not much room for crumple zones in the fortwo. Instead, Mercedes developed the tridion safety cell, the black or silver bit that runs from the A pillar to the bottom on the doors. It is a triple-layered steel cell with sliding beams front and rear to absorb small impacts without damaging the cell itself. There are also four airbags and safety software you expect in small cars. EuroNCAP gave it four stars.DRIVINGThe Smart is great fun driving around town and acceptable on the freeway runs that connect the city to the 'burbs. Cross winds will push it around, but it is no worse than a high-riding SUV. What does hurt is the auto transmission. It's slow shifts exaggerate the car's habit of pitching forwards under a gearchange and then backwards as the drive engages.  It is without peer in inner-city laneways  and the tightest parking spot is yours for the taking, with little fear of door and/or panel damage.VERDICTThe car that started the popular micro car trend is overpriced but a more engaging drive than some of its rivals. It was made for CBD owners and is an ideal city runabout. That's why VW is launching the Up .SMART FORTWOPrice: $19,990Warranty: Three years/unlimited kmResale: 55 per centService intervals: 20,000kmEconomy: 4.4 litres/100km (95 RON), 100g/km CO2Equipment: Four airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill start assist Crash rating: Four starsEngine: 1.0-litre triple-cylinder, 52kW/92NmTransmission: Give-speed automated manualBody: Two-door hatchDimensions: 2695mm (L), 1559mm (W), 1542mm (H), 1867mm (WB)Weight: 750kg

Late last year they wowed the 2010 Australian International Motor Show crowd with the Jaffa – a bright orange C63 AMG. This year they’ve rolled out the attention-getting livery again. On a Smart Fortwo. Christened the Jaffette – of course -- the juicy limited edition is being offered with a ‘night orange’ pack that includes sports steering wheel and gear shift know in black nappa leather, matt-finish and black accents and orange stitching and trim strips. The package has a total value of $4800 but adds only $2800 to the normal price $19,990 of the Fortwo mhd (micro-hybrid drive), making a RRP of $22,790. The little city car’s stop-start mhd system makes it one of the lowest emission petrol vehicles for sale in Australia with a C02 rating of 100g/km and a combined fuel consumption of 4.4L/100km). Mercedes-Benz sees the car as a close relation to Jaffa, and has ordered in a crate of 15. “ We got a fantastic response to our bright orange C63 AMG known as “Jaffa” last year at AIMS,” managing director Horst von Sanden says. “Whilst the ‘night orange’ smart fortwo has significantly less power than the “Jaffa” it has 100% of its street presence. It was a no-brainer for us to order 15 for Australia. It is truly a sibling of Jaffa.”

Then we head north in a Holden Cruze and Mitsubishi ASX, looking to see how far this pair can go on a single take of fuel.  Ed Ordynski is in the ASX and I have the Cruze, holding  the trip computer just over 6 litres/100km as Ordynski - expert driver - is below 5 litres/100km.The first stop is just outside Port Pirie after 250 kilometres and the figures are 5.3 and 4.2, as we battle wind and rain.  A lunch stop in Waikerie - about 530km into the journey - and then a turn south to follow the Murray both cars maintain sub-6 readings - the ASX in the region of 4.5 and the Cruze 5.5 litres per 100km as we pass the 700km mark near Murray Bridge.The weather worsens as we follow the river south through 730km at Wellington."The ASX was more adversely affected by that, it was 0.3 litres/100km worse off - we did what you need to do into a headwind and that was reduce the speed a little," Ordynski says.Running down through the southern foothills to complete our 1000km journey we return the tanks to full. There are still 15 litres in the Mitsubishi's 60-litre tank, but my Cruze is almost on fumes.  But after thirteen hours of "real-world" driving we have hit our 1000-kilometre target."I would drive like that with people on board and not be embarrassed," Ordynski says.  "You win on fuel use and emissions as well, with 2kg of CO2 for every litre of fuel, you win on maintenance and longevity of the vehicle by driving it kindly as well, it's hard to see a downside."Ed Ordynski’s Fuel TipsLevel 1. Overall factors1. Plan when you need to use your car to avoid unnecessary journeys.2. Plan your journey to avoid peak hour and congested roads.3. Measure your fuel consumption and take pride in reducing it.4. Choose an energy efficient vehicle.Level 2. Anyone can try1. Concentrate on driving smoothly and anticipate traffic flow to conserve momentum.2. Keep tyre pressures at maximum recommended.3. Avoid any excess weight in the vehicle and remove accessories which affect the aerodynamics (e.g. roof racks).4. Choose a manual transmission and learn to drive it properly for optimum fuel efficiency.Level 3. Hard-core methods1. Avoid use of airconditioning and keep windows closed.2. Do not use cruise control but do focus on keeping a constant speed and conserving momentum.3. Drive at low speed - most cars are at their most efficient at around 75km/h in top gear.4. Drive off as soon as the engine is started, especially from a cold start.GREEN STARSMake-model weight price combined fuel con1. Mitsubishi -MiEV 980kg $leased 02. Toyota Prius 1370kg $39,990 3.93. Smart Fortwo 750kg $19,9904.44. Honda Insight 1205kg $29,9904.65. Suzuki Alto 880kg $11,790 4.8GREEN DUDS1. Ferrari 599 1690kg $677,250 21.32. Ferrari 612 1849kg $698,000 20.73. Nissan Patrol 4.8 2440kg $75,690 17.24. Maserati GT S Coupe 1880kg $345,900 16.65. Mercedes ML 500 2148kg $132,400 16.5

Two new Smart cars are on the boil as Daimler of Germany leverages a new tie-up with Nissan-Renault. There will be two cars for two continents but only one is likely to make it to Australia. "There is a tie-up with Nissan to build a car for the USA and another with Renault for Europe," says David McCarthy, spokesman for Mercedes-Benz Australia. He is short on detail because the future models are still on the secret list, but admits there are rumours that the American car will be a four-seater twinned with the new Nissan Micra and the European model will share with the next Renault Twingo. "We really have nothing to say yet," says McCarthy. But it's unlikely that Smart will ever grow to the multi-car lineup originally planned for the brand. At one time there were ForTwo, ForFour and Roadster models in showrooms with a compact SUV also in the planning. Prices were too high and sales were too low - although the Brabus ForFour which sold at $40,000 still brings $30,000 for secondhand sales - to sustain a stand-alone brand. Instead, Benz cut the Smart line right back to the ForTwo and decided it would be used as an entry to the Mercedes-Benz lineup. As well as a way of spreading development costs and bringing an emissions credit from the baby cars to benefit the whole Daimler lineup. While the ForTwo is certain for Australia there is also the possibility of electric scooters under the Smart brand, following a two-wheeled preview at the Paris Motor Show last month. "It gives a clue. We've got to find someone to build it," says McCarthy. While the future cars are some way away, the existing Smart ForTwo is heading for a major makeover including smoother bodywork and daytime running lamps. It will arrive in Australia early next year following a preview last month in Germany. "We will have the ForTwo in the first quarter. It should be February," says McCarthy. But, as Smart is being renewed, Mercedes-Benz has axed the baby A-Class in Australia. "It's no longer part of the catalogue. But there will be another A- Class and it will return," says McCarthy. "We decided to concentrate on the B-Class and our decision has been vindicated by the sales. Last month it actually led its class in the small segment, with 237 sales against the Audi A3 at 137, and we've outsold the Mini and 1 BMW Series year-to-date. B-class sales are significantly higher today than A and B were together."

Hybrid cars and plans are popping up everywhere, from Porsche and Ferrari at the top end in Europe to the dozens of enthusiastic new carmakers led by Geely and BYD - the name means Build Your Dreams - in China.  We are also seeing far more efficiency in everyday petrol-powered cars, with a range of new technologies to boost economy and cut emissions.A growing number of new cars are now arriving with engine-stop systems for traffic-light efficiency, as well as driver-advisor systems to help pick the right gear. There is an Audi A4 in the Carsguide garage this week which does both and, even with a turbocharged petrol engine, is running fuel economy in the 7 litres/100km range.There is much more to come on the petrol-power front and the Toyota Prius, perhaps surprisingly since it's a hybrid, shows the way. Its 1.8-litre petrol engine is the first in the world without any sort of power-sapping drive belt for the parasitic add-ons, with electrically operated power steering and airconditioning, an on-demand alternator and an electric water pump.Expect all this, and soon, on cars for you.  Diesel engine development is going ahead very rapidly with most European brands - Volkswagen, Audi and Mercedes-Benz among them - touting some sort of Blue technology. So blue is the new green for diesels.The best new diesels are much quieter than in the past and, thanks to the massive advantages of turbocharging, they have huge pulling power. Torque rules in the real world, where you need punch for overtaking and stoplight drags, and that makes diesels the surprising performance choice for a growing range of vehicles.It's easy to go on and on about the engine changes, from Benz's switch from superchargers to turbochargers and BMWs impressive efficiency developments to the small-capacity winners from brands such as Nissan, but the long-term green path is into electric cars.  Australia has yet to see its first commercial electric car but the race is really on now, with Mitsubishi and Tesla expected to both have plug-in cars on the road before the end of the year.An electric Smart will arrive sometime in 2011 and Subaru is keen to have a battery car in Australia as soon as possible, with other brands also working on plans.  But the green machine will run off the rails if governments do not act - and act soon - to give them support. Electric cars need plug-in points, but that's the obvious and easy stuff being pushed today by the Better Place organisation and many others.The real key to sales of electric cars is some sort of Federal incentive, like the ones in Europe and the USA. Nobody by a full-on greenie is going to pay around $70,000 for a Mitsubishi iMiEV when a petrol-powered Colt, which is a similar size and does a similar job, starts from $15,740.Follow Paul Gover on Twitter!