Smart ForTwo

Smart Fortwo is a back-engined 2-seater microcar developed by Smart GmbH. It was introduced in 1998 at the Paris Motor Show under the label ‘Smart City Coupe’. Presently, it is in 2nd generation, and selling well in the automotive markets.

Features

There are lots of features of the Smart Fortwo; let’s take a look at them one after the other.

Shifting and Transmission Performance

The vehicle is equipped with an automated manual transmission and the clutch pedal is not to be seen (unlike traditional models). The six-speed trans was the only transmission option for the 1st generation, and five-speed trans was added during the 2nd generation.

The car may be used in automatic mode, but the shift points are not as smooth as the traditional automatic transmission. In other shifter mode known as Paddle Shifter Mode, the operator regulates the shift points, but cannot adjust or feather the clutch’s speed.

Amazingly Compact Size

It is very easy to park this car due to its small size. Coming to dimensions, it is 250 cm (98.4 in) long, and amazingly sleek, making it possible to be parked in a very small place, which wasn’t even enough for other vehicles to move. The Smart featured exchangeable body panels; so one could change its look frequently.

First Generation

During its first generation, this car had a turbocharged three cylinder motor. After being restyled, the standard petrol engine was enhanced to 698 cc.

Engine and Fuel Economy

There were two engine variants; 45 kW (61 hp) and 37 kW (50 hp). The turbo diesel engine could deliver 30 kW (40 hp) of power, and it had displacement of 799 cc. The engines were fixed at the rear portion of the car.

Second Generation

The second generation Smart Fortwo was introduced in 2006 and it was a bit longer and it had upgraded crash performance, maintaining the same styling.

Engine and Fuel Economy

The second generation models were designed with a 999 cc edition 3B21 engine, manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors and it had a naturally aspirated turbo and (NA) editions. The NA 999 cc engine has a premium fuel (95+ RON) and 11.4:1 compression ratio. The engine can produce 71 hp (53 kW) of power.

The US NA 999 cc engine is designed with premium fuel (octane) and 10:1 compression ratio. This engine can deliver

• 140 N•m torque and
• 72 kW (98 hp) of power.

This version originally is a produced Europe only, however, it is currently sold throughout the globe.