Smart ForTwo

First launched in 1998 as the MCC Smart City Coupe, the ForTwo has been redeveloped as it moves towards the North American market. Length has increased from 2.5m to just under 2.7m - for greater crash protection and more trunk space, which now stands at 340 liters when packed to the roof. Regulations have also seen the IP straightened out, though the prominent air vents remain. Outside, flatter arches give a stronger, more masculine feel, emphasised by the graphic of the Tridion safety cell, which also means the new ForTwo remains unmistakably Smart.

Powering the ForTwo is a range of 1-liter gasoline engines - shared with Mitsubishi - whose outputs range from 61 to 84PS. There will also be a 45PS diesel emitting just 90g of CO2/km, though the Brabus version, out next Fall, sounds more tempting with its power hitting triple figures. The rest of the range is out in Spring 2007, with sales in America beginning in 2008. The price of the base gasoline remains the same at about $13,000; all others will be increased.

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