Introduced in 1998, the Smart ForTwo->ke1744 revolutionized the city car segment through its short overall length and rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. The first-generation ForTwo went on sale in 1998 with a range of small-displacement gasoline and diesel engines and a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. The three-door hatchback didn't reach the U.S. market until 2008, when the second-gen ForTwo was launched with revised looks and brand-new engines. The old gasoline units were replaced by 1.0-liter powerplant, while the six-speed transmission made way for a five-speed semi-automatic. Output ranged between 53 and 83 horsepower on the regular cars, while the Brabus->ke368 version generated 101 ponies and was the only one to reach a top speed of more than 90 mph. Going into 2015, the Smart ForTwo steps into its third generation as vehicle co-developed with French automaker Renault->ke72.

Sharing about 70 percent of its parts with the brand-new Renault Twingo, the new ForTwo was redesigned from the ground up and fitted with upgraded engines and all-new transmissions, including a manual gearbox. The 2016 ForTwo comes with many firsts, but you'll have to read on to find out more about that.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Smart ForTwo

2015 Smart Fortwo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Smart Fortwo
  • Engine/Motor: inline-3
  • Horsepower: 71
  • Torque: 67
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Spy Shots

March 31, 2014 - Smart ForTwo Caught on the road

Exterior

Completely redesigned on the outside, the ForTwo remains recognizable as a Smart->ke83. It features the same short overhangs and extremely compact proportions, albeit it sits on a slightly longer wheelbase and a wider track. Visually, the new ForTwo comes with a completely revised front fascia. The bumper carries a more muscular design and a rounded apron intake. The front grille is now larger and positioned higher toward the hood, while the headlamps received a rhombic shape. Needless to say, the new Smart sports a lively, crisper appearance.

The traditional Smart shape is still noticeable around back, especially in the bumper and hatch area, but nearly everything has been reshaped. Gone are the separated taillight units seen on the previous generation model, replaced by larger squares with the signals and the reverse lights mounted in the middle. When viewed from the side, the ForTwo showcases a more proportionate stance. The front trunk lid is longer than before, the roof seems to sit a bit lower, while the flared wheel arches are smoother and better integrated into the overall design.

As usual, the ForTwo comes in a two-tone finish with plenty of combinations to choose from. Likewise, numerous wheel options will allow buyers to customize their Smart in more than one way. LED daytime running lights are standard on all trim levels, also a first for the Smart ForTwo.

2015 Smart Fortwo - Exterior Dimensions

Length

2,690 MM (105.90 Inches)

Width

1,660 MM (65.35 Inches)

Height

1,550 MM (61.02 Inches)

Wheelbase

1,873 MM (73.74 Inches)

Turning circle (curb-to-curb)

6,950 MM (273.62 Inches)

Turning circle (wall-to-wall)

7,300 MM (273.62 Inches)


Interior

Brand new for the 2016 model year, the ForTwo's interior exudes a modern and stylish feel. The old, sharper design has been dropped in favor of a loopier, more sculptural approach that includes both the dashboard and the door panels. The dashboard now consists of two individual sections -- a bold outer section that can be covered in fabric and a concave inner section that includes most of the cabin's functional elements. The revised instrument cluster and the infotainment system appear to hover in front of the dashboard, which now incorporates a larger center console that reaches between the front seats.

Both the dashboard and the door panels are covered in high-quality textile surfaces. This not only eliminates most of the hard plastic areas available in the cockpit, but also allows customers to further individualize their vehicle. The bolstered seats look rather sporty and share the same color combo as the rest of the interior. Rounding off the cabin are the spherical air vents and the three-spoke steering wheel, which can be optionally fitted with radio and navigation controls. In all, the ForTwo's bold lively exterior appearance is equally present in the cabin, which comes with a premium-like fit and finish.

2015 Smart Fortwo - Interior Dimensions

Interior length (accelerator pedal to rear end)

2,011 MM (79.17 Inches)

Body space index (ratio of length to interior length) (%)

75

Luggage compartment capacity (behind front seats) (L)

260

Luggage compartment capacity (behind front seats to roof) (L)

350


Drivetrain

Three new engines are motivating the third-generation Smart ForTwo. At the bottom of the range sits a 1.0-liter (999cc), three-cylinder unit developing 60 horsepower. That's a seven-pony improvement over the previous entry-level engine, which displaced 0.8-liters (799cc) and worked on diesel. The basic mill won't become available at launch, but it will join the lineup a few months later.

Available right from the start are two more three-cylinder gasoline powerplants. Also displacing one liter, the mid-range three-pot generates 71 naturally aspirated horses and 67 pound-feet of torque that kick in from as low as 1,000 rpm. Those looking for more power in their city car can opt for the turbocharged, 0.9-liter (898cc) rated at a more peppy 90 horsepower and 99 pound-feet of torque. Although a tad smaller than the turbo 1.0-liter it replaces, the new three-banger provides 7 additional horses and 10 pound-feet. Besides being more powerful, the new unit is also more efficient, thanks to its automatic start/stop system, variable swirl control and variable adjustment of the inlet valves.

Two transmissions are offered in the redesigned Smart ForTwo, both of which are brand-new. A five-speed manual gearbox is available for the first time, while the out-dated five-speed semi-automatic was replaced by a twinamic, six-speed dual-clutch autobox.

2015 Smart Fortwo - Drivetrain/Specifications

Type

999 cc three-cylinder

999 cc three-cylinder

898 cc three-cylinder

Output

60 HP

71 HP

90 HP

Torque

TBA

67 LB-FT @ 2,850

99 LB-FT @ 2,500


Suspension

The new Smart ForTwo benefits from a reconfigured chassis as well, including a new McPherson suspension with a triple-path head bearing for the front axle and an updated De-Dion rear axle. Both provide greater comfort and improve the car's handling characteristics. Those seeking sportier handling from their ForTwo can go with Smart's sports suspension package. The bundle adds firmer springs and lowers the vehicle's ride height by 0.4 inches (10 mm). Both the standard and the available sports suspension work in conjunction with the car's updated ABS, ASR and ESP systems.

Prices

Pricing information has yet to be released as of 07/17/2014, but Smart says it will correspond to that of the current model. Currently, the ForTwo retails from $13,270 and goes all the way up to $18,000 for the range-topping model.

Competition

Scion IQ

Essentially a rebadged Toyota IQ->ke2879, the Scion IQ is the ForTwo's main rival in the United States. Measuring only 120 inches in length and 66 inches in width, the IQ is only slightly larger than the ForTwo and its body configuration similar to its German rival. On the other hand, the IQ has its engine mounted at the front, with the front wheels doing all the work. Although its interior lacks some of the bells and whistles available in the new ForTwo, the Scion->ke79 IQ benefits from a relatively powerful engine.

The 1.3-liter, four-cylinder produces 94 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 89 pound-feet of torque at 4,4000 rpm, and uses a CVT-i transmission to send it to the pavement. The Japanese city car is fuel efficient too, returning 36 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. Compared to the current ForTwo, the IQ delivers two additional mpgs in the city, but that might change once the new EPA ratings for the Smart become available. Priced from $16,420, the Scion is about three grand more expensive than the base ForTwo, but its output figures put it against the range-topping, turbocharged Smart, which is likely to cost more than that.

Conclusion

So the brand-new Smart ForTwo isn't that much more powerful or faster than its predecessor, but we mustn't forget this tiny car is here to serve different purposes. Just like its forerunners, the third-generation ForTwo is brilliant at squeezing in the most tight parking places and through the city's narrowest streets. With new engines, new transmissions (finally!), and a reconfigured chassis, the ForTwo is likely to win a few more mpgs. Hopefully, the Renault-sourced engines are less noisy and the stiffer suspension helps improve the previous generation's annoyingly firm ride. In all, the 2016 model brings numerous updates to the most popular city car to date and the new design is bound to make the ForTwo even more popular among cost-conscious drivers.