The downside to releasing photos of new models weeks or even months before their official debut at an auto show is that the element of surprise is missing completely.
It was the case with many Paris Auto Show debuts and it’s the same with the all-new Smart ForTwo and ForFour, two models that were officially revealed in mid-July. Still, the two city cars had their world debut in Paris, so we might as well do a quick recap. By the way, Smart says the two cars are as French as can be, since they are built in Daimler’s plant in Hambach, France – not to mention the Renault hardware they carry underneath the bodywork.
Sharing the same platform with the Renault Twingo, the rear-wheel drive, rear-engined Smarts are offered with two three-cylinder petrol engines: a 71PS (70hp) naturally aspirated 1.0-liter unit and a 90PS turbocharged 0.9-liter unit. The engines are offered with a standard five speed manual transmission or an optional Twinamic six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Later on, a basic 60PS (59hp) petrol engine will also be available.
Arriving in European dealerships in November, both city cars will be offered with three equipment lines, Passion, Prime and Proxy. The Passion line offers a choice of color combinations in black/orange or black/white for the interior, multifunction steering wheel in leather, instrument cluster with a 3.5-inch color TFT display and the Direct-Steer system with variable ratio.
The Prime line adds black leather seats with white topstitching, a multifunction steering wheel and shift lever knob in leather, Direct-Steer system, heated seats for driver and passenger and Lane Keeping Assist.
Finally, the Proxy line brings a panoramic roof and seats in leather look and white/blue fabric, Cool & Audio package and Sports package with 16-inch alloy wheels.
Prices in Germany start from €10,895 ($13,815) for the ForTwo and €11,555 ($14,653) for the ForFour, both fitted with the 70hp engine.
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