New Smart range launch in February 2015

[Beefcake-2001]

Been told Auto due end of March 2015 hence why I have ordered a 90bhp edition1. Trading in a 2012 Fortwo Brabus cabrio paying deposit on Saturday 9th January. Guess I need to double check delivery will be March 2015 not March 2016. If not might keep the Brabus until auto arrives.

[mancbloke]

Hey there, haven't seen or heard from you in a while. Merry Christmas.

Are you arranging a trip to Smart of Manchester for this? I'll probably come just to see it (I missed the roadshow events) and maybe test drive the LHD version if they allow it (although its been years since I've driven a Manual).

Well I live near the dealership so may go Sunday, HNY lol

[mancbloke]

Well Chris Riley the sales manager at Manchester is expecting us from the smart forums. I will be there on Sunday around noon so hope to see some of you then. I did say I hope you put some sarnies and coffee for us!!

[Ocracoke]

Well Chris Riley the sales manager at Manchester is expecting us from the smart forums. I will be there on Sunday around noon so hope to see some of you then. I did say I hope you put some sarnies and coffee for us!!

I guess it is an informal thing. Is there any specific time in mind for this?

[mancbloke]

Hopefully around 11.30

[mancbloke]

Well I went along and had a good look around. To be absolutely honest I cannot make my mind up if I like the new shape of not. The front part looks like a twingo. The passion on the new models is now the entry level as with previous models it was Pure,Pulse and Passion was the top spec. Now it starts Passion then passion premium, Prime, prime premium and plus,Proxy and so on..........
The automatic should be at the showrooms in weeks so Ari tells me. I did not test drive one as I have never drove a manual car in over 12 years! Shameful I know.
The good thing is that they have the for four which appeal to those couples who started a family when they had the for two.

See if I can be persuaded to turn to the dark side of Smart!!


Steve

[mancbloke]

http://tools.mercedes-benz.co.uk/current/smart/pricelists/new-smart-fortwo.pdf

[Macondo]

I went to the event in Ascot and I drove the new Fortwo. The interior is completely new and looks quite nice, if not a bit OTT. I drove the car for about 15 minutes and it seems quite responsive even on the lowest specification model. Electric steering wheel is a dream and it comes with all models. The car I drove had few extras like parking camera, lovely Sat Nav cum stereo, and phone. The most impressive feature was the ability to be able to turn within a very tight circle. No more three ways turn in most cases! I have been told there is a crosswind assist software that improve very much the stability of the car on motorway...

[earthman]

Wrong.
Option implies a choice. There wasn't one. The semi auto with auto facility was the standard fitment.
Secondly. TC epicyclic autos are more expensive to build. The fortwo transmission was a much cheaper automated manual and only one development cost was incurred as it was the only transmission developed.
Now there are two costs to be amortized as two distinctly different transmissions have been developed. But, because the bleaters for manual were appeased smart are now adopting the industry marketing standard and charging a premium to be shot of the third pedal.
And how many manual fortwos will sell? They will perhaps be bought by those wanting a smart and not prepared to cave in and shell out the extra £1-2k. But one thing is for sure - it won't be you. Or, are you, after shouting so loud for a manual fortwo, actually going to buy one?

I'd buy one.

To be honest, in 30 years of car ownership all my cars have been manual, my 451 is my first and I wasn't best pleased with the thought of this gearbox, from my point of view, someone who does all the repairs/maintenance on a vehicle himself, there's just more complex stuff to go wrong and of course, compared to a manual you do have slightly less control of the car in general.

Having said all that, 3 years down the line and I'm still happy with the 451, sometimes it is nice to stick it into auto and just cruise along, it is something that you can get use to I guess.

[Ocracoke]

Well I went along and had a good look around. To be absolutely honest I cannot make my mind up if I like the new shape of not. The front part looks like a twingo. The passion on the new models is now the entry level as with previous models it was Pure,Pulse and Passion was the top spec. Now it starts Passion then passion premium, Prime, prime premium and plus,Proxy and so on..........
The automatic should be at the showrooms in weeks so Ari tells me. I did not test drive one as I have never drove a manual car in over 12 years! Shameful I know.
The good thing is that they have the for four which appeal to those couples who started a family when they had the for two.

See if I can be persuaded to turn to the dark side of Smart!!


Steve

Sorry for not showing. I ended up being busy all morning and couldn't get away (plus, the electrics in my car are currently ruined...)

Smart of Liverpool had a automatic ForTwo in the showroom (but refused to let me test drive it... ). I wasn't a fan of the new ForFour in the showroom as it reminded me too much of a Twingo and the fact that the doors are metal, not plastic covered so panel swapping is pretty much out on a ForFour. Having said that, it make me appreciate a Series I ForFour all that much more.

[Thrumbleux]

I'd buy one.

To be honest, in 30 years of car ownership all my cars have been manual, my 451 is my first and I wasn't best pleased with the thought of this gearbox, from my point of view, someone who does all the repairs/maintenance on a vehicle himself, there's just more complex stuff to go wrong and of course, compared to a manual you do have slightly less control of the car in general.

Having said all that, 3 years down the line and I'm still happy with the 451, sometimes it is nice to stick it into auto and just cruise along, it is something that you can get use to I guess.

Personal preference I guess. For me it's my utter detestation of a clutch pedal - I don't much mind how the gears are then selected. Three pedals but only two feet. Until I can sprout a third foot, two pedals only please - one for each foot.
Incidentally a car being driven with left foot braking is infinitely more controllable than any manual. The 'more control in a manual' is a myth.

[tolsen]

Auto is for ladies and disabled drivers.

[earthman]

Incidentally a car being driven with left foot braking is infinitely more controllable than any manual. The 'more control in a manual' is a myth.

Rubbish, wait until you have a brake failure, then you might realise what we are saying is in fact true.

[Thrumbleux]

Rubbish, wait until you have a brake failure, then you might realise what we are saying is in fact true.

Brake failure my arse. Impossible with dual circuit brakes.

[Thrumbleux]

Auto is for ladies and disabled drivers.

Manuals for control freaks (and Luddites).