2008 Smart ForTwo preview

Replacing the current ForTwo, the model which put Smart on the map, is not an easy job. But not only does the new one look better (and has more features), but you can buy one starting from the same low price of $19,990.

Apart from the design changes, the all-new ForTwo gains two additional airbags, gearshift paddles on the steering-wheel, dashboard-mounted clock and rev counter and an automatic door lock function.

The ForTwo, which is named according to the number of passengers it can carry, is now a little longer too (19.5 centimetres to be exact) with an additional 70 litres of luggage space (220 litres in total).

The car will be available in four variants, with a combination of coupe and cabrio shapes powered by either a naturally aspirated 999cc in-line three-cylinder (52 kW 92Nm) or a turbocharged version of the same engine (62kW 120Nm). Top speed for all variants is 145km/h.

If you think the $20,000 starting price is a little high for a car so small, just remember, this is essentially a small Mercedes with safety and city-practicality in mind.

Technology is also on the agenda, for example, while some new cars are still getting away with ancient four-speed auto transmissions, the 1.0-litre ForTwo comes standard with a sequential five-speed transmission.

The ForTwo also receives its share of safety features with ESP (with hill start assist), ABS (with EBD), Hydraulic brake assist, driver and passenger front airbags and head/thorax side airbags all standard across the range.

The coupe variants come with a panoramic roof with sunblind while the cabriolets receive a completely automatic folding roof with glass rear window. Leather upholstery, heated seats, electric power steering and an uprated sound system are all available as options.

CarAdvice will be behind the wheel of the Smart ForTwo in the very near future, so check back for more soon.