smart offers more power and more pleasure

smart looks set to power ahead of its rivals, with news of performance improvements to its acclaimed diesel model and further enhancements across the rest of the product range.

The revised smart fortwo cdi – the world’s most efficient production car – will provide a winning blend of exhilaration, economy and low emissions as a result of engine advances. An additional 9bhp unleashes 21 per cent more power from the state-of-the-art three-cylinder engine, which also delivers an extra 18 per cent torque (130Nm).

And whilst the 54bhp smart cdi will be quicker off the blocks – its 0-62.5mph acceleration time cut by three seconds – it remains the CO2 champion amongst all production cars with a combustion engine, emitting just 89g/km of CO2.

Across the smart range, significant improvements to standard specifications will strengthen the cars’ appeal and add considerable value to a customer’s purchase.

The sporty pulse now features air conditioning and softouch transmission as standard, with customers able to customise their car with optional extras such as a panoramic roof and front fog lights.

In-car communications technology comes to the fore in passion models, which include a Pioneer navigation and entertainment system as part of an impressive specification. This high-tech package offers full sat-nav capability, Bluetooth, iPod/USB connectivity, CD and radio operation via a 4.3-inch detachable screen. Dash dials and a lockable glovebox are also standard features.

All smart model lines produced from October 2009 onwards will boast stylish interior revisions too. The instrument cluster, dash dials and light/wiper levers will become pearl black rather than pearl grey, with the exception of passion models where these accents will be red or beige when ordered with design red or design beige upholstery.

From October 2009 production, on-the-road pricing of the smart model range starts from £8,517.55.