The new Smart doesn’t look to different from the older version. In fact, you would hard pressed to tell the difference if you weren’t an expert. look closely though and you can see the difference.
Most of the difference are below the surface. The car itself is in fact a little larger. The length has grown to 195 mm and the width by 42mm meaning that the interior space is considerable improved. Don’t think that its ability to get into tight spaces has been compromise though, it can still do a u-turn in one go.
The handling has significantly improved on the latest release There is a new power steering system being roles out with this model. the new sharper responding direct system combined with the increased width leads to a greater response and feeling in handling.
Under the bonnet the car has a new punchier engine at all levels. Starting at a 61hp, then a 71hp unit and finishing of with a refined and turbo charged 84hp choice. All three variants come as a 999cc capacity. The latter engine choice leads to the car become more than just a city. It leads it credibility as a full road car, with the ability to perform over taking manoeuvres on the motorway and handle any inclines. Not only will it manage to do well in performance terms the car will do that and give almost 60 mpg.
There is still a remaining problem from the old car; The transmission. The older model had a seriously problem with gear changing; The shifts were jerky and unrefined. Although the manufacturer claims that its engineers have spent a great deal of time improving the smoothness of the shifts and there speed, the new cars up shifts are still the same and the semi automatic transmission is still a pain to use. Under hard acceleration the changes are almost ponderous and in full automatic the transmission is still to slow to react to the throttle. However it does not detract completely from the rest of the car.
The car has significantly improved on the older version. The slight increase in size has lent the car more cabin space and greater handling without losing the around town agility. With it being small and agile it plays dividends when coming to the fuel pump, but now its is a little easier on the motorways and longer journeys.
