There’s big news in the very small car world.
Smart has unveiled its all-new 2016 Fortwo and ForFour microcompact cars.
The smallest car sold in America is still just 8.8 feet long in two-seat, two-door form, and features the model’s unique “Tridion Safety Cell” design, but everything else about the car has been fully updated.
When it goes on sale in Europe this fall, it will be available with three different rear-mounted three-cylinder engines in power outputs of 60 hp, 71 hp and 90 hp.
Each will be available with either a 5-speed manual transmission, or dual-clutch automatic, replacing the clunky robototized manual that was one of the most criticized features of the original car.
Another was the cheap interior. The new one is more spacious and of a much better quality, with a modern design and higher content level, including a touchscreen infotainment system protruding from the dash.
New high tech driver aids include available collision warning and lane keeping assist.
Sales of the Fortwo have never lived up to expectations, with less than 5,000 delivered so far this year. While the new model is expected to hit showrooms this fall, the four-door, four-seat Forfour has not yet been confirmed for U.S. sale.