Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has announced pricing and specifications for the all-new Smart Fortwo, which will be released to eager Australian customers later this month.

This all-new model replaces the original Fortwo, the model that cemented the ‘Smart’ name into the world’s automotive lexicon. Known as the Fortwo due to its two-seat configuration, the Smart has catalysed an amazing response from people all over the world and become a key figure representing the global need for ecologically-sound mobility in recent years.

This month, Australian customers will be able to choose from two different body styles and two different petrol engines in the new Smart Fortwo. They are summarised below.

Remarkably, the all-new Smart Fortwo will go on sale later this month with an entry price similar to that of the previous model, $19,990*, yet it gains a variety of additional standard equipment over its predecessor.

Both the 52 kW Smart Fortwo coupe and cabrio makes their power from a 999 cc in-line Mitsubishi three-cylinder petrol engine, which produces a peak torque level of 92 Nm at 4,500 RPM. The coupe model with this frugal yet swift engine consumes an impressively low 4.7-l/100 km, and the cabrio 4.9 litres. Carbon dioxide emissions are equally low: only 112 and 116 grammes/kilometre respectively.

Performance in the 62 kW Fortwo coupe and cabrio makes a significant step up with the addition of a turbocharger. The 999 cc three-cylinder engine not only gains almost 20 percent more power but also produces 120 Nm of torque at 3,250 RPM, an impressive increase of 30 percent over its 52 kW 'sibling'. Remarkably, achieving these substantial performance gains come with only small incremental increases in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

The Smart’s three-cylinder powerplant is linked to an automated sequential five-speed transmission that has also been re-engineered. The new developments with this transmission allow for smoother, faster shifting and a more refined driving experience.

The new Fortwo, in both 52 and 62 kW guises, now has a maximum speed of 145 km/h – 10 km/h more than the predecessor model.

The new Smart Fortwo (model code 451) is an all-new model that faithfully adheres to the basic goal of sustainable mobility yet builds on the strengths of the original model.

Hallmark Mercedes safety abounds in this unique two-seater. The new Fortwo is now 19.5 centimetres longer than its predecessor, helping improve pedestrian safety, rear impact protection and ride comfort.

Luggage space has grown to 220 litres (an increase of 70 litres over the previous model).

The long list of standard equipment includes:

• Mercedes-Benz ESP® technology (Electronic Stability Control with hill start assist)
• ABS anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution
• Hydraulic brake assist
• Full-size driver and passenger airbags
• Head/thorax side airbags
• Safety seats with integral seat belts
• Seat belt tensioners and belt force limiters
• Air-conditioning
• Panoramic roof with sunblind (coupé only)
• Fully automatic folding roof with glass rear window (cabrio only)

Customers can select from one of two colours – black or silver - for the tridion safety cell (passenger cell) and from a range of six colours for the body panels.

Options include:

• Leather upholstery (part of the feature-rich primo pack)
• Heated seats
• Electric power steering
• Uprated sound system (which includes two tweeters, two mid-range speakers, a subwoofer and Smart MP3 interface)

Not only does the new Smart Fortwo benefit from an all-new design, it gains the following features over the outgoing model at no additional cost:

• Four airbags instead of two
• Steering-wheel-mounted gearshift paddles
• Dashboard-mounted clock and rev counter
• Automatic door lock function
• Comfort windscreen wipers
• Luggage compartment cover
• Pollen and dust filter for ventilation system