Driven: Mercedes brings Smart range back to SA

When entering the biggest segment in the market, one better have a strategy.  Mercedes Benz hadn’t exactly set the South African streets on fire with the previous Smart – numerous complaints about dealer support along with gearbox issues on CVT models burst the brand’s cute bubble. Truth be told, Smart came and  went without any fanfare.

Smart fortwo and forfour launched in SA

The 2016 Smart was re-launched with much pomp and circumstance and seems to be significantly improved.  Safer, and slightly bigger, the new range is available at all Mercedes Benz dealerships. Starting at R179 900, Smart intends to make a case for itself as a more sophisticated option to the VW Up.

Model range

Currently both the ForFour and ForTwo come standard with the 52kW, 91Nm engine equipped with a 5 speed manual transmission. The 66kW dual clutch twinamic is due for launch later this year.  Smart is available in 4 trim levels, Base, Prime, Passion and Proxy, all of which are refreshingly customisable.

For many safety would be a concern in a car this small, but thanks to Smart’s high and super high tensile Tridion safety cell, cross wind assist and the optional forward collision warning system, Smart promises to be a safe buy.

The Interior

Smart has made good use of the extra 10cm width over the previous model to make for a comfortable driver and passenger experience. The rear doors swing open up to 85 degrees, making entry and exit easy, and with Smart’s height at 1.55m, occupants simply step in and out.  Rear seat passengers in the ForFour will be comfortable for short to medium distances, and the quirky, stylish and foldable interior will most certainly be something those that choose to buy into, will want to live with.  Interior options include multifunction steering wheel and panoramic roof.  The latter providing an airy feel to the compact cabin.  JBL sound, a funky universal smart phone holder and 7” Multi touch display are among the long list of options.

The Exterior

With multiple configurations available for wheels, body panel colours and trim, you’re unlikely to find two Smarts that look alike.  The biggest visual difference between the old and new version is the front styling and many have commented that it looks much better in the flesh than in pictures. At the rear the 350L (total) luggage space on the ForTwo is accessible via a split tailgate and the more grown up ForFour comes with a total seats-down space of 970L’s and a single-piece bootlid.

How does it drive?

Smart does everything it’s supposed to do, really well, and everything else, ok.   It is comically easy to park and manoeuvre in small spaces thanks to the rear wheel drive configuration. The ForTwo’s world record breaking 6.95m turning circle needs to be experienced to be believed. Front end grip is surprisingly good and the Smart feels agile in most driving situations.

Highway cruising at up to 120km/h is comfortable and quiet, however wind buffeting can get intrusive if the massive windows on the ForTwo are opened at speed. Acceleration feels adequate up to 100km/h, but thereafter, the accelerator pedal’s travel needs to be fully utilized if overtaking manoeuvres are attempted. Smart boasts 4.1 l/100 for the ForTwo and 4.2 l/100 for the ForFour, both slightly more economical than the Up at 4.6 l/100. Our route returned figures closer to 7l/100km.

Verdict

An eccentric boutique car that makes sense in a world where decade on decade more people are funnelling into the city.  Mercedes has flexible finance options, so first time buyers can gain a relatively easy entry into this market, and a choice of funky Brabus options are available to those with a bigger budget.   For most buyers, the ForFour will be the model of choice and Smart seems to be a more “hipster” alternative to the more Germanic VW Up.

Pricing

All smart models come standard with a smart Service Plan – three-years/60 000km.

Smart ForTwo 52kW manual transmission:
Base – R174 900
Passion – R194 400
Prime – R203 400
Proxy – R207 400

Smart FourFour 52kW manual transmission:
Base – R179 900
Passion – R199 400
Prime – R210 900
Proxy – R212 400

Smart FourFour 66kW automatic transmission: (from July 2016)
Base – R210 400
Passion-  R229 900
Prime – R241 400
Proxy – R242 900