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2016 Smart ForTwo upgrades tech and specs, stays small (pictures)

Smart's diminutive ForTwo is wider, more powerful and, somehow, just as compact as ever.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The 2016 Smart ForTwo is just as weird as its predecessor, but also better in almost every measurable way.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

Highly specialized for the city, the Smart ForTwo has been optimized for urban driving and parking.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

However, these optimizations can also be viewed as compromises for a large number of drivers.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

Smart seemingly wears these compromises like a badge of honor. "Smart drivers want to be different," says Annette Winkler, head of Smart.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The new ForTwo retains the compactness of the previous model. From nose to tail, the coupe measures 8.8 feet.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The short length makes the Smart uniquely parkable. ForTwo drivers have access to a database of "SmartSpots," compact parking spots that only the ForTwo can fit into.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The hatchback boasts seating for two and only two.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The engine, located at the rear of the vehicle, is a 0.9-liter turbocharged mill.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

Inside, the new 2016 ForTwo boasts more shoulder room than before and a unique interior design.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The instrument cluster seems to waste a lot of space. The red-on-white speedometer is indicated by a small red needle, which isn't exactly easy to read at a glance.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The tachometer and clock are located in their own pod near the A-pillar.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

Smart's dashboard tech offering is a simple one: slap a smartphone into a cradle.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The cradle connects to the dashboard via a powered port in the center of audio receiver.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

A smartphone app, Smart CrossConnect, handles functions such as navigation and audio controls.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The 2016 ForTwo is available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The ForTwo has grown laterally for 2016. The new model is 3.9 inches wider than before.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The rear hatch opens into two parts, granting access to the storage space.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

Taillights are enlarged and feature new three-dimensional elements and LED illumination.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

LED daytime running lights are optional and frame the enlarged headlamps.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

Headlamps use standard halogen reflectors. This is, of course, an economy car.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The four trim levels — Pure, Prime, Passion and Proxy — each feature unique styling and features. The wheels are the easiest way to tell them apart at a glance.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

In widening the ForTwo, Smart was also able to increase the maximum steering angle of the wheels.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The wider coupe now has a tighter curb-to-curb turning arc of 22.8 feet.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

Most of the ForTwo's body panels are made of composite (plastic) which makes them very resilient to the bumps and knocks of city parking.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

A rear camera is available as an option, but the compact ForTwo doesn't really need one.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The wider body grants the coupe more interior space.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The steering wheel of our ForTwo Prime model was not adjustable, which made getting a good seating position tricky, but not impossible.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

A major annoyance in the cabin are the four spherical vents. They look easy enough to adjust, but getting them aimed properly was an ordeal.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The CrossConnect app handles navigation, but the driver also is free to use any third-party navigation app.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

Bidirectional communication with the car via the USB port allows the CrossConnect app to monitor and control certain dashboard functions.

2016 Smart ForTwo
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2016 Smart ForTwo

The app can play back media stored on the phone, but it can also control the AM/FM radio tuner built into the dashboard.

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2016 Smart ForTwo

A 7-inch touchscreen navigation system is also available, but we weren't able to test this setup.

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2016 Smart ForTwo

The 2016 Smart ForTwo is currently available in the European market and will be arriving in the States in late September.

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2016 Smart ForTwo

US pricing starts at $14,650 with a $750 destination charge for the base Pure model with the manual transmission. The DCT is $990 more.

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