SCOA
On April 23, 2007 we joined forces with the national SCOA site, and moved the forums there! SOCSF forum at SCOA — Smart owners and enthusiasts are welcome to register as a new user, share your pictures, swap stories, swap panels, setup events/runs, and all that! Enjoy! If you’ve registered previously at the SOCSF forum, kindly register on SCOA. At this point we are not asking for membership dues, so you do not need to be a paying member to support the local club, but if you do join SCOA or MBCA for that matter, it will help keep the national forums running

smartUSA Insider
Styled on the 451 site, smart USA’s insider website also has forums. Our forum there (though not as active, at this time anyway) is located here at this URL:
http://www.smartusainsider.com/group/norcal

We are also a bit active on ClubSmartCar, though don’t officially have a forum there. If folks like it, then, we can create one.

The other option, of course, is to return to hosting it ourselves, here at socsf.com — it’s up to you, please comment below, or send me an email via the contact page (thanks!!)

Here I will share some of this with you..
please be aware that this information is subject to change!

2011 Model Year Preview
What’s New for MY11 smart (451)
LED’s currently unavailable

MSRP
Not available yet..

Standard Equipment Changes
• New knee airbag
• New window airbag (coupe models)
• New smart entry line radio (replaces radio 9)
Includes AM/FM Radio, USB/Aux input, 2 speakers –NO CD!
• Cockpit clock & rev counter now standard on all models
• New one-handed tailgate operation (coupe)
• New gauge cluster design
• New storage pocket on seatback sides
• New belt guide mechanism
• ESP logo change –triangle design replaced with new skidding vehicle image (same as Mercedes-Benz)
• Body-colour painted fuel door

Paint Changes
• Light blue metallic (EAA) –new!
• Light green matte (ECD) –new!
• Blue metallic (ECC) –deleted!

Change summaries in the model packages are next..

Model Year 2011 Timing
The smart 451 coupe/cabrio are SoP for September 2010

smart pure

Comfort Package (SCP)
• Air Conditioning
• Folding armrest
Changes to Standard Equipment
• Cockpit clock & rev counter –added!
Style Package (SSX)
• Exterior Appearance Package –new!
• Painted lower bumper skirts
• Painted side skirts
• 12-spoke 15”alloy wheels (design 1)
• Fog lamps
Stand-Alone Options
• Bluetooth module (BTH)
• Centre console storage box (I23) –new!
• Heated seats (S17)

smart passion
Changes to passion Package
• Cockpit clock & rev counter –added!
• Ambient Lighting –new!
• 3-spoke leather wheel with shift paddles –added!
• 12-spoke 15”alloy wheels (design –new!
Touring Package (STP)
• Cruise control
Rocker switches installed on 3-spoke steering wheel –shift
paddles deleted when cruise is selected!
• Trip computer

smart passion

Leather Package (SLP)
• Leather seats
• Dashboard in leather optic

Stand-Alone Options
• Bluetooth module (BTH)
• smart surround sound system (C17) –new!
High performance in-door speakers, additional rear-fill speakers,
tweeters in the mirror triangles, passive subwoofer under driver’s
seat, 8×40 watt amplifier
• Centre console storage box (I23) –new!
• Anti-theft alarm system (V01)
• Tire pressure control system (V41)
• smart Touchscreen navi/radio/CD/bluetooth (527) –new! (available
from Oct. 2010 production)
• Double 3-spoke, 15”alloy wheels (design 9) (R23) –new!
• 6-spoke, 15”alloy wheels (design 6) (R67) –new!

smart BRABUS
Changes to BRABUS Package
• smart Touchscreen navi/radio/CD/Bluetooth –new!
• Ambient lighting –new!
• smart surround sound system –new!
• Fog lamps –delayed  availability!
• smart radio 10 –deleted!
• smart sound system –deleted!
Touring Package (STP)
• Cruise control
Rocker switches installed on 3-spoke steering wheel –shift
paddles deleted when cruise is selected!
• Trip computer
Stand-Alone Options
• Center console storage box (I23) –new!
• Anti-theft alarm system (V01)
• Tire pressure control system (V41)

Wheel Options
pure-standard
wheel covers (R75)
15″
155/60 front, 175/55 rear

pure – style package (SSX)
“design 1”12-spoke alloy wheels
15″
155/60 front, 175/55 rear

passion-standard
“design 8“12-spoke alloy wheels (R24)
15″
155/60 front, 175/55 rear

passion -stand alone options
“design 9“double 3-spoke alloy wheels (R23)
15″
175/55 front, 195/50 rear

-or-

“design 6”6-spoke alloy wheels (R67)
15″
175/55 front, 195/50 rear

BRABUS – standard
monoblock VII alloy wheels (R59)
15″ front, 17″ rear
175/55 front, 215/35 rear

Introducing the smart drive kit for the iPhone

All the features you need, in a single app.

The new smart drive app transforms your iPhone into a connected information and multimedia system. It’s the first multifunctional app developed by a car company. Check out smartusa.com/drivekit for more details.

Features:
. Listen to your favorite music
. Tune in to web music stations and podcasts from around the world
. Identify songs with the ID Song feature
. Make phone calls
. Avoid traffic jams
. See your position on the map
. Get directions
. Find the nearest gas station
. Find restaurants
. Remember where you parked your car
. Get roadside assistance through the smart hotline
. Google 411 to connect to any business

The smart cradle for iPhone: functional and stylish.

The smart cradle charges your iPhone and mutes the radio during phone calls and voice nav instructions. Its built-in microphone makes hands-free calling possible through your smart fortwo’s sound system.

Here’s how to get your smart drive kit for the iPhone.
The smart drive kit-the smart cradle, control unit and microphone for the iPhone-can be purchased from and fitted by your smart dealer. The smart drive app can be downloaded from the App Store, with the annual upgrade needed for navigation to be purchased via in-app purchase.

For more information, contact your nearest smart center.
Visit smartusa.com/dealerlocator

You can follow and network with smart USA via twitter, facebook, flickr, and youtube

Woo!

The new generation smart fortwo – exciting style, comfort and environmental friendliness

Stuttgart – The new generation smart fortwo will be launched in the autumn of 2010 with a fresh interior look, an upgraded exterior and even more environmentally friendly engines. There is now a choice of seven carefully coordinated colours for the exterior including trendy matt paintwork for the first time. The tridion safety cell is now optionally available in white and the new colours red and blue expand the choice of colours available for the cabrio soft top. Optional LED daytime driving lights and new alloy wheels offer even more opportunities for customisation. Fresh fabrics and colours and a new cockpit design determine the high quality interior ambience of the two-seater car. The information, communication and entertainment systems available for the new generation smart fortwo boast state-of-the-art technology. The vehicles are powered by petrol engines rated at 45 or ?52 kW that have been further refined and set a new benchmark with emissions of less than 100 g/km CO2. Emitting just 86 g/km, the smart ?fortwo cdi maintains its top position as the CO2 champion.

The smart brand does not only stand for an intelligent city car with an innovative concept and distinctive design that have long since made it an automotive lifestyle icon; as a trendsetter the smart fortwo has been redefining individual urban mobility for more than ten years now. It combines responsibility to the environment and high ecological standards with joie de vivre and a high fun factor.  With its compact dimensions the two-seater takes up an unrivalled amount of road and parking space. It boasts state-of-the-art functionality and uses future-oriented, environmentally friendly technologies to bring its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely.

More than 1.2 million smart fortwos have been delivered to customers since the first model was launched in 1998. Today, customers in 43 countries on five continents are able to enjoy the popular car. In the course of 2010 the smart fortwo will be launched in Argentina and Indonesia – bringing the number of countries to 45.

Further successes confirm that smart is on the right track with its trend-setting “smart approach” – for example with regard to design: the smart fortwo received the coveted Red dot award for outstanding design and found a place in the New York Museum of Modern Art even before it took to the streets of the USA in 2008. Or with regard to ecology: emitting just 86 grams of CO2 per kilometre, the smart cdi is the CO2 champion and smart boasts ?the lowest fleet consumption. Furthermore, smart is a pioneer in the sector of electric vehicles and is redefining zero-emission urban mobility. Or innovative mobility: within the framework of the “car2go” project in Ulm and now also in the Texan capital of Austin, smart fortwos can be spontaneously rented by anyone around the clock for a small fee. This new mobility concept that won the ÖkoGlobe environmental award is extremely successful and makes driving in the city as easy as using a mobile phone. Or attitude to life: with the “smart urban stages” smart has created temporary exhibition platforms in various cities for future-oriented projects that relate to ideas for the future of urban life.

With the new generation smart fortwo the popular brand is uncompromisingly continuing this philosophy and making the innovative two-seater even more attractive and environmentally friendly.

Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director smart brand says “We continue to work hard to make our smart models even better and more desirable in every respect. The new generation smart fortwo is perfect for our times. It is attractive and has style. It also boasts high quality materials, visible attention to detail, even more comfort and enhanced functionality. And don’t forget that smart drivers often have an unconventional way of thinking and look for alternatives. The new generation smart fortwo with its wide range of engines and opportunities for customisation meets their requirements.”

Colour your smart

A larger range of colours is available for the new generation smart fortwo for an even more striking appearance. Customers can now choose from seven exterior colours instead of the previous six – including a trendy matt finish. In addition to the new colour matt light green, light blue metallic will replace the previous blue metallic.

On request, the mounted plastic body parts such as the front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron that previously had a black grain can be painted in the body colour. The “bodypanel plus” package is a standard feature from the pulse line and upwards. In future, the fuel filler cap will be painted in the body colour, blending in with the bodypanels.

smart is further extending the choice of colours available for the smart fortwo in future with the new cabrio soft top colours red and blue and the tridion safety cell available in a brilliant white. In conjunction with the white tridion safety cell the door mirror surrounds and the radiator grille will also
be painted white.  The new colours for the soft top and the tridion safety cell result in more combination possibilities and modern colour constellations, giving the smart fortwo a completely new face.

The new optional LED daytime driving lights do not only enhance safety but also give the two-seater car even more appeal as a special eye-catching detail.

Three new alloy wheels also bring fresh ideas to the area of design and styling: a sporty 3-double-spoke alloy wheel (15 inch) comes as standard for the pulse line. An elegant new 12-spoke alloy wheel and a further 3-double-spoke alloy wheel are also available as options, both measuring 15 inches.

Harmonious interior with a fresh feel-good atmosphere

The interior of the new generation smart fortwo has been redesigned and greets the driver and passenger with a fresh and spacious feel-good atmosphere. The full fabric-covered instrument panel featuring new and harmonious styling and new fabric designs for the cockpit, door centre panel and seats of all lines are the main features contributing to this:

•    In the pure line black upholstery and black appointments will determine the style in future
•    The pulse line has a sporty look with leather optic on the side bolsters of the seats and the headrests
•    An elegant fabric pattern available in the colours design red, design black or design beige can be chosen for the comfortable passion line

Further equipment features shape the look of the high-class interior and underline the attention to detail. These include a redesigned dial with a contrasting dark central disc in the instrument cluster (also applies to the dashboard instruments), a matt chrome painted bezel for the 2-spoke leather steering wheel in the passion line and an optional fabric-covered folding centre armrest.

For the first time a 3-spoke leather steering wheel with cruise control function is available for the new generation smart fortwo. It is operated directly and safely on the steering wheel and provides for comfortable and relaxed driving, especially on roads with speed limits.

In addition, a trip computer is available as an option for the smart fortwo. On the clearly visible display of the instrument cluster it shows the current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, trip kilometres and useful service settings among other things.
smart buyers can opt for new ambient lighting to create a pleasant lighting atmosphere and enhance the sense of well-being in the vehicle interior. Dimmable LED lights are fitted in the interior for this – one in each of the door pockets on the driver’s and passenger’s side, three in the instrument panel, a console downlight in the trim of the headlining and two footwell lights.

Clever stowage facilities and practical details

The new style is complemented by a whole host of clever stowage facilities and practical details. They add to the smart fortwo’s appeal as a car for everyday use. For example, there is now a large stowage box in the lower section of the centre console within easy reach of the driver and passenger. A rubber mat and a rubber band inside ensure that small items such as pens and mobile phones do not slide around. A clip on the lid of the optional glove compartment painted in matt chrome holds notes, for example, so that smart drivers do not forget anything. And seat pockets that are a standard feature on the side bolsters between the driver’s and passenger’s seats offer additional versatile stowage space.

The new one-hand operation of the tailgate is a further practical detail that enhances comfort. In future the tailgate will open as soon as one of the two release levers on the left or right hand side is pulled. Until now both levers had to be operated at the same time.

On the pulse of the times: information, communication and entertainment

Cutting edge communication and entertainment systems are available for ?the new generation smart fortwo. The new audio system navigation multimedia is a real multimedia talent with a large 16.5 cm display, an integrated navigation system and Bluetooth hands-free system. The touchscreen display enables intuitive and convenient operation of all functions of the radio, CD/DVD player, Bluetooth hands-free system and navigation. Music, videos or pictures can be fed to the system via the SD card slot. The audio system navigation multimedia has a USB and AUX port ?for external devices and an interface for controlling an iPod.

The new audio system basic also has a USB and AUX port for an MP3 or CD player. Navigation through the menu functions is simple with the large three-line display. A drawer featuring a chrome trim strip below the operating unit offers a useful stowage facility for small items such as coins, pens or cards.

The new optional surround sound system provides a superior sound experience. It boasts exceptional sound volume for this class. Impressive sound is provided by a multi-channel digital amplifier with output of 8×40 Watt, perfectly matched tweeters in the mirror triangles, mid-range speakers in the doors, rear-fills in the B-pillars and a subwoofer under the driver’s seat.

BRABUS innovations

The most striking change for the BRABUS and BRABUS Xclusive lines is the new rim design for the Monoblock VII alloy wheels (front 16 inch with 175/50 R 16 tyres, rear 17 inch with  225/35 R 17 tyres). The BRABUS double-pipe rear muffler has also been modified.

The BRABUS interior design, too, has also been modified in line with the new smart fortwo interior design. The BRABUS 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift now has additional buttons for operating the optional cruise control function. Like the other lines, the instrument cluster has the new dial.

Engines with lower fuel consumption and emissions

The engines of the new generation work more efficiently than ever before. ?The 40 kW cdi turbodiesel is the CO2 champion with emissions of just 86 g/km. The optimised petrol engines also set new records with regard to CO2 emissions. Thanks to detailed work on the engine control unit and exhaust system both the 45 kW mhd and the 52 kW mhd consume 4.2 litres of petrol per 100 km (combined figure) – corresponding to CO2 emissions of 97 g/km (combined figure). The 62 kW version consumes 4.9 litres of fuel over 100 km (corresponding to CO2 emissions of 114 g/km). The power output of the BRABUS version has been increased from 72 kW to 75 kW. Despite this, at 119 g CO2 per 100 kilometres (combined figure) even the more powerful engine remains below the 120 gram threshold.

Overview: smart – the fleet with the lowest consumption

cc
Output
kW/hp
Max. torque
l/100 km
CO2 g/km
0-100 km/h
Max. speed
km/h
smart fortwo 40 kW cdi
799
40/54
130 Nm
3.3 (3.3)
86(87)
16.8
135
smart fortwo 45 kW mhd*
999
45/61
89 Nm
4.2(4.3)
97(98)
16.8
145
smart fortwo 52 kW mhd*
999
52 /71
92 Nm
4.2 (4.3)
97(98)
13.7
145
smart fortwo 62 kW
999
62 /84
120 Nm
4.9 (4.9)
114(115)
10.7
145
smart fortwo 75 kW BRABUS
999
75 /102
147 Nm
5.2
119
8.9
155
Combined fuel consumption and CO2 figures with softip gearshift, figures for softouch in brackets, maximum speed electronically regulated; *coupé

No other car is cheaper to run

The new generation smart fortwo not only boasts a fresh and upgraded look, high quality materials, enhanced intelligent equipment and environmentally friendly engines; exceptional economy and low running costs remain defining features.  According to calculations by the ADAC, the largest German automobile club, even the first generation of the charming two-seater was the most economical car on the German market. At €320 per month the smart fortwo coupe 1.0 mhd had the lowest costs of all available new cars tested by the automobile association.  The ADAC also took loss of value into account, and this is particularly low for the smart fortwo compared with other cars. The verdict was that no other car is cheaper to run in Germany. The car magazine “Auto, Motor und Sport” also put the trendy two-seater at the top of its table of cost-efficient cars.

[ editor's note: interesting read eh? wouldn't be complete without the pics, so big thanks Daimler for posting these today, now I can post them to you, dear readers, to get all the goods on the next model year/generation of smart fortwo ]

That said, anyone wanting to take over webmaster or other duties for the club (and you are reading this right now, so maybe it’s you LOL) please let me know via email or by commenting here.

All the best,

Christopher
Founder, Smart Owners Club of San Francisco
Car: Custom modified 2008 smart ForTwo Passion “Red China Panda” (i need a new name! name it!)

Current president and designated person-in-charge:
Larry “Litto Devil” Wu.
Car: Turbo-charged 2008 smart ForTwo Passion “Screaming Cow”

Be sure to visit our friends elsewhere..
SMART OWNERS CLUB OF AMERICA (SCOA) and CLUB SMART CAR (Canada)

Have a smart experience, photos, videos, or club to share? Let me know and I’ll post it here!

Of fleeing “Hot Dogs” and a love-stricken filling station attendant: Surprisingly different: smart starts a new brand campaign

Stuttgart, Feb 12, 2010

Stuttgart – Surprisingly different time and again: on 16 February 2010 smart is starting a new international brand campaign and bringing fleeing “Hot Dogs”, a filling station attendant and further surprising stories to cinema, TV and computer screens. The ten second spots each show a film excerpt that arouses interest and makes viewers curious to find out more. Accordingly, they end with the question that everyone asks: “What happened?” The microsite www.the-smart-class.com – the central element of the whole campaign – provides the answer. The long version of all films is shown in this web special.

“Our new brand campaign demonstrates the features of the smart fortwo in an entertaining and typical smart tongue-in-cheek manner. All viewers will enjoy it and it is an ideal combination of classic and new media”, says Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director smart brand and Head of Sales & Marketing smart. At www.the-smart-class.com internet users can discover the features of the smart fortwo in an interactive way – from its compact exterior, economy and environmental compatibility to its surprisingly large interior. Each film presents one of the typical features of the smart fortwo in a bizarre and amusing way.

The campaign is starting with two films and a further four will follow in the course of the year. At www.the-smart-class.com interested viewers will find the answer and the whole story behind the short off-beat clips. The protagonists in the films are part of an international, 3D animated city on the internet and invite viewers to find out more about smart. In addition, the web special gives those interested an opportunity to register for a test drive, order brochures and download wallpaper. Emailings and radio spots accompanying the campaign and an extensive online, viral and trade marketing package also guide visitors to the campaign microsite.

The brand campaign was jointly developed and implemented by smart together with four national organisations (Germany, France, Italy and Great Britain) and their BBDO agencies. smart has once again succeeded in realising a consistent international brand profile whilst considering the needs of its main markets. The films were shot in Los Angeles in December 2009.

[Editor's note: Not sure if these interesting ads will make it to North America, but interesting to watch what's happening across the pond either way..]

Just sourced some more details on the electric smart car, and how it charges it’s batteries among other features.. (Toronto, Ontario is where this comes from..)

No emissions, yet pure driving pleasure. The smart fortwo electric drive makes its Canadian debut at the 2010 Canadian International Auto Show. This technologically advanced two-seater is the first emission-free vehicle in the world with state-of-the-art lithium-ion technology and an intelligent charging management system on board. This makes the compact smart fortwo electric drive the first environmentally and customer-friendly electric vehicle, and continues smart’s tradition of introducing innovative and intelligent transportation solutions that redefine mobility.

“Environmental compatibility and the latest functionalities have been defining features of the smart fortwo since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then, its innovative concept has combined pioneering technology to optimize urban mobility. The smart fortwo electric drive is just as convincing as its siblings with conventional drive when it comes to suitability for everyday use, safety and driving pleasure. In terms of environmental compatibility, it sets a new benchmark with its emission-free electric drive. In addition, with just 12 kwH consumption and its purely electric drive system, it is the most economical and environmentally-friendly way of driving,” stated Dr. Thomas Weber.

The electric smart will be delivered to selected fleet, business and private customers around the world as part of various “e-mobility” projects. These customers will receive a complete service package for their vehicle thanks to a “full-service rental model.” “In addition to state-of-the-art vehicle technology, we also want to provide our customers the best service possible – for us, this is an integral part of the concept of groundbreaking mobility,” commented Harald Schuff, Executive Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Sales and Marketing Organization.

The key objective of these projects is to evaluate customer behaviour and specific support services. In addition to Germany, the electric smart will also be made available to customers in Italy, Spain, England, France, Switzerland, USA, and Canada in the fall of 2010.

The concept
Thanks to its innovative vehicle concept, the intelligent two-seater combines sustainable, forward-looking technologies for urban mobility. Its unique design has led the smart fortwo to quickly become an automotive lifestyle icon. The new smart fortwo electric drive is still a smart fortwo without any compromises in terms of safety, comfort and space. A 40 hp electric motor operates in the rear of the smart fortwo electric drive, which ensures good acceleration with 88 lb-ft of torque. When fully charged, the highly-efficient lithium-ion battery guarantees a range of 135 kilometers thanks to its 16.5 kwH capacity – more than enough for city traffic. To charge the battery, the smart can simply be hooked up to a public charging station, a wall box in the garage or any household socket.

Intelligent charging management: charging and paying, as easy as using a mobile phone
As the world’s first series-production electric car, the smart fortwo electric drive is equipped with an intelligent charging management system. The on-board electronics allow for the permanent exchange of information with the grid. As such, electricity billing, for example, can be arranged in a very convenient, simple and secure way. Regardless of where the smart fortwo electric drive has obtained electricity, the customer will only receive one electricity bill from their own energy supplier. Drivers can also check the charging status and therefore the current range of their electric smart in any place and at any time by using a smartphone or other internet interfaces. The heating and air-conditioning systems are also controlled by the power electronics unit, which allows drivers of the smart fortwo electric drive to pre-heat or cool their cars as soon as the vehicle is connected to the grid supply – no other car offers this convenient option.

The electronics of the vehicle also form the basis for future applications, such as active management of the charging process. The electronics can retrieve the maximum available charging capacity as well as the corresponding electricity costs when the vehicle is hooked up, allowing it to calculate the most cost-effective time for recharging. If the electric smart is to be parked for a long period of time, charging can be carried out at times when there is a lower electricity network load, for example.

smart solutions for electric mobility
With the smart fortwo electric drive, smart is continuing its success story as the founder of the intelligent city vehicle. The new electric smart has redefined urban mobility by focusing on a purely emission-free way of driving. As such, the brand is not only demonstrating its role as a trendsetter, but also its technological innovation power: the smart fortwo electric drive is the ideal solution for emission-free driving for the future.

Here are some videos from one of the reporters who went along for the drive/ride:

http://painkillerz.ca/magazine.php?id=1385

There is a facebook fan page for the event as well.. it is located here..

http://www.facebook.com/pages/smart-Winter-Expedition/277093290107?ref=ts

Check them out!

Here is the official press release from Daimler:
After covering more than 7700 kilometres on some of the most scenic, remote and challenging roads in Canada, the smart Winter Expedition concluded over the weekend. The expedition began on January 26th, in Kelowna, British Columbia, and throughout the course of two weeks, 46 participants over three waves made their way up and down the west coast, through the Yukon and all the way to Inuvik, N.T (68° 22′ North Latitude) before ultimately completing their journey on February 6 at the smart Centre in North Vancouver.

The rear-engine, rear drive smart fortwo has a balanced chassis and excellent weight distribution that allows it to perform very well in snow and icy conditions. The caravan of smart fortwos remained poised and easily navigated the ice covered roads, changing elevations, blowing snowdrifts, poor visibility and strong crosswinds they encountered throughout the 12-day program.

The smart fortwo’s myriad of standard active and passive safety systems including Electronic Stability Program (esp®), traction control, cornering brake control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist always kept drivers safely in control despite the extreme conditions. In addition, steering wheel shift paddles, which are standard on the passion model, allowed for easy downshifting to effortlessly climb steep mountain inclines or reduce speed in advance of sharp, slippery corners.

From the changing elevations on the Coquihalla and Alaska Highways to the notoriously challenging Dempster Highway and everything in between, the smart fortwo performed very well throughout the entire expedition and proved that the difficult conditions could be surmounted by the vehicle’s intelligent design.

The comfortable, spacious interior featured a radio 10 sound system with a 6-disc CD changer and Aux jack to keep passengers entertained, while the automatic temperature control and heated seats kept occupants warm despite the harsh temperatures outside. In addition, the 340 litre cargo compartment provided ample capacity for both the driver and passenger to store their voluminous suitcases and bags for the long, cold journey.

“The smart winter Expedition was planned to demonstrate what our 16,000 + loyal customers already know; the smart fortwo is a safe, comfortable and extremely versatile vehicle regardless of the prevailing climatic conditions, varying terrains or distances traveled,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “The compact smart fortwo offers class leading fuel efficiency, low emissions and the highest levels of safety and technology in its category, which serves both the driver and passenger well whether they are navigating congested urban streets, suburban areas or even traveling on remote stretches of highway north of the Arctic Circle in the middle of winter.”

Further information about the smart, including highlights from the winter expedition, route maps and photos can be found online at www.thesmart.ca

The smart fortwo edition highstyle continues the series of distinctive and intelligently designed special models from smart. A pioneer in urban mobility, smart continually questions the status quo and takes a unique approach to transportation. The new special model from the environmentally friendly lifestyle brand combines cutting edge environmental technology and functionality with a discerning sense of style. In the smart fortwo edition highstyle, joie de vivre and classy elegance are combined in perfect harmony.

Even at first glance, the new special model demonstrates its high standards of style and individuality with its fashionable chocolate brown metallic finish. The 15 inch alloy wheels feature an elegant 12-spoke design, and aluminium edition highstyle logos on the A-pillar and rear tailgate complete the exterior appearance.

The upscale interior design also demonstrates a young spirit and an open, new way of thinking with a confident style. The metallic leather trimmed seats and matching door contrasts feature a light and dark fabric ensemble reserved exclusively for this special edition. Decorative brown seams also provide a subtle, matching reference to the exterior colour. The 3-spoke, leather trimmed sport steering wheel features paddle shifters and matches the leather gear shift knob. The additional trim components are finished in matte silver to complete the high quality, dynamic interior.

The new smart fortwo edition highstyle is based on the passion coupé. Generous standard features include: power windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, electric power steering, the smart sound system with an MP3 interface and a panoramic roof with sunscreen. The standard equipment of the edition highstyle also includes dashboard instruments and the radio 10 with 6 disc CD changer.

A hallmark for fun, fuel efficiency and versatility, the new edition highstyle retains the smart fortwo’s trademark characteristics. With a combined fuel consumption value of 5.4 l/100 kms, the smart fortwo is the two-time winner of the ecoENERGY award as the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the two seater category.