2005 smart crosstown Concept

A neat new layout that smart is exploring is a variable position centre console. (Photo: smart Canada)

While it would have been easy enough for smart to rehash the exiting fortwo's interior for this concept, they've gone and redone the whole interior with a new, urban-chic look. Take for example the new, linear dashboard designed and styled with the North American market in mind; it uses a graffiti pattern rather than alloy or carbon fiber. The seats are trimmed in worn-look leather, the pedals styled like those of mountain bikes, and the three-bolt wheels mimicking those on roller blades.

A neat new layout that smart is exploring is a variable position centre console that extends from the passenger side door to the middle of the cabin. Its first purpose is to act as a locking storage compartment. Its lid, however, features several switches which operate functions on the vehicle. The third purpose, when the console is in its central position, is to offer USB interactivity with devices such as PDAs and MP3 players.

Among any smart car's most appealing attributes, aside from trendy styling and space-efficient design, is minimal fuel consumption. The current fortwo cdi turbodiesel is a champ in this respect, and is the only non-hybrid vehicle on sale in Canada to edge out miserly gasoline-electric hybrids. The crosstown should pose some serious internal competition, however, as it is a hybrid. A full working battery pack and electric motor system has been added to the crosstown increasing performance without taxing the car's economical benefits.

The crosstown started out life as just another design exercise, but evolved into something much bigger. While it's unlikely that the

smart's dwindling budgets could either mean that this tough-looking city car gets the green light or doesn't even make it off the show stand, depending on priorities. (Photo: smart Canada)

second-generation fortwo will be remotely similar in appearance, a limited production series or a spinoff model similar to the crosstown shouldn't be ruled out. smart's dwindling budgets could either mean that this tough-looking city car gets the green light or doesn't even make it off the show stand, depending on whether the powers that be choose to go bold to attract attention to the brand or rather play it safe and conservative to save money. But the former might be more true to character. After all, smart gave the windshield-less, door-less crossblade the go-ahead, so why not this one? Whatever happens, the crosstown is yet another example of how big things can happen, even if grounded by small dimensions.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 2-door coupe, space frame with polycarbonate panels
• Layout: rear engine, RWD
• Engine: 40.2 hp, 73.8 lb-ft, 799 cc, common rail turbodiesel, I-3
• Transmission: 6-spd clutchless auto (with manual mode)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS and EBD
• Curb Weight (estimated): 730 kg (1,609 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 2
• Cargo Volume (estimated trunk): 260 L (9.2 cu ft)
• Acceleration (estimated 0 - 100 km/h): 19.8 seconds
• Top Speed (estimated electronically limited): 135 km/h (84 mph)
• Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 3.9 / 3.1 L/100 km (72 / 91 mpg)
• Web Site: www.smart.com or www.thesmart.ca