Düsseldorf, Germany – Since the introduction of smart in 1998, over 1.2 million of the motorized Lilliputians have been sold around the world.
Just 1.2 million, you ask?
Why, in 2005 alone, over 1.4 million Corollas rolled out of 16 Toyota assembly plants! So, congratulating oneself on selling almost as many smarts in over a decade can seem a tad arrogant.
However, you have to look at it from another point of view: the smart isn’t your average car. It’s an eccentric little thing, an unusual product especially for Americans. In Europe and Asia, microcars have been the norm for a while now. But in the land of Bigger is Better, the smart had until now no common denominator.
But times they are a’ changing, even for our neighbours down south. That’s why Toyota is taking the microcar plunge on our continent with its Scion iQ – taking with it smart’s monopoly in this niche. They couldn’t transform it, so the brand’s strategists have chosen the weapon of originality in this battle.
It’s in the details
The 2011 smart fortwo’s profile hasn’t changed, but its colour palette has gained two new hues: Light Green and Light Blue (like the car we drove around the Düsseldorf area in Germany).
The automaker is also offering two new soft top colours, red and blue. Buyers can choose from three new 15-inch, alloy wheels as well as a set of colour-coordinated side skirts with front spoiler and rear apron. LED daytime running lights will also be making an appearance later in the year.
Interior touch-ups
Inside, the dash has been lightly touched up. The driver is treated to a new, three-spoke steering wheel with a nice grip. Through it you can spy a redesigned instrument cluster.
Just 1.2 million, you ask?
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| The fortwo’s profile hasn’t changed for 2011, but it comes in two new colours, including this pale blue hue. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
Why, in 2005 alone, over 1.4 million Corollas rolled out of 16 Toyota assembly plants! So, congratulating oneself on selling almost as many smarts in over a decade can seem a tad arrogant.
However, you have to look at it from another point of view: the smart isn’t your average car. It’s an eccentric little thing, an unusual product especially for Americans. In Europe and Asia, microcars have been the norm for a while now. But in the land of Bigger is Better, the smart had until now no common denominator.
But times they are a’ changing, even for our neighbours down south. That’s why Toyota is taking the microcar plunge on our continent with its Scion iQ – taking with it smart’s monopoly in this niche. They couldn’t transform it, so the brand’s strategists have chosen the weapon of originality in this battle.
It’s in the details
The 2011 smart fortwo’s profile hasn’t changed, but its colour palette has gained two new hues: Light Green and Light Blue (like the car we drove around the Düsseldorf area in Germany).
The automaker is also offering two new soft top colours, red and blue. Buyers can choose from three new 15-inch, alloy wheels as well as a set of colour-coordinated side skirts with front spoiler and rear apron. LED daytime running lights will also be making an appearance later in the year.
Interior touch-ups
Inside, the dash has been lightly touched up. The driver is treated to a new, three-spoke steering wheel with a nice grip. Through it you can spy a redesigned instrument cluster.
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| The 2011 smart fortwo has inherited a more advanced cabin. But with the impending launch of the Scion iQ, the microcar will loose its monopoly over the niche in Canada. (Photo: smart) |