smart fortwo edition highstyle shows brown can start/stop with the best of 'em
smart fortwo edition highstyle - Click above for high-res image gallery
A new and limited smart fortwo called the edition highstyle (see also the edit10n and the one with the maple leaf) is about to go on sale in Germany. Based on the coupé passion, the highstyle comes in two gasoline engine flavors (with 52 kW/71 hp or 62 kW/84 hp), a "trendy chocolate brown metallic" paint job and 15 inch alloy wheels. The smaller of the two engines also gets smart's mhd (micro-hybrid, aka stop-start) system. mhd causes the engine to shut down automatically when the brake is applied and the car is going slower than 8 km/h and then jump to life as soon as the driver steps on the gas. Drive one of these cars only in city traffic and you could see fuel saves of "almost 20 percent," smart says.
The highstyle's interior uses brown metallic leather to cover the seats and in the doors, and there's leather on the steering wheel gearshift and gear knob, as well. Interested? The mhd version will start at €15,695 while the 84 hp model will cost €500 more, €16,195, in Germany.
Gallery: smart fortwo edition highstyle
[Source: smart]
PRESS RELEASE:
smart fortwo edition highstyle
New smart special model – stylish, elegant and classy
Stuttgart – smart is welcoming the autumn with a particularly stylish special model that is characterised by high quality equipment, fine materials and an unusual appearance. The new smart fortwo edition highstyle features exclusive paintwork in trendy chocolate brown metallic and elegant 12 spoke 15" alloy wheels. The exclusive interior of the special model boasts a harmonious mix of fabric and leather. The smart fortwo edition highstyle is available with a 52 kW/71 hp or a 62 kW/84 hp petrol engine.
The 52 kW variant is fitted with a comfortable automatic start/stop system as standard which shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stationary, noticeably reducing fuel consumption. Style, savoir vivre and zest for life go hand in hand with environmentally friendly technology.
The new smart fortwo edition highstyle continues the series of unusual and successful special models from the trendsetter for urban mobility. The unconventional car manufacturer questions the status quo and takes fresh and unusual approaches. 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 elegance with its classy chocolate brown metallic finish. 15 inch alloy wheels in an elegant 12-spoke design and edition highstyle logos in aluminium look are further highlights that round off the exterior appearance to perfection.
The classy design of the interior also demonstrates a young spirit, an open, new way of thinking and a confident style. Exclusive, gleaming metallic leather on the seats and in the doors contrasts with the light and dark fabric ensemble reserved for this special edition. Decorative brown seams are a subtle reference to the exterior. The kneepad and instrument panel have a leather look. The 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift is covered with leather, as is the gear knob. Trim parts that shimmer in matt silver round off the high quality yet dynamic impression of the interior.
The new smart fortwo edition highstyle is based on the coupé passion. Among other features this equipment line comes with softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, and a panoramic roof with sunblind. The standard equipment of the "edition highstyle" also includes dashboard instruments and the radio 9. Electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment and the smart sound system with a smart MP3 interface are optionally available.
The new special model also demonstrates the smart fortwo style when it comes to environmental friendliness. Not only does it fulfil the strict exhaust gas standard EU 5, the 52 kW variant is moreover fitted with micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology as standard.
This clever and comfortable automatic start/stop system shuts down the engine as soon as the driver brakes and the vehicle's speed falls below 8 km/h – for example when approaching traffic lights. The engine starts again in the fraction of a second when the driver releases the brake pedal. The system is fully automatic – the driver does not need to do anything. In urban traffic with frequent stop and go situations, fuel savings of almost 20 percent are possible with mhd.
The special smart fortwo model edition highstyle is available with a 52 kW/71 hp engine fitted with mhd or with a 62 kW/84 hp engine and costs €15,695 and €16,195 respectively (German list price including VAT).
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark Kiernan 9:42AM (8/26/2009)
Start stop should be introduced for all oil based cars. Also Smart here is the EV, and how much is it?
Reply
Snowdog 11:06AM (8/26/2009)
Start/stop is one of those things that will likely benefit the EPA test a lot more than the real world.
The EPA test spends 18% of the test with the car idling. This is part of what give hybrids the bigger EPA city numbers.
I seriously doubt that many people spend 18% of their time idling. Maybe 1% for me.
So a start/stop system would give a significant boost on the EPA numbers, I expect it will do little in the real world for most people.
Rif 10:35AM (8/26/2009)
"trendy chocolate brown metallic paint job"
That looks like a horrible colour from the late 1970'ies.
Reply
Carlos 11:23AM (8/26/2009)
My best car ever, after 10 years, from 1999, without no one problem...100% :-)
Reply
NeilBlanchard 1:18PM (8/26/2009)
Hi,
I'm interested in the shut off below 8kph -- this is an improvement that lets you coast to a stop. I've seen numbers like 5-8% improvement with start and stop; without the coast down feature.
Sincerely, Neil
Reply