The new Smart fortwo, priced from £6,900 on the road, goes on sale in Britain on 15 September.

The new car is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more ecological than its predecessor.  It retains its unmistakably iconic looks: the striking tridion safety cell that is also one of the main safety features and the innovative but practical plastic bodypanels, are still an essential part of the car that has become a familiar sight on British roads.

True to its philosophy of combining an exciting lifestyle product with environmental protection, smart is supporting the Live Earth concerts and “Save Our Selves – SOS” campaign against global warming.  Smart is the only car manufacturer acting as an official partner of the Live Earth concerts taking place on 7 July 2007 and will be providing the shuttle service for artists and celebrities participating in Live Earth.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director, Mercedes Car Group, said: “The new Smart fortwo offers a solution to the problems associated with urban mobility and we need to have solutions like this if we are to face up to the issues around climate change.”

The car has new up-rated petrol engines, a newly developed transmission system, with five gears, which offers considerable advantages in terms of comfort, fuel economy and driving agility.  It is also slightly larger in size: the 7 inch (19.5 cm) increase in length has
been used to give even better pedestrian safety and rear impact protection, as well as improved ride comfort.

In terms of active safety, the fortwo is the only car in its class to offer an electronic stability control system, ESP, as standard across the range.  A recent report commissioned by the Government found that cars equipped with anti-skid controls are 25% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those without it.

Kelly continued: “smart retailers already have new Smart demonstrators available for customers to test and current owners will get another chance to get behind the wheel at “smart Destination: Brooklands” on Saturday 28 July.”

The familiar equipment lines will continue to be available; pure, pulse and passion and full UK pricing is detailed below. 

Customers who want more information on Smart can log onto www.smart.com/uk or call the Smart information line on 0808 000 8080.

UK Prices

fortwo Coupe

fortwo Cabrio