Every year there’s a whole bunch of ‘NEW’ smart models out and as far as we can work out they’re all the same! Now smart is introducing this one, to be launched in Autumn 2010, and they proudly call it the new generation, yea right! There is some new colors for the exterior, with contrasting tridion safety cell, optional LED lights, 15-inch alloys, and a new display for the cabin. And that’s about it.

The upgraded cabin also features new dials with a contrasting dark central disc in the instrument cluster and dashboard instruments, and an optional fabric-covered folding centre armrest. As for the new in-dash screen, it’s a 16.5 cm display, with integrated navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free system, 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.

The only interesting thing about the smart is still the Brabus treatment, including Monoblock VII alloy wheels, BRABUS double-pipe rear muffler and sport instrument panel.

The new models also get a range of revised powertrains:

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.