Smart SUV to debut in North America - Benzworld.org

Wolfgang · 08-05-2003, 08:00 PM

Smart forfive it to be first Smart in North America

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/w456.html

mbakshi · 08-07-2003, 08:17 PM

K - thanks for the info - just have one question though.

Quote:

Besides optional full-time four wheel drive, independant suspension, 4 disc brakes and ESP, it will have 4 and 6 cylinder engines from the C-Class starting with 162 hp from 1.8 liter with compressor in the USA version (143 hp Europe), and an optional 2.0 liter Volkswagen TDI diesel with 140 hp. The name is still undecided. Instead of Smart forfive it might be called fourbyfour, forall, forfun etc.

A VW diesel? Why would MB need or want a VW diesel and why would VW want to supply its competitor with an engine?

Wolfgang · 08-07-2003, 11:51 PM

It is an attractive engine and was cost effective for DaimlerChrysler. It will also be offered in various Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep and Mitsubishi models.

2.0 liter displacement
4 cylinders and 4 valves per cylinder
TDI pump nozzle injection
latest VW diesel technology
140 hp
produced in Salzgitter

mbakshi · 08-08-2003, 09:03 AM

Sounds interesting - I just thought maybe MB would just want to internally develop an engine like that since they have their own (larger) CDI diesel engines, so just re-engineer that technology into a smaller engine. Anyway, the Smart SUV sounds interesting --it'll probably give some of the smaller SUVs here quite a run for their money [:D].

Wolfgang · 08-08-2003, 12:31 PM

Mercedes probably wants to keep their diesel engines more exclusive. Their OM646 CDI diesel with 2.0 liter, common rail injection and 150 hp would fit the bill. But it's the base engine in European C- and E-Classes.

This new SMART SUV might also be offered by Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep and Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi developed the platform on which it's based.

JimB · 08-30-2003, 01:14 PM

I read from the Wheel Section of Sat.Newspaper that The "A" class isn't coming to N.A. after all. In its place MBUSA will launch a new small vehicle similar to "A" class and they will call it CST which was scheduled to arrive in 2005 for MY 2006. It will be more powerful than A class. The top engine of the current A class is a 125hp 1.9 liter four cylinder.
The price will be bet. $20K - $30K.