the columns supporting thesmartclub’s website ISSUE 27 - Q1 2014
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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thesmartclub ltd … since 2000
www.thesmartclub.com
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Page 2
‘4site’ : Issue 23
2012
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
On Monday we all start together towards Portugal and make our way directly to Cascais. There we want to give you a warm welcome under the sun. Hope you are hungry, a BBQ is directly at the beach waiting for you and afterwards your first party in the beach area.
Welcome We are already well into 2014 and, fresh on the heels of Issue 26 of ‘4site’ smart magazine, we wish you a warm welcome to Issue 27, bringing you the latest news, views and event information from the world of smart.
>> Welcome to Cascais Let‘s get it started On monday 3.00 pm you arrive in Cascais and get ready to start your smart times 2014! Enjoy your free BBQ directly at the smart times Beach Area in the center of Cascais. This area is exclusively reserved for the roadtrip participants. Check out the pics you have made during the photo challenges and be honoured as a winner. Wondering which photo challenges? 10 different photo challenges are waiting for you during your road trip. Each day of your road trip you need to accomplish at least two challenges, that must be documented with a photo. All details are listed up in your roadbook from the starter package! smart times 14 To finish up the first evening in Cascais we take it Roadtrip easy and shake to beats under the clear starry sky4 in Portugal. And there it will be again. The stunning feeling of the best community in the world.
In this quarter’s issue of ‘4site: Regular Local Meetings
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thesmartclub Shop
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You and your smart
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So get ready for your road trip to Cascais and sign up now at www.smarttimes14.com
Al Young Editor, Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd thesmartclub ltd. 1 Corbiehill Park Edinburgh EH4 5EQ UK Tel: +44 (0) 8452 990332
There’s little doubt that 2014 is already shaping up to be an interesting if unusual period for smart club related events and activities.
helpmysmart
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The ongoing build of the new smart fortwo and smart forfour (453 models) mean that our ‘annual’ pilgrimage visit to smartville in Hambach, France has had to be postponed until (a) the models are officially launched and (b) the logistics of such a visit are agreed with all concerned at the plant in Hambach. I already know that many of our ‘regular’ (and fortunate participants in previous visit are suffering withdrawal symptoms from this visit – indeed, we have even had our regular Hotel in Saarbrucken (Victors) querying the fact we have not yet made a booking!
News from smart New smart BRABUS Xclusive red edition grandstyle edition adds extra appeal to smart smart add-on New special model smart fortwo edition citybeam
In addition, smarttimes is in July (rather than August) and takes place in the beautiful (and sunny) venue of Cascais in the south of Portugal. Following an impressive (and victorious) pitch at smarttimes2013 in Lucerne, the team at smart of Portugal are working hard to ensure that his year’s event is equally, if not more, impressive. There are details of the proposed ‘smart‘ road trip to the event with additional information in the previous issue of ‘4site’- furthermore, for those with access to the web, you can find out more at www.smarttimes0214.com. It will be a fantastic event and for anyone who has not yet experienced a smarttimes gathering, I urge you to attend.
Your articles A safe place to be One very happy husband! My 451 MHD Smart Power To Weight A day in the life of the Letting Agents Smart car Pearly Girly My Ultimate Green Roadster My Roadster
2014 also sees the 4two cup series of races start, with inaugural rounds at Silverstone followed by Brands Hatch, both in April. The smart Racing Club (www.thesmartracingclub.com) has full details with live results from each race on its web site. In addition, thesmartclub has entered its Roadster for the gruelling Madrid Endurance Rally that starts 18th May and you can not only keep up wit the news but you can track the car live via a dedicated tracking link published May 2014.
The 4two Cup
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Advertisers JCMotorhomes S2Smarts smart Insurance smart of Wolverhamption
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Madrid-Vila Real-Madrid 2014 Sportscar Challenge
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How to guide RHD/LHD head lamp conversion 29
For more information on any of the above, contact thesmartclub team directly.
Al Young Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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>> smart times 14 Roadtrip
Run to Cascais, 11 to 14 July 2014 One week before smart times starts we will meet up and start together on a roadtrip to smart times 14. We designed it for you to start your personal smart times 14 right in front of your door. Let‘s share moments of fun, lifestyle, cool activities and the stunning feeling of togetherness on our journey to Cascais. The roadtrip contains 4 routes, starting from London for you as a UK smart fan and from Berlin, Vienna and Lucerne. Your UK route takes you through Paris to Toulouse. On Saturday you meet all of the other participants in Toulouse. From here the journey leads us together to Cascais. Be prepared to receive a starter kit, which consists of your personal road book, stickers, a T-shirt and a cap, a get-together in the official roadtrip hotels, your ticket to the Welcome Party including a BBQ in Cascais and a participation certificate. Let‘s discover loads of sights in modern, fancy cities, be part of daily challenges and have fun on our journey to Cascais.
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
smart t
imes Run to
14 roadtrip Cascais
2014
11 th to 14 th
July
Get ready for the run London to Cascais Dear smart fans, It’s the first roadtrip to smart times ever and due to UK’s big and strong smart community the route from London to Cascais may not miss. Combined with that we are proud to announce that Al Young, chair men of the smart club, will be with you on that trip as your personal contact person and trip leader. In close contact with smart and the organisation team of smart times he is prepared to answer your questions, hand you your starter kits and – of course – enjoy with you the coolest way to reach smart times 14. Have a look at the next pages and explore what the smart times 14 roadtrip keeps ready for you. It promises to be your personal road movie through Europe and an adventure you will never forget. We meet you guys under the sun. Your smart times team
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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>> London to Cascais A route designed for you Be excited for the 11th of July at 8.00 am in London. That‘s when your route starts to Cascais. Your first stop leads you to the fashion metropolis Paris! Not only fashion but also monuments like the eiffel tower are waiting for you. In the evening there is the first get together at our roadtrip hotel, so don‘t forget to book it in advance. After a relaxing evening you continue your trip in the morning direction Toulouse. Let‘s meet the other countrie‘s roadtrip participants here in the evening. They also had beautiful routes starting from Berlin, Vienna or Lucerne. On Monday we all start together towards Portugal and make our way directly to Cascais. There we want to give you a warm welcome under the sun. Hope you are hungry, a BBQ is directly at the beach waiting for you and afterwards your first party in the beach area.
>> Welcome to Cascais Let‘s get it started On monday 3.00 pm you arrive in Cascais and get ready to start your smart times 2014! Enjoy your free BBQ directly at the smart times Beach Area in the center of Cascais. This area is exclusively reserved for the roadtrip participants. Check out the pics you have made during the photo challenges and be honoured as a winner. Wondering which photo challenges? 10 different photo challenges are waiting for you during your road trip. Each day of your road trip you need to accomplish at least two challenges, that must be documented with a photo. All details are listed up in your roadbook from the starter package! To finish up the first evening in Cascais we take it easy and shake to beats under the clear starry sky in Portugal. And there it will be again. The stunning feeling of the best community in the world. So get ready for your road trip to Cascais and sign up now at www.smarttimes14.com
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
>> The road trip hotels A daily get together Let‘s get together beside the road and finish off the day at the roadtrip hotels. We pre-reserved a certain amount of rooms for you under special conditions. Check out the hotels on the roadtrip FAQ at www.smarttimes14.com and on facebook. Relax, talk with the other participants, share your experiences or manage together the daily photo challenges. For all of you that haven‘t received a starter package yet the get-together is your second chance. Accomodation costs, drinks and food is not included in the starter kit. Don‘t forget to reserve your road trip hotel until the 30th of April 2014.
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Paris Basel
Lucerne
2014 11 th to th July14
Berlin
London
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roadtri
Vienna
Milan Toulouse Valladolid
Cascais
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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Regular Local Meetings
Although thesmartclub is represented in multiple countries around the world, we are aware of a number of ‘local’ regular smart related meetings that take place in the UK. The meetings we currently have in our Events Diary are shown below and the map provides you a quick overview of ‘what’s on where’. 1 Greater Manchester & North Lancs Meet 4th Thursday of every month from 7:30pm, Wilton Hotel, just off M60 at Heaton Park
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Sussex Smarts Sunday breakfast Our Breakfast meet is every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month.10.00 am, Chalet Cafe, Cowfold, West Sussex. (approx half mile south of Cowfold on A281).
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Milton Keynes & Northampton smart meet Every 2nd Monday, 7:30 pm onwards, Navigation Pub, Stoke Bruerne
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South Coast Smarts Meet 1st Tuesday of every month from 7.30pm. The Fox Inn, Waterloo Road, Felpham, West Sussex.
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Wessex Three Counties Smart Meet 2nd Thursday of every month from 7.00 pm. The Haywain, Southampton Road, Bartley, Hampshire.
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North West Smarties Meet 3rd Thursday of the month from 4.30 pm. The Hollow Tree, Tarporley Road, Stretton, Warrington.
5 4 2 Please note that as many of the above meetings are outside of the direct control of thesmartclub, details and dates may change.
If you regularly meet with a group of local smart owners and enthusiasts and you would like your meeting included in our future listings, please email: events.team@thesmartclub.com or telephone us on +44 (0) 845 299 0332 with details for inclusion in the next issue of our ‘4site’ magazine. For LATEST information and location details always check the ‘Diary’ link in our Online Forum (www.thesmartclub.com)
thesmartclub Shop
Towards the end of 2013, thesmartclub launched a whole new range of branded clothing for Members and non-Members of thesmartclub. In previous years we had a limited range of products but now we are pleased to bring you clothing and clothing accessories across a wide range of products. Many of the products offer you colour choices plus, of course, a wide range of sizes across the clothing range. What makes the new range even more exciting is the option to personalise the majority of clothing items with up to 20 characters of your choice under the logo. So, for example, you may simply wish your name embroidered under our logo or include the name of your local meeting or event. It only costs £2.50 for this feature and represents great value and superb personalisation. The range of products now available ranges from a simple branded ‘ripper wallet’ through a full range of T-shirts, polo shirts, caps, fleeces, rugby shirts, lightweight outdoor jackets and full ‘heavy duty’ outdoor clothing. Members of thesmartclub also benefit from an automatic and superb 7.5% discount across our entire product range simply by selecting the Member Shop link on our homepage or, for our ‘offline Members’, by phoning thesmartclub and quoting your Membership number. 8
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
You and your smart
We really want to hear from you if you have a special story about your car whether it’s a special car by way of modification or simply a standard car that is special to you in some way.
NEW We understand that you may have a story to tell but the last thing you want to do is sit down in front of your computer and type up some text. So this year we’re making it even easier – as well as having the options to email or post us your story, you can now do it by phone! Just let us know a good number to call you on and we’ll have a chat with you – that will then form the basis of a printed story that you can preview and approve prior to publication.
No typing and you still get your story and pictures in 4site! With a truly international audience, ‘4site’ provides you with an ideal additional channel to tell smart owners and enthusiasts about your ‘smart’ filled holiday, vacation, modifications, tours, competitions and ‘smart’ lifestyle. We make it easy for you to submit articles to us, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. We’ll acknowledge all submissions received and advise you when/if your article is being included. Just let us know a good number to call you on and we’ll have a chat with you – that will then form the basis of a printed story that you can preview and approve prior to publication.
You can submit articles directly to us via a dedicated page on our web site.
You can email articles, images and graphics to us any time, any day.
Visit www.thesmartclub.com and select the ‘News & Events’ menu option, then ‘4site Magazine’.
Your text can be created in an email, pasted into an email or sent to us in any file format.
You can type your text directly into the page we provide or paste text you have created elsewhere.
Emails should sent to: 4site@thesmartclub.com
We understand that not everyone has access to the internet or email services. You can send us typed or handwritten letters along with any pictures* and we’ll transcribe your text. Letters should be sent to:
Click ‘SUBMIT’ and you’re done!
‘4site’ magazine thesmartclub ltd Corbiehill Park Edinburgh EH4 5EQ UK
Or you can phone us on +44 (0) 845 299 0332
‘4site’ magazine
‘4site’ is an independent quarterly magazine produced, published and distributed by thesmartclub ltd. The magazine is not for resale or commercial redistribution. All content © thesmartclub 2012 and global Daimler media © 2012 Daimler AG. All rights reserved. The submit button © Kiankhoon, email image © Tomislav Stajduhar, party people image Poznyakov, girl writing © Showface | Dreamstime.com. Design and layout by Oliver Whittaker. thesmartclub is a brand of thesmartclub ltd, Company number SC259434, registered in Scotland, UK. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information given herein is accurate, no legal responsibility is accepted by thesmartclub ltd nor its associated third party companies for any errors, omissions or misleading statements. Views expressed in ‘4site’ are not necessarily those of thesmartclub ltd. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the firms whose advertisements appear within this publication however thesmartclub ltd cannot accept responsibility for the offers made by the advertisers even when making specific offers to Members of thesmartclub ltd. * Note that any pictures posted to us cannot be returned. Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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New smart BRABUS Xclusive red edition: red, rare and raring to go
Looks great.And moves fast. A smart that’s red from top to bottom: the smart BRABUS Xclusive red edition is the first BRABUS Xclusive special model. The jupiter red of the bodypanels and tridion safety cell underlines the sporty character of this smart BRABUS model at first glance. Like all special models from smart, the strictly limited smart BRABUS Xclusive red edition combines top equipment with a clear price advantage. The smart BRABUS Xclusive red edition is available as a Coupé and Cabriolet, with a 75 kW turbo engine. Prices start at €22,890 and it can be ordered from 4 March 2014.The first vehicles will reach dealers and customers in late summer 2014. Based on the BRABUS Xclusive line, the sporty attributes of the smart BRABUS Xclusive red edition include its powerful 75 kW turbo engine with sporty transmission tuning and BRABUS sports exhaust system, titanium-coloured BRABUS headlamps and the BRABUS sports suspension with BRABUS Monoblock VII alloy wheels in size 16/17 inches. Customers can choose between silver, gleaming black and matt grey wheel rims. In each case, these form a striking contrast to the sporty jupiter red of the bodypanels and tridion safety cell. The dynamic, exclusive design continues in the vehicle interior: ample lateral support is provided by black BRABUS leather seats with red topstitching and the BRABUS logo embossed in the headrests. The instrument panel, knee pad, interior door trim and door pocket all feature a black leather-look finish with red topstitching. The BRABUS 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles and automated “softouch” gearshift function allows you to keep a firm grip on things. The gear knob sports a red BRABUS logo. A number of interior components such as the BRABUS seat console trim feature the contrasting colour jupiter red. The standard equipment for the smart BRABUS Xclusive red edition includes heated seats, side airbags, electric windows, automatic climate control and a transparent panoramic roof with sun blind.
The models at a glance: Engine/output
Engine
Capacity
smart BRABUS Xclusive red edition Cabriolet 1.0 l (75 kW/102 hp) petrol mhd
3-cyl. in-line turbo engine
999 cc
smart BRABUS Xclusive red edition Coupé 1.0 l (75 kW/102 hp) petrol mhd
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3-cyl. in-line turbo engine
999 cc
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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grandstyle edition adds extra appeal to smart
Drivers of the iconic smart fortwo can enjoy greater luxury, convenience, style and value with the launch of the new grandstyle edition. Based on the well-appointed passion line, the grandstyle edition features an even more impressive specification. But while the striking smart is big on equipment levels and eye-catching exclusivity, it can be enjoyed for surprisingly little. The grandstyle edition is available with a 0% interest finance package that puts drivers in the 71 bhp mhd coupé for only £99 per month, or in the 84 bhp version for just £109/m. There’s certainly no chance of missing the grandstyle edition. Cool and sophisticated, the new model is distinguished by distinctive gleaming black 15” three-double-spoke alloy wheels, headlamps with titanium-coloured surrounds and subtle ‘grandstyle’ logos in the door mirror triangles. LED daytime running lights heighten safety as well as looks, while the contemporary appearance is completed with a choice of five exterior and tridion colours.
Available as a coupé with a panoramic roof, or cabrio with a fully automatic soft top, the grandstyle edition offers a choice of 71 bhp mhd or 84 bhp turbocharged petrol engines. Both combine strong, nippy performance with the smart’s renowned efficiency. The smart grandstyle edition is priced from £10,330 OTR. “smart has always been small and stylish but the grandstyle edition moves it up a level,” said Gary Savage, Chief Executive Officer Mercedes-Benz UK Limited. “Everything about the grandstyle edition is designed to enhance driver enjoyment, and it’s a car that will create a real stir in its sector.”
Its inside is equally attractive. Black Artico upholstery provides a classy, upmarket ambience and the feel of a leather-trimmed two-spoke steering wheel adds even more compact opulence. There’s also a handy cup holder and if customers desire even more comfort, they can specify the optional new Comfort Package that adds heated seats and electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors. The standard Audio system Navigation Highline with its 6.5 inch touch screen ensures grandstyle edition drivers reach their destination with ease, and air conditioning makes every journey as chilled or as heated as the driver desires. 12
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
smart add-on: extended service for smart drivers Park, share, hire, wash
The smart add-on service programme provides drivers of the smart fortwo and also other models with special motoring services. Through cooperation with some well-known service providers, individual mobility is not only being made less stressful, but also faster, more flexible, more comfortable and more affordable. A new partner is JET. After simple, free registration with the partners individually selected by the smart driver, the process of using the smart app couldn’t be easier: on being launched the app shows add-on partners located in the vicinity, who can also be individually selected in map view and telephoned. Further information about smart add-on is available online at www.smart.com/add-on The following are the smart add-on services and partners currently available in Germany:
Sparkle for less: enjoy a discount at JET car washes Small cars can soon be made clean again. And now for less when they are cleaned at JET: the company is offering all smart drivers (and also drivers of earlier models) a discount of four euros off the “Glanzpflege” [“Gloss Care”] premium wash. Depending on regional pricing, this represents a discount of 30 to 40 percent. When selecting an underbody wash, smart drivers will receive a further discount of 50 percent. No registration is necessary to take advantage of the smart rates: drivers only need to show their vehicle key.
Convenient parking: enjoy special benefits at APCOA car parks One of the biggest advantages of the smart fortwo is that it can be parked in the smallest of spaces. Parking the small runabout is now even more flexible and convenient at participating car parks belonging to the smart add-on partner APCOA (currently available in Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Esslingen, Munich and Cologne). After registration, smart fortwo drivers receive an RFID chip from their smart service outlet which can be attached to the windscreennd provides the following benefits: • Reduced parking fees (15 percent discount) • No parking ticket necessary – no having to search for and queue up at pay machines • Convenient cashless payment to suit customer requirements (direct debit or bank transfer) • Itemisation of parking activities as part of documentation of private/commercial parking transactions, monthly invoicing to enable an overview of cost control. • Entry into car parks even when “car park full” signs are displayed
Low-cost car hire: enjoy a VIP service at Europcar The smart is agile and trendy, but sometimes you simply need a bit more room for passengers or luggage. Occasional transport problems can be solved easily by using a hire care. And this is now a particularly attractive and convenient solution with the aid of smart add-on partner Europcar. Registered smart drivers, and also owners of the Roadster, forfour or ebike, can enjoy the following benefits: • A discount of up to 20 percent off the best available daily rate • Express VIP service (Privilege Ready Service) when collecting and returning vehicles • Guaranteed vehicle reservation (the vehicle will not be hired out to another customer, even if the customer arrives very late to collect it) • Applies in all branches of the global Europcar network. Register for free: participate in car2go Drivers of two or four-wheel smart vehicles with a passion for travel now no longer need miss out on using their urban runabout when they find themselves in a different city. Thanks to smart add-on sharing, they can register free of charge for participation in the car2go scheme. They will then have access to the mobility service from car2go (https://www.car2go.com) in a number of major German cities (currently Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart and Ulm). Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
New special model smart fortwo edition citybeam: Short, sporty and exclusive
A dynamic exterior and a sporty, elegant interior: the new special model smart fortwo edition citybeam makes a sporty statement with bodypanels in metallic or matt paintwork, tridion safety cell in silver and three-double-spoke alloy wheels with wide tyres. In the interior the exclusive black seats in leather optic with crystal grey fabric inserts in the backrest and crystal grey stitching catch the eye. Ordering of the smart fortwo edition citybeam started on 15 January 2014 with prices from €14,490. The special model is available as a coupé and a cabrio and will reach dealers in April 2014. Customers can choose between either a combustion engine or an electric motor. The latest smart fortwo special model that celebrated its premiere at the Brussels Motor Show on 10 January 2014 has been christened “edition citybeam”. The smart citybeam is an individual model from smart with a distinctive character at attractive prices. The most striking exterior features are the bodypanels, which are available in light blue, silver metallic or matt anthracite depending on the market and customer preferences, the silver tridion safety cell and the 3-doublespoke alloy wheels with wide tyres (175/55 R 15 at the front and 195/50 R 15 at the rear) in a dynamic design. The vehicle also boasts titanium-coloured headlamps, LED daytime driving lights and the edition logo in the mirror triangles. Sporty elegance defines the interior of the smart citybeam: the high-quality seats in black leather optic are accentuated by crystal grey fabric inserts in the backrest and crystal grey stitching. Further features include the instrument panel in leather optic with crystal grey stitching, a striking two-section knee pad in black/crystal grey leather look, a 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles and crystal grey stitching, and specially produced floor mats embroidered with the edition lettering. The limited model is based on the passion equipment line, which means that standard features include softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control and a transparent panoramic roof with sunblind. The audio system basic is also on board. The smart fortwo edition citybeam is available as a coupé and cabrio, with a 52 kW mhd petrol engine, a 62 kW in-line turbo engine or as a 55 kW electric drive. Prices start at €14,490.
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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Madrid-Vila Real-Madrid 2014 Sportscar Challenge
The Madrid 2014 Rally is organised by the Guild of Motor Endurance with the event itself taking place on the 18th to 23rd May. Guild of Motor Endurance rallies are primarily about proving and testing the ability of any make of sportscar, but the driving force that influences the results of these events are the crews. Of the 467 rally competitors to date 271 have been successful. It is a genuine test of endurance of both car and crew and thesmartclub’s smart Roadster has had significant successes since its inaugural appearance on the Monte Carlo rally back in 2005. The Madrid 2014 Rally starts in the Sierra de Guadarrama above Madrid. The route takes on the spectacular roads across the Sierra Gredos before crossing the border into Portugal. Continuing West skirting the Rio Alva to the Atlantic coast. From the dunes, East to the labyrinth of roads over the Serra da Estrela. West again into the demanding roads North of the Beira Litoral. North over the tortuous mountain roads of Monte Muro into the maze of the Rio Douro. After reaching the goal of Vila Real, with its legendary race circuit, it’s East across the Alto Douro. From the Spanish border the challenging route continues over the Pena de Francia and Sierra Paramera to Madrid. Previous events have seen entrants from across Europe converge on the relevant start point with a wide variety of sportscars taking part. The Event and smart The 2014 event has particular significance for the smart community given the fact that the route takes us into Portugal, coincidentally the host country for smart times 2014.
smart Roadster International Endurance Rally Car First converted from a standard 80bhp smart Roadster, this unique vehicle has competed in a number of national and international Endurance Rallies from 2005 onwards. The car has achieved overall positions in the ‘Top 3’ plus a number of Class wins. With endurance rallies consisting of multi-day events on tarmac and loose surface roads, including many ‘special’ stages, the focus is on both speed and reliability with many events being over 2500km in length. Our smart Roadster has successfully completed the 2005 Monte Carlo rally, 2007 España Santiago Rally, Roma Italia Rally, Cataluña Rally in addition to a number of six hour endurance races at Mallory Park. In 2012, the car excelled and successfully had an outright win in the 6000km London-Athens Rally achieving 1st in Class (up to 1000cc), 1st team and an impressive 1st Overall. The only car of its type to be fully equipped with all the FIA compliant safety devices, roll cage and technology, it is a car that is always the focus of attention at smart and non smart related automotive events and Dealership appearances. The car’s participation in such events has led to Press coverage in a number of automotive in-print and online journals (Autocar, Autosport) and radio coverage including BBC Radio 2. Although originally red in colour, the car was later wrapped in our motorsport ‘Orange’, identical to that used on our BRABUS race forfour. 18
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Previous Successes: • 2012 - London Athens Rally - 1st in Class, 1st team, 1st Overall (31 starters)
• 2008 - Six Hour Endurance Race UK - 3rd Manufacturer overall, 8th Car Overall (52 starters)
• 2010 - Six Hour Endurance Race UK - 6th Overall (34 starters)
• 2007 - España Santiago Rally - 2nd in Class, 10th Overall (48 starters)
• 2009 - Cataluña-Aquitaine Rally - 2nd in Class, 5th Overall (26 starters)
• 2005 - Monte Carlo Rally - 1st in Class, 3rd Overall (41 starters)
• 2008 - Italia Roma Rally - 3rd in Class, 10th Overall (34 starters)
smart of Edinburgh In 2014, we are delighted to announce that ‘smart of Edinburgh’ are our major sponsor for our 2014 motorsport related activities. The team at Edinburgh have had a long and successful relationship with our smart Roadster and that will continue throughout this year. You can find our more about smart of Edinburgh via their web site at www.smartofedinburgh.co.uk or visit them at their premises at 12 Edinburgh Road, Newbridge, Edinburgh, EH28 8QW (tel: +44-(0) 843 357 2069) Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
Follow us As many of our regular readers will know, during our 2012 London-Athens Rally, our car was equipped with a comprehensive tracking and data transmission system. I’m delighted to say that we’ll again have this facility and we will be publishing details of how you can log onto a dedicated web site to tack our progress throughout the event. For more information about the car, latest status and history, contact thesmartclub directly. 19
A safe place to be
So there I was traveling up the A1 (M) at 6 am. I had been traveling since 5 and had stopped for a coffee. The rain was coming down in buckets and knowing how my Smart Roadster Brabus ‘wobbles’ on patches of surface water I had the wheel gripped tightly between the fingers of both hands. A lorry was overtaking another some distance ahead so I was at the end of a long queue of seemingly only white vans. My recollection of what happened next was thus: ‘ Road, road, road grass grass “There’s no lane here” BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG SMOKE SMOKE TRAPPED “GET OUT!” I had in a split-second, left the road and gone from the grass verge onto the central reservation which at this point is a wire structure, and hit the posts with my driver door. Quite a few actually, still waiting for the bill. I had controlled the car on the barrier and stopped it from turning out and rolling, but now there was smoke in the cab and I couldn’t open the driver’s door as there was 20 miles of central reservation holding it closed. The passenger side was not an option as nobody had bothered to stop and the lorries, (and white vans) were hammering past my passenger’s mirror by what seemed like a few inches but was probably a couple of feet. “It’s a Smart, it has a sardine-tin sun roof!” I thought and rolled down the roof, put my seat belt back on and my head firmly against the headrest in case of being rear ended and called the police. My point to this story? I am 6 foot 2 inches tall and I stepped out and walked away from this crash in possibly the smallest car on the road. (much to the distain of the fire brigade who had no roof to cut off.) The ‘crash box’ worked perfectly. Anyone want to buy a car full of spares? The Roadster is a nice safe car in which to have an accident.
One very happy husband!
To mark a special and memorable birthday for my husband (David), I decided to go all out and surprise him. He had no idea I had secured a lovely new car for his 50th birthday..... All wrapped up in a gorgeous green ribbon on the drive when he came home!! Method in my madness - not only a birthday present but now he can work for me too since I run a property business and he can always help out when I go shopping with the girls!! Hazel Clarke
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
My 451 MHD
Hello, my name is Keith I own a Smart fortwo Mhd passion 2010, only bought it December 3rd 2013 always wanted one took me 5 months to find the right one, but i thought i’d made a big mistake in the first week now over 2 months on i love it, and i’ve made it my own with it’s candy red paint, red seats, and eye lids, i’ve added limo glass, twin exhaust, and 4 brand new bridgestone tyres....shame i can’t take it to bed...i want too wrap it up in a blanket so that it won’t get cold or when it rains rush out and put a cover on it, i could go on and on (you know what i mean) i’ts not just a little car anymore. Keith Brindley (56 years old..is that too old for one)
Earlier this year, a new service for UK based smart car owners launched helping such owners to find a smart service or repair centre in a location to suit them. The ‘Help my smart’ online service allows users to select a geographic location, address, town, postcode of even part of a desired Retailer or Independent 3rd party company name. With full Google map functionality, once the desired area has been selected, markers identify smart Retailers and/or 3rd party companies who may be able to assist. A ‘pin’ on the map identifies the specific location of each such company and, when clicked, will offer full contact details and a direct link to that Retailer or 3rd party web site. As the service uses Google Maps, one can zoom to street level and use Google Street View to locate the premises. Retailers and 3rd Party companies (Independents) are further categorised indicating whether a company is a ‘Featured Retailer’ or ‘Featured Independent’. Such ‘Featured’ companies have further details, offers and promotions available via thesmartclub’s web site and/or ‘4site’ smart Magazine.
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
The service is providing incredibly popular with over 400 unique visitors per day visiting the service and this is increasing exponentially each month. You can find out more at www.helpmysmart.com or, if you are unable to access the web, you can contact thesmartclub directly on +44(0) 845 299 0332.
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Smart Power To Weight
Bubble cars, Frog Eye Sprites, The Lotus Prisoner 7’s, Morris Minors, Mini’s, bicycles fitted with clip on micro two-stroke engines, and armies of moped and motorcycle commuters. You’ve guest it I was a middle 50’s baby, and it was natural to be drawn towards all things motive and small. These vehicles have always had an allure, a tactile excitement, their design, sound, and unique look an irresistible draw. Driving large powerful cars often feels you are on them instead of part of them. Small vehicles, especially Smart’s are the opposite, always light, responsive, agile, seemingly free of gravity, and fun, just as we all started off when very young. And this is why I think Smart owners have a unique emotional connection with their cars. We’re children, alive and responsive. Studying the flow and form of the rear quarter panel and Tridion Cell for almost an hour, you understand the intense passion and soul put into the Smart.
In 1998 whilst in France I saw my first Smart, parked end on to the kerb in a sunny leafy village square, it resonated I was smitten. 2004 and I nearly purchased a Brabus Roadster, but due to major back trauma and three corrective operations this was panned. ‘Don’t even consider a low-slung car’ my neurosurgeon car enthusiast cautioned. Three months later I tried, being unable to get out the car the low seating was just impossibly painful, dam. A 450 Cabrio Passion, followed in 2008 by an 84ps 451 Cabrio Passion in Hello Yellow, care of Smart head office, and its just been constant enjoyment ever since. I often drive with the roof down and my WW2 flying helmet and goggles on. After all, my youngest son calls the Smart a cockpit on wheels. I was fortunate to be invited by Smart to participate in their Design Day at Essen, before the launch of the current 451. It was here I met and spent time with the Smart design team.
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Taking the Institute of Advanced Motorists Skills For Life, advanced drivers course, my examiner a senior Police examiner, had neither been in a Smart before, yet alone passed a Smart driver in one. ‘Does it maintain 70MPH?’ he asked, one of the important requirements of the test is to maintain this speed for some time. To achieve this a 450 has to work hard especially carrying a burly weighty passenger. I became the only Smart owner to join IAM’s largest group, North West London & Chilterns. They had also never been up close to a Smart, and knew little about its innovative design. When we all first learn to drive we’re actually learning how to pass the driving test, but there’s so much more that you can achieve in your car. The IAM offers varying levels of support, regardless of your standard of driving, that put you en route to becoming a more skilled and confident motorist. Another plus is your insurance premium is reduced. The IAM also provide unique Skills Days for members and nonmembers, at various UK high profile race venues. These days are not track days aimed at being taught to race, more to explore the limits and improve the handling of your vehicle, in complete safety, on a dedicated circuit, and under expert instruction. You maintain high road speeds and lap timings as the session progresses.
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Photographs courtesy of Robert Hands Photography
The knowledge gained can be put into daily driving, as it provides advanced drivers, with greater levels of perception, observation, and planning. This results in the ability to take advantage of opportunities, to make efficient safe and confident progress, and its fun too. Participating at a Silverstone IAM Skills Day in my yellow Smart, a group of non-IAM Porsche members had also been invited. Its not outright horsepower that results in swifter progress, it is power to weight, and more to do with observation, placing the car at correct entry, exit, and limit points on bends, and when to apply braking and acceleration. I was outpacing the Porsche drivers much to their surprise, although the Smart’s Achilles heel, early understeer, is evident at much lower road speeds than most cars, on approaching bends. But this is the Smart, charismatic, quirky, and a real art to drive progressively. ‘What’s in the boot?’ enquired the Porsche driver I had lapped earlier.
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
Smart power to weight beats brawn. Robert Erskine is a member of the International Motor Press Association, an automotive broadcaster and journalist, and Senior European Correspondent to the longest running live automotive weekly radio show on US radio, The AutoLab Broadcast. He is the first radio broadcaster to have introduced the Smart Car concept to the US, providing over 30 live reports on it success, including Smart Days. In 2006 he was granted permission by Mercedes Benz to announce on US radio, that the Smart 451 would be sold into the important US market. Robert Erskine is a Fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors, and created in 1996 the first centenary sculpture to the British Car Industry, and the communities who established this, sited at Canley, Coventry, and formerly home of Triumph Cars. © Robert Erskine 2014
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A day in the life of the Letting Agents Smart car
9.00 am – On the ball Had to run to a new property in Leith Walk and make sure that the keys worked. If we don’t check them, it can lead to problems with tenants later on in the tenancy. Responsive steering make driving in town so much easier.
10.30 am – One-up on the traffic wardens A quick trip across town to Newington drop off keys to a solicitor who needs them to carry out a viewing. The beauty of the smart car is that I can park it in small places and minimise the possibility of parking tickets. 11.00 am – Runs circles round the competition Off to Shandon to take some ad shots of a new property. The street is a cul de sac so am glad that I can easily do a turn at the end of the road, larger cars would have to reverse out of the street. 1.30 pm – Booty-licious I have to head to Easter Road to collect some excess belongings left by the previous tenants, for a small car it’s amazing what you can fit in the boot of the Smart car. 3.00 pm – Saving the planet I stop by the petrol station on the way back the office. Thankfully I don’t have to do this too often because of its fuel efficiency.
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After 5pm – Tucked up for bed I get back the office and easily park my compact little car in our tiny city centre garage, ready for its day out tomorrow! Orlaith Brogan, ESPC Lettings Manager
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Pearly Girly
I would dearly like to share experiences of my car with your readers: We bought our fortwo in 2006, (Passion fortwo 2003) + cherish plates S200GUD within a year we personalised her and Pearly Girly was ‘born’ - we have attended hundreds of Smartie Events, for example: monthly meetings in Wales, Bristol, Gloucester, also did the last London to Brighton and attended the first Smart Festival in 2007 (Brooklands), Hambach 2007 and 2008 , Coleford Transport Festival, Beaulieu, Ace Cafe....Smart Times 2013 (Switzerland!!)....met some FUN Characters, meeting so many amazing people and making great friends and over the last seven years, all of which has filled our lives with such excellent experiences and memories! We have participated in six Pink Car Rallies with Pearly Girly for a charity (the Little Princess Trust) the last one was from John O’Groats to Lands End. Pearly was also used in a “Green Footprint” mini documentary in Wales Pearly Girly has several trophy’s .... 3rd in Best Kept (Brooklands) Peoples Choice award 2012 (Beaulieu) 1st Prize in the Vintage dress up Pentillie Castle (Plymouth) (Smart South West)
This year we decided to sell Pearly Girly with her AA Yellow Panels to our friends Simone and Chris Bothwell, they are delighted with her and she is now called Brum! Pearly Girly MK2 - Brabus fortwo 2007, (cherish plates) now personalised with all the lovely Pink Panels and brand new Italian Leather interior in ... you guessed it... PINK, wide wheels and gear padels on the steering. We are looking forward to driving her to Portgual in July for the Smart Times 2014 event... look forward to seeing you all there! Sue Toogood
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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My Ultimate Green Roadster
This Smart Roadster has been transformed from the victim of an unfortunate motorway accident, to a demonstration of what one particular garage owner’s restoration services can accomplish. Purchased six months ago by Gerard Simpson of Ilkley’s Lessian Motors, the accident had left the car with a broken rear wheel and damaged rear panel. When Gerard found the Roadster, it had been parked-up for over 18 months, after the owner had become disillusioned with the potential cost of repairs. Taking pity on the car, and armed with a plethora of paint and mechanical knowledge at his fingertips, Gerard took on the challenge of transforming the Roadster into his ultimate weekend toy. First, the rear wheel was repaired and, along with the other wheels, was refinished in striking matt black. Then all body panels were painted in Ford Ultimate Green – even the texturised light surround and bumper insert were smoothed and given several coats of the new paint. “I wanted something that was bright and fun, but with the paint finish of the high-end supercars we work on here at the garage,” explains Gerard. “Painting the textured surfaces to match the rest of the body was very labour intensive to get right, but I think it has paid off in the final result.” Contrasting the lurid paintwork, and continuing the supercar looks, Gerard finished the door mirrors and handles in high-gloss black. Already equipped with uprated brakes, next on the list for the car is a new exhaust, Brabus turbo, ECU remap and performance air filter, that should see this Roadster producing over 110bhp and around 140 lb/ft of torque. Gerard adds: “The aim is a power-to-weight ratio of around 140bhp per tonne - ensuring the performance and noise match with its looks! Gerard Simpson, Lessian Motors, Ilkley.
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
About Lessian Motors Lessian Motors was founded in 1977 at its original location in Booths Yard, Nile Road, Ilkley. After many successful years and with an expanding customer base, in 1999, the business outgrew its original premises and moved to its current location on Little Lane. A family-run business with an assurance of quality and service, today, the company is headed by Gerard Simpson, son of its late founder, Les Simpson. Combining the professionalism of a large corporate garage with the personal service of a local business, Lessian Motors provides a complete range of services, to fulfil all your classic, perfomance and modern vehicle motoring needs. Combining the latest industry technology with technical expertise, Lessian’s dedicated team of trained professional technicians deliver friendly and personal service in modern workshop facilities. Lessian Motors prides itself on delivering ‘value-for-money’ vehicle repairs, bodywork and maintenance in Ilkley. http://www.lessianmotors.co.uk
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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My Roadster
I wanted a roadster from the first moment I saw on at smart of Southend. I took a test drive and the salesman was as excited as me about the roadster. It was not until several years later I actually got one and in my opinion the best you can get. A silver Brabus xclusive. The styling is superb with a sensuous body and performance that puts a smile on your face very time you drive it. I have been all over Europe in this car, visiting smartville several times and driving through Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, Holland and France. You would be amazed what you can pack inside and still have room for some nice German red wine and a box of super dickmanns. Have only really had one modification silver carbon fibre mirror caps to match the rest of the roadster. I have also added a Brabus v6 steering wheel. You would not think a different steering wheel would make much difference but it makes the car even more exciting to drive and looks and feels superb. A well known independent smart specialist keeps trying to persuade me to get it remapped but frankly it is good enough as it is. I think Brabus know what hey are doing (apart from making wheels out of soft cheese covered in tinfoil). Overall the is the best car I have ever had and I never get tired of driving it around. Mark Duncan
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How to guide
RHD/LHD head lamp conversion
For many of our UK Members driving their Roadsters on the continent, there has often been the question of how exactly do you have the headlights dip the opposite way – indeed, the same applies for those visiting UK roads. Conventional self adhesive ‘beam deflectors’ are not applicable and as such, we thought we’d take this opportunity to outline the procedure. For ease of demonstration we have removed the unit from the car, however, this is not entirely necessary.
4. Remove the 3 T25 torx screws
6. Push the housing back together again.
You can follow here to step 3, and make this conversion with the lens in place on the fitting. 1. Looking at the back of the lamp-housing there are a 3 T25 screws, one in a fixed hole, and 2 securing through adjuster slots.
5. Remember you will need to completely remove the screws from the slots.
7. Retighten the T25 torx screws, note that the top screw is now in the ‘R/D’position.
2. Observe the markings on the housing: L/G = Link/Gauche = Left R/D = Recht/Droite = Right
3. Also the tab at the base of the housing.
Because the light is inverted by the lens, the projector must sheild the lower half of the emitted light before it reaches the lens and projects onto the road.
If you note the shape of the shield, this is how the light is angled to the nearside, it is this angle which you are changing when performing the continental conversion. 5. The 2 halves just separate, then rotate by about 10 degrees until the tab locates in the other notch.
8. If you removed the unit from the car, you will need to reattach it back to the car using the 3 adjuster screws. Remember to take the car to an appropriate MOT station or similar to ensure the lights are correctly aligned. The workings... This works because of the internal design of the roadster projector unit. There is a large main lens which inverts and focuses the light produced from the bulb.
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
Our thanks again to the team at FQ101.co.uk for their support and assistance in compiling this article.
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The 4two Cup
After a fantastic year of track related motorsport, the 4two cup saw its inaugural two opening rounds take place at Silverstone circuit on Saturday 6th April. There was a strong support from fellow motorsport and smart enthusiasts alike on the day that saw a total of seven fortwos line up for qualifying early on the morning of the 6th. Bates, Jackson, Craig, Clatworthy, Palmer (A)m Palmer (J) and Bloomfield finished 1st (pole) through to 7th on the grid respectively with some 8.8 seconds ( and a bunch of horsepower with 451 and 450 on track simultaneously) separating 1st from 7th. The first race took place around noon that day and saw some excellent competitive driving as is now familiar with the 4two cup but eventually, 15 laps later and after 20m 35.6 seconds, Jackson just crossed the line just over 2/10ths of a second ahead of second place Bates. It’s what makes the 4two cup what it is – close, competitive challenges with a sense of fun throughout. Despite a qualifying lap time of 1:35.127, Bloomfield (Fudgesmart) improved in Race 1 to finish 6th with a fastest lap time some 6 seconds quicker than his qualifying time! Late afternoon brought Race 2 in the series and without doubt, a quicker track. Again, Jackson came home first completing an impressive 16 laps and a fastest lap some 1.1 seconds quicker than Race 1. Although technical problems saw Bates fail to finish retiring after only 2 laps, the rest of the field came home safely with Bloomfield continuing to improve shaving another 1.4 seconds of his previous fastest lap. Position
6th April : Silverstone Qualifying Results - 4two cup Driver
1st
Clatworthy M
6th
Palmer J
Driver
Fastest lap
Bates P
1:20:035
Craig A
4th
Clatworthy M
6th
Bloomfield M
Palmer J
Palmer A
Time
Laps
20:35.930
15
20:35.697
1:19.313
20:55.806
1:21.493
20:59.911
1:24.136
21:41.856
1:33.108
22:04.257
1:29.173
Fastest lap
Craig A
21:40.662
Palmer J
20:56.462
3rd
Clatworthy M
5th
Bloomfield M
DNF
Bates P
6th
1:35.137
1:19:891
Driver
Jackson J
4th
1:34.056
21:17.107
6th April : Silverstone Race 2 Results - 4two cup
1st
2nd
1:34.045
6th April : Silverstone Race 1 Results - 4two cup
3rd
Position
1:32.584
Bloomfield M
Jackson J
7th
1:27.161
Palmer A
1st
5th
1:28.792
4th
7th
2nd
Craig A
Jackson J
5th
Position
1:26.354
2nd 3rd
Palmer A
Time
Bates P
15 15 15 14 14
Time
Laps
1:19.482
16
1:18.760
21:23.077
20:51.705
1:21.904 1:22.116
20:58.567
1:27.988
3:32.418
1:28.550
20:45.555
15
1:34.625
16 15 15 14 13 2
The next rounds of the 4two Cup are scheduled for 26th and 27th April at Brands Hatch. You can find full, comprehensive live timing throughout the event via The smart Racing Club website (www.thesmartracingclub.com). Membership of The smart Racing Club is now FREE of charge and you can register online to receive a range of associated benefits. 30
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Protect the car you love. Thousands of our smart car owners each year trust our motor insurance policy to look after their smart. Motor Insurance by smart has been rated 5-Star by independent financial research company Defaqto and offers superb features such as: • Guaranteed GenuineParts and repairs carried out by a smart Approved Repair Centre • 24/7 UK accident recovery In addition to the above, if you insure a second car with us you’ll receive a 10% multi-vehicle discount on your premium.
Join in. Call now for a quote on 0845 600 3429 Or visit us at thesmart.co.uk/ins OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES IN MPG (LITRES PER 100KM) FOR THE SMART FORTWO RANGE: URBAN 44.1 (6.5)-85.6 (3.3), EXTRA URBAN 64.2 (4.4)-85.6 (3.3), COMBINED 54.3 (5.2)-85.6 (3.3), CO2 EMISSIONS 120-86 G/KM. Motor Insurance by smart is arranged by Daimler Insurance Services UK Limited and underwritten by Aviva Insurance Limited. Registered in Scotland, No. 2116. Registered Office: Pitheavlis, Perth PH2 0NH. Daimler Insurance Services are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Aviva Insurance Limited are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
smart – A Daimler Brand.
Issue 27 - Q1 2014 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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Magazine design & production by Oliver Whittaker Š 2014 32
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