4site Issue 35 - 2017 by thesmartclub

ISSUE 35 - 2017

Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

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.

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) 8452 990332.

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

Welcome Spring is well and truly here and I’m delighted to bring you an equally shiny and sunny edition of ‘4site’ smart magazine.

In this quarter’s issue of ‘4site: News from smart World premiere at the Geneva Auto Show 4 2017 BRABUS ULTIMATE 125: The ultimate city sports car

Al Young Editor, Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd thesmartclub ltd. 1 Corbiehill Park Edinburgh EH4 5EQ UK Tel: +44 (0) 8452 990332

We’re already building up to the largest gathering of global smart car owners and enthusiasts taking place in Salou, Spain on 16th and 17th June. This year’s smart times event has a totally ‘electric’ theme with large numbers of the new smart electric drive on location in Salou, a range of related activities on and around the venue, the amazing DJs Nervo and, of course, the famous corso run. This year’s drive takes in the stunning coast of Catalunya. The location for the event very much ‘sun sea and sand’ with the stage on the beach under the swaying palm trees that line the promenade. We have a great UK representation this year with enthusiasts from thesmartclub, Invicta smart club, Wherry smarts, Sussex smart, East smart, Wessex smart, smartmaniacs, smart car Southwest and theroadster.net all attending. I’m delighted to say we have a dedicated UK Club area, a fantastic video planned and we’ll be part of the ‘Welcome of the Nations’ highlight on the Friday. You can find full details via thesmartclub web site and at smarttimes17.com – I’m also very honoured to say I’ve been asked to provide a blog for the Daimler media team prior to and following the smart times event. Links and details will be available via thesmartclub web site. Also, launching in April 2017 is the opening rounds of the 4twocup races taking place around the UK. You can not only find a provisional list of events via The smart Racing Club web site (www.thesmartracingclub.com) but we are posting results directly from each event for Qualifying and all races as they happen via the same web site. You can also access archived results from 2015 and 2016 at that location. We’re also off to a great start to 2017 with more UK smart Retailer Networks joining our smart UK Retailer imitative offering purchasers of new and used smart cars one year free membership of thesmartclub. We welcome the UK Network JCT600 bringing ‘smart of Sheffield’ and ‘smart of York’ into the initiative.

“Reveal the Iconic You!” smart fortwo BRABUS tailor made by Veronika Heilbrunner

smart sales go online

Curtains up for BRABUS edition #2 and crosstown

My smart, your smart, our smart

“smart ready to rent”: Mobility made to measure

Electric urban model ready to go

As stylish and practical as the smart itself: 20 new accessories for fortwo and forfour help my smart

smart UK Retailer Initiative

Regular Local Meetings

thesmartclub Shop

smart times 2017

Readers Stories My smarts - An article from David Ibbotson 23 My smarts - An article from John Hindley

Event Review Simply Smart 2016

4two Cup The 4two Cup - An Introduction

The 4two Cup Review 2016

Advertisers bob! Bounce Off Bumper Protector JCMotorhomes smart Insurance smart of Wolverhamption

23/29 2 31 16/17

You’ll also find articles from smart owners in this issue – ‘4site’ is your magazine and we’d be delighted to hear about you and your smart Best wishes Al Al Young Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd

Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

News from smart

World premiere at the Geneva Auto Show 2017 BRABUS ULTIMATE 125: The ultimate city sports car Equally exclusive and dynamic city sports cars built in limited editions have a successful history at BRABUS. That is why there is now a new power two-seater from BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) that is celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Show 2017: The BRABUS ULTIMATE 125 is built based on the smart fortwo or the smart fortwo cabrio. As the name indicates, this two-seater is a supercar with an output of 92 kW / 125 HP (123 bhp) and a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph), built in a limited production run of just 125 consecutively numbered vehicles. The BRABUS ULTIMATE 125 continues an equally long and successful tradition. It began in 2004 with the ULTIMATE 101, the first limited edition of the special models from BRABUS, which all sold out completely. The success story continued with the equally popular editions of the ULTIMATE 112, ULTIMATE R, ULTIMATE style and ULTIMATE 120.The new BRABUS ULTIMATE 125 city sports car is the first vehicle in this line to be based on the new smart fortwo generation. The exclusive equipment ranges from the special paint finish tailored to customer preferences and the WIDESTAR widebody version with forged BRABUS Monoblock Y 18-inch wheels to the exclusive all-leather interior in any imaginable color. The suggested retail prices for a BRABUS ULTIMATE 125 start at 49,980 euro for the Coupe and at 52,800 euro for the Cabriolet.

Vehicle 001/125 of the ULTIMATE 125 small series, which is on display at the Geneva Auto Show 2017, is an eye-catcher par excellence with its perfect Blu Glauco special paint finish, a bright turquois. Part of this effect comes of course courtesy of the thrilling BRABUS WIDESTAR bodywork. As the name indicates, it is a widebody version with flared fenders at the front and rear axle, which create space for 18-inch wheels at all four corners. The largest consequently possible tire/wheel combination is beyond unusual for a car of this category. The new BRABUS Monoblock Y wheels with nine spokes tapering off into the outer rim flange in the shape of a “Y” are fitted on the front axle in size 7Jx18 and shod with size 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires. Size 8Jx18 wheels with 235/30 R 18 tires at the rear put the power of the engine down on the asphalt with optimal efficiency. Weighing just 6.7 and 7.1 kilograms, respectively, the BRABUS Monoblock Y wheels for the ULTIMATE 125 are some of the lightest 18-inch wheels on the market worldwide. The show car in Geneva sports the wheels in the combination glossy black/polished on one side and a black painted variant with pin striping in Blu Glauco vehicle color on the other side of the vehicle. The lowered BRABUS sport suspension is specifically tuned to the ultra-low-profile tires and the wider track. It combines direct and equally safe and agile handling with the desired ride quality. The BRABUS designers round off the sporty appearance of the widebody version with a front spoiler, rocker panels and rear diffuser, all manufactured from PUR in OEM quality. This prepares the ULTIMATE 125 perfectly for the powerful BRABUS three-cylinder turbo engine. The power plant with a displacement of 898 cc (54.8 cu in) is fitted in the BRABUS engine shop with a modified intake system, an even more efficient intercooler and a recalibrated engine control unit. In keeping with its name, the ultimate city sports car puts a peak output of 92 kW / 125 HP (123 bhp) at 5,550 rpm at the disposal of its driver. However, even more important for daily driving is the peak torque of 200 Nm (147 lb-ft), outstanding for a car of this category, and on tap at a low 2,000 rpm. The gears of the BRABUS ULTIMATE 125 are shifted automatically or manually like in Formula 1 racing with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Reprogrammed transmission electronics shorten the shift times. With a sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) of just 9.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph), the exclusive city sports car also sets benchmarks in its category in this discipline.

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

The dynamic driving experience is accompanied acoustically by the BRABUS stainless sport exhaust system, which was designed specifically for the new special model. The BRABUS ULTIMATE diffuser provides the perfect backdrop for the three center-exiting chromed tailpipes. The ULTIMATE 125 also sports exquisite highlights in the cockpit. Large parts of the interior of the Cabriolet on display in Geneva are covered with especially soft and breathable BRABUS Mastik leather, which was precisely color-coordinated with the vehicle paintwork. This includes the seats and the center sections of the door panels. For contrast, parts of the interior such as the top of the dashboard were covered with black leather. The precise honeycomb quilting with pinpoint accuracy sports the same black color. Details such as the instrument for rev counter and clock mounted on top of the dashboard, the vent surrounds, the instrument cluster surround, the turn signal and windscreen wiper stalks and the door handle recesses are also all painted in vehicle color. The BRABUS stainless pedals plus the aluminum shift knob and emergency brake lever add a touch of racing looks to the cockpit. Other exclusive features of this special model are the tailor-made scuff plates with BRABUS ULTIMATE 125 logo, illuminated in red or white like the stainless footrest in the driver footwell. Classy velour floor mats with BRABUS logo round off the exquisite ambience.

Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

Climate control system, radio and navigation system are of course part of the standard equipment of the exclusive two-door car from Bottrop. The choice of colors for the bodywork to suit the vehicle ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preferences is just as endless at BRABUS as the choice of interior design and the color of the soft top. Fuel economy, CO2 emissions and efficiency class BRABUS ULTIMATE 125 based on the smart fortwo: city 5.2 l/100 km, highway 4.1 l/100 km, combined: 4.5 l/100 km. Combined CO2 emissions: 102 g/km, efficiency class B.

News from smart

“Reveal the Iconic You!” smart fortwo BRABUS tailor made by Veronika Heilbrunner Stuttgart/Berlin. Veronika Heilbrunner is presenting her individual smart fortwo | BRABUS tailor made during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin under the motto “Reveal the Iconic You!”. The collaboration between smart and the internationally renowned stylist demonstrates the seemingly endless possibilities that the smart BRABUS tailor made programme offers customers when it comes to individualisation. Everyone can create their own personal smart. The two-seater styled by Veronika Heilbrunner will be on show at Berlin’s Appel Design Gallery between 17 and 19 January 2017, along with premium fashion photography and a behind-the-scenes video. For the exterior paintwork the street style icon created the shade “velvet blue”, which makes the sporty smart fortwo sparkle in the sunlight. The coordinating rims are in “royal gold”. Both colours have been added to the latest tailor made programme colour catalogue. The interior is dominated by black leather. A contrasting, tailor-made ruby red glass cap gleams on the gear knob. And the head restraint on the driver’s seat is embroidered with the stylist’s initials. This gave her a better idea of the possibilities that smart BRABUS tailor made offers. Over the course of several months, her highly personal smart fortwo | BRABUS tailor made gradually began to take shape. “It was an inspiring experience for me, designing a car rather than fashion. I wanted to experiment with colours and materials to create something very personal,” stated Veronika Heilbrunner. “As individual as I am, and as creative as fashion – the smart fortwo | BRABUS tailor made by Veronika Heilbrunner reflects my ideal of perfect individualisation.” Although the car is a one-off, customers will be able to create an almost identical replica for their own private use with the aid of the smart BRABUS tailor made programme. The internationally renowned fashion photographer Sabrina Theissen captured the process of creating the smart fortwo | BRABUS tailor made by Veronika Heilbrunner in an impressive series of images. These photographs, along with the vehicle itself and a film featuring behind-the-scenes details and interviews with Veronika Heilbrunner form part of the MADE exhibition at the Appel Design Gallery in BerlinMitte. The exhibition will be open from 12 noon until 6 pm on 18 and 19 January during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin. Anyone who is interested will also be able to admire the exhibits via smart’s (international) channels on the social web.

“A smart is the perfect car for the city and, as such, the perfect vehicle for expressing urban individuality. That’s what we want to show with this project. We have always found innovative ways of highlighting the creativity of the urban lifestyle car and the wide range of design possibilities the smart offers,” state Dr Denise Heinermann-Bieler and Carolin Güthenke, Senior Managers Marketing Communication and Brand Management smart. Veronika Heilbrunner went on a journey to gather inspiration for her individually styled smart, speaking to creatives and designers about materials, colours and production options.

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

Innovative Lifestyle Configurator on Instagram Those looking for inspiration for their own creation will also find the smart fortwo | BRABUS tailor made by Veronika Heilbrunner at www.smart.com, in the section detailing the individualisation programme. The individualisation programme is also being highlighted on Instagram: a Lifestyle Configurator allows users to answer questions on their personal lifestyle and find out how their own smart BRABUS tailor made could look. The answers to the questions are hidden behind the images from a diverse range of Instagram channels, providing a fun way for users to hone in on their personal smart | BRABUS tailor made model. The style icon Veronika Heilbrunner Veronika Heilbrunner is a stylist and fashion director of the online magazine “hey woman!”. Born in Munich, she currently lives in Berlin and, according to Vogue.com, is among the world’s most influential street style icons. Her unmistakable, sporty and romantic looks have inspired fans and earned her followers in the fashion scene around the globe.

The smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme Individualisation is one of smart’s great strengths and, as a result, smart BRABUS tailor made, launched in 2010 and established worldwide, has proven a success. The smart BRABUS tailor made models are “tailor made” in the truest sense of the word. They are individually customised by hand, using high-quality materials, and there are virtually no limits to the customers’ creativity. The smart BRABUS tailor made programme is all about urban individuality, helping turn the smart into a personal one-off. Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

News from smart

smart sales go online

• UK customers can now buy a fortwo of forfour direct from their computer • Cars can be delivered to a retailer or direct to the customer’s home • Three different purchasing options with pricing from £119 a month Pioneering urban automotive brand smart is now offering UK customers the option to purchase a new fortwo or forfour online, for the ultimate in convenience. The simple process starts at www.smartcarsonline.co.uk where customers create an account, reserve a car online by placing a £250 holding deposit, and complete a credit application. They can then choose to either collect their new smart from a local retailer or have their car delivered direct to their home. The online store offers a number of pre-configured models based on the popular prime model line and is available with black or white panels and a black tridion cell. There are three payment packages enabling customers to choose from either a lower monthly payment, a standard offer, or a lower deposit, and they could be on the road from as little as £119 a month. Once a customer’s credit application has been approved (within 48 hours) the customer will be guided through the simple stages of the buying process. Their contract will be emailed to them and their new car could be with them as quickly as 12 days later. Krishan Bodhani, head of smart in the UK, said: “Almost anything can be bought online now and we’re delighted to offer this option to our customers when purchasing their smart. It’s really easy to do and is extremely time-efficient, enabling a customer to make a reservation, fill in a credit application and sign a contract at a time and place that works for them.” The models available to buy online have a power output of 71 bhp; the fortwo achieves 68.9 mpg on the combined cycle and the fourfor 67.3 mpg. Highlights of the prime model line include: a panoramic glass roof, 15-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, black leather-covered seats and the smart Media System which features a seven-inch touch screen with Bluetooth connectivity. The link for smart online sales is www.smartcarsonline.co.uk or customers can link through the smart UK website uk.smart.com

smart UK Retailer Initiative We’re delighted to announce that smart of Sheffield, smart of York, smart of Wolverhampton, smart of Edinburgh and smart Brooklands are now participating in the above initiative. These Retailers join a growing number of Retailers where Customers purchasing a new or used smart car benefit from one year’s free Membership of thesmartclub. Contact thesmartclub for more information.

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

News from smart

Curtains up for BRABUS edition #2 and crosstown Stuttgart/Geneva. smart is staging the world premieres of two special models in Geneva: the smart fortwo cabrio BRABUS edition #2 and the smart forfour crosstown edition. Tailored to customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wishes and available in a limited series, the open-top smart BRABUS two-seater will be available for ordering from 7 March, with prices starting at â&#x201A;Ź 26,750*. The special model, featuring cool silver paintwork and a red soft top, will reach dealers at the beginning of spring. The second highlight at the smart stand is the smart forfour crosstown edition. Special detachable parts in underride guard-look and striking side skirts conjure up a sporty crossover appearance. The forfour crosstown edition will be available for ordering in a variety of exterior colours in mid-July. The first vehicles will reach dealers in the autumn.

Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

News from smart

Curtains up for BRABUS edition #2 and crosstown continued... To be produced in a run of 100 vehicles, the smart fortwo cabrio BRABUS edition #2 is the latest in the limited BRABUS series. The limited edition vehicles cut an elegant figure, featuring classic exterior paintwork in cool silver with “BRABUS edition #2” lettering in the mirror triangle, harmoniously rounded off by the new, 16-inch BRABUS “MONOBLOCK VIII” alloy wheels in matt anthracite with a high-sheen finish. The tritop fabric soft top in red adds a contrasting touch. This colour concept continues inside the vehicle with a colour-coordinated tailor-made leather interior. High-quality leather seats in ruby red with honeycomb quilting in red, and dashboard, door centre panels and multifunction leather sports steering wheel in ruby red provide for a coherent overall concept. The BRABUS velour floor mats add a finishing touch. The BRABUS edition#2 is powered by a 66 kW (90 hp) threecylinder turbo, combined with the twinamic 6 speed dualclutch transmission (fuel consumption, combined: 4.2 l/100 km. CO2 emissions, combined: 97 g/km). The special model features an extensive scope of equipment and appointments. Standard features include: *Recommended retail price, including 19% VAT

• Sleek & Style package in conjunction with R97 rim: 40.6 cm (16 inch) BRABUS Monoblock VIII alloy wheels in matt anthracite featuring a high-sheen finish with 185/50 R 16 front tyres, 205/45 R 16 rear tyres, sports suspension lowering the vehicle by 10 mm, 3 spoke multifunction steering wheel in leather incl. shift paddles on the steering wheel, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs • LED & Sensor package: H4 halogen headlamps with welcome function, integral LED fibre-optic daytime driving lights and LED tail lamps, fog lamps with cornering light, rain and light sensor • Cool & Media package: smart Media-System with 17.8 cm (7 inch) multi-touch display, AUX/USB/SD interface in centre console, voice control, Bluetooth interface with hands-free system, audio streaming for music transfer, MirrorLink, navigation system, automatic climate control • Stowage Space package: Lockable glove compartment, stowage net on centre console in front passenger footwell, retaining strap for securing items on the front passenger seat • Comfort package: Height-adjustable driver’s seat, heightadjustable steering column, backrest adjustment with onetouch function for driver and front passenger, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors • Heated seats • 35-litre tank The smart fortwo cabrio BRABUS edition #2 will be available for ordering from 7 March, with prices starting at 26,750 euros. It will reach dealers at the beginning of spring. The exclusive smart fortwo cabrio | BRABUS edition #1 had its world premiere in Geneva in 2016, kicking off this run of limited special series.

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In striking outdoor look: smart forfour crosstown edition Plenty of space and a cool look define the smart forfour crosstown edition, a crossover model that is ideal for the city. The special outdoor look includes special detachable parts in underride guard-look at front and rear and striking side skirts. The crosstown edition will come in various exterior colours – the world premiere in Geneva features a model in graphite grey with a black tridion safety cell, powered by the 66 kW (90 hp) engine with five-speed manual transmission (fuel consumption, combined: 4.3 l/100 km. CO2 emissions, combined: 99 g/km). The forfour crosstown edition will be available for ordering in July. The first vehicles will reach dealers in the autumn. A broad range of equipment and appointments is on board as standard, including: • Urban Style package in conjunction with R95 rim: 40.6 cm • LED & Sensor package: H4 halogen headlamps with (16 inch) 8 Y-spoke alloy wheels painted in black, fitted welcome function, integral LED fibre-optic daytime driving with 185/50 R 16 tyres at the front and 205/45 R 16 tyres lights and LED tail lamps, fog lamps with cornering light, at the rear, wheel arch liners with smart lettering, sports rain and light sensor suspension lowering the vehicle by 10 mm, exhaust system • Stowage Space package: Lockable glove compartment, with chrome-plated tailpipe trim, 3-spoke multifunction stowage net on centre console in front passenger footwell, sports steering wheel in leather with grey topstitching, retaining strap for securing items on the front passenger sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs seat • Cool & Audio package: smart Audio-System with AUX/USB • Heat-insulating, dark-tinted glass for rear side windows and interface, Bluetooth interface with hands-free system, audio rear window streaming for music transfer, automatic climate control • 35-litre tank Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

News from smart

My smart, your smart, our smart Stuttgart/Las Vegas. The latest service from smart is “smart ready to share”, which makes private car sharing as simple, safe and uncomplicated as using car2go. With the aid of a smartphone, authorised users can open and drive away a friend’s smart in a matter of seconds. “smart ready to share” will be presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and will be launched in select German cities at the beginning of 2017.

From January the mobility pioneer smart will be making another bold move that ties in with the sharing economy megatrend: “smart ready to share” introduces the possibility of private car sharing. The service is targeted not only at young people but also at freelancers and small business owners who will be able to use the system to manage their fleets efficiently. “smart ready to share” will initially launch as an optional extra alongside “smart ready to drop”, the biggest in-car parcel delivery trial ever to take place in Germany. From early 2017 participants in this beta test will be able to try out “smart ready to share” and lend their smart to friends, colleagues and relatives. “smart ready to drop” already has several hundred participants in Stuttgart and Cologne. Berlin and Bonn are set to launch this month. “smart ready to share” is another project to emerge from the corporate strategy CASE. The acronym CASE represents the strategic future fields for Mercedes Benz Cars: “Connected”, “Autonomous”, “Shared & Service” and “Electric drive”. Simple, safe and straightforward usage via an app “smart ready to share” is smartphone-based and uses the vehicle’s Keyless Entry function. The connectivity box behind the windscreen communicates with the “smart ready to” app for which “smart ready to drop” participants have already registered.

“The new culture of sharing is resource-friendly, ecological and sustainable – and has already made inroads into the car world. The private ‘smart ready to share’ car sharing service is designed to enhance the quality of life in cities. What we are launching here is nothing less than the Airbnb of the car sector.” Three factors make “smart ready to share” unique: • the security of a solution provided by the manufacturer. • complete control by the vehicle owner as the sole administrator and decision maker. • simple and cost-effective use. 12

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

In the next step the smart owner can enter the times when the vehicle will be available and invite friends and colleagues to use it. The friends and colleagues will be sent an email, allowing them to register and create an account. The people defined by the smart driver can then book the vehicle via the app and open it with their smartphone. The app acts as a digital vehicle log, making car sharing straightforward, transparent and safe for all users.

As a final step, the owner must ensure that a vehicle key is left inside the smart so that the activated users can drive it. At the end of the trip the vehicle is locked via the app and the booking is ended. The vehicle is then released again for all other users.

New service strategy from the pioneer of urban mobility “smart ready to” stands for a range of innovative services designed to make life in the city easier. This new smart service strategy already includes: • the hire concept “smart ready to rent”, which offers mobility tailored to city requirements. The entire smart model range can be hired from dealerships on a flexible basis, including the new smart electric drive models. The new hire concept was launched in several German and French cities at the beginning of December. Possible hire periods range from one day to three months. • the in-car delivery service “smart ready to drop”, where the smart boot is used as a drop box for parcels. This innovative service makes online shopping significantly easier. The smart collaboration with DHL enables parcels to be delivered to the boot of your car. The beta test is already running in Stuttgart and Cologne, and will begin this month in Berlin and Bonn. The service will eventually be offered in seven German cities. • the parking space service “ready to park+”, which was introduced in March 2016. All the user has to do is register for free with the parking space sharing service ampido, and they will be able to benefit from central, smart-exclusive parking spaces in Cologne and Munich. All available parking spaces are displayed in the app, along with their distance and tariff, and can be booked to suit requirements. After reserving and paying for the space online, the smart driver can navigate to the parking space and open the barriers there using their smartphone.

During the beta test, smart is taking on the cost of any additional insurance required. When the service is launched to the wider public, it is planned that vehicle owners will have the opportunity to share not only the vehicle with other users but its costs, too. The “smart ready to” app will, in future, make calculating costs a simple and straightforward process.

smart established the smart lab to accelerate the development and implementation of such creative urban mobility projects. The smart lab is the brand’s think tank. The easy-going and unconventional start-up mentality of the lab’s creative employees is what enables this innovative platform to drive new mobility ideas.

The smart owner can also activate a “Home zone”, specifying where the vehicle should be returned to.

Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

News from smart

“smart ready to rent”: Mobility made to measure

Stuttgart. Following “smart ready to park+” and “smart ready to drop”, “smart ready to rent” is the next innovative service by the cult brand intended to make urban life easier and meet the mobility requirements of town-dwellers. With “smart ready to rent”, the full smart model range, and next year also the new smart electric drive models, can be flexibly rented from dealers. The new rental scheme starts from early December in several German and French cities. With the new rental scheme “smart ready to rent” smart offers tailor-made mobility for the urban environment. The scheme also closes the gap between the short-term rental scheme car2go and longer-term leasing. Flexibility is the key: This applies to both the rental period – from one day to three months – and the model range. This is because all the smart models are available with “smart ready to rent”: smart fortwo, smart fortwo convertible, smart forfour, smart BRABUS and, from mid-2017, the new smart electric drive models. So a smart fortwo can be booked for a visit to the open-air cinema in the summer, and a smart forfour for the weekend shopping trip. Unlike with conventional car rental schemes, a specific model rather than a general vehicle category is rented - which means that customers really can obtain the smart of their choice in as-new condition with high-quality appointments. “smart ready to rent” starts in early December with exclusive smart dealers and smart partners in the German cities of Münster, Osnabrück, Essen, Bochum and Recklinghausen and in selected cities in France. The scheme will be gradually extended to further cities. 14

The administrative side is uncomplicated, as one might expect from smart: Vehicles can be reserved via an online booking platform, www.smart.com/rent, or directly with the dealer. The vehicles are collected and returned directly at the dealership. Apart from liability insurance, the rental includes a fully comprehensive insurance scheme - details can be obtained from the dealer. 4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

News from smart

Electric urban model ready to go

Stuttgart. The new smart electric drive models are now available to order. In Germany, prices for the smart fortwo electric drive (combined power consumption: 12.9 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) start at 21,940 euros and for the forfour electric drive (combined power consumption: 13.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km) at 22,600 euros. The market launch will begin in June. The new smart electric drive makes opting into electric mobility more attractive than ever. This is because it combines the agility of the smart with local emission-free driving – the ideal match for urban mobility. A 60 kW (81 hp) electric motor runs at the rear of the smart electric drive and transmits its power via a constant ratio to the wheels. Powerful torque of 160 Nm is immediately available from a standstill. The electric drive has a range of approximately 160 km – ideal for local emission-free mobility in urban areas. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h to maximise the range. smart is the only car manufacturer worldwide to offer its model range with both combustion engines and all-electric drive. Shortly after the release of the smart fortwo and smart forfour models, the smart fortwo cabrio electric drive will be available to order from May, with prices starting at 25,200 euros. With exterior and interior design details in electric green, the smart electric drive greenflash special model offers the perfect way to highlight the market launch. This smart electric drive is available as a fortwo, priced from 27,839 euros. Even more attractive with green bonus All of smart’s electric drive models qualify for the German government’s environmental incentive scheme, and the green bonus reduces the purchase price by over 4000 euros. With the green bonus the smart fortwo electric drive costs 17,558.84 euros and the forfour electric drive 18,220 euros. The bonus reduces the price of the smart fortwo electric drive greenflash to 23,459 euros. This means that when it comes to purchasing and running an electric vehicle, the smart models are the best value on the market. Cars with all-electric drive qualify for a total green bonus of 4000 euros. Half of this total is met by the car manufacturers and half by the government. The calculation in detail: the manufacturer’s share is deducted from the net list price and the VAT then added. If the buyer then submits evidence of a valid purchase or leasing agreement or a binding order, he or she will then be awarded the government’s share. The green bonus can be applied for using a form which is available via the BAFA (German Office of Economics and Export Control) online portal. Extensive standard equipment, exclusive packages and extras Fitted as standard with, among other things, the Cool&Audio package, featuring the smart Audio-System with AUX/USB/Bluetooth® interface and automatic climate control, the smart electric drive models top the extensive standard equipment of their conventionally powered counterparts. Standard equipment also includes an additional instrument with power meter and state of charge indicator. The following packages, reserved for the smart electric drive models, offer a striking design and even more utility value: • electric drive design package: the tridion safety cell in the exclusive • Winter package: in addition to the heated steering wheel and the colour electric green can be combined with black or white bodypanels heated seats (also at the rear for the forfour), the enhanced insulation and radiator trim. The door mirror caps are also painted in electric of doors and cockpit ensures a comfortable warm temperature, even green. 16 inch wheels in black or white, “electric drive” lettering and in icy outside temperatures. These features can also be activated by corresponding logos round off the look. The electric drive design smartphone as part of pre-entry climate control. The Winter package is packages costs 350 euros in conjunction with the Urban Style or Sleek available for 350 (fortwo) or 580 euros (forfour). In conjunction with the Style package and 800/720 euros in conjunction with the passion/prime prime line, the additional price is 140 (fortwo) or 350 euros (forfour). line. A particularly powerful 22 kW fast charger will be available from autumn 2017 (840 euros). This enables the smart electric drive to be charged much more quickly: in less than 45 minutes (20-100%). Because of its quiet drive system, the new smart electric drive is available with an acoustic presence indicator (120 euros), which generates a speedsensitive, Daimler-specific sound for the protection of other road users. And every wish can be catered for when it comes to colours and optional equipment, as the smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme is also available for the smart fortwo electric drive. Electric driving at smart therefore offers maximum scope for customisation.

Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

smart of Wolverhampton

Our friends at Drayton Group smart of West Midlands have some great end of year offers on the new smart fortwo with 0% finance available, plus a complimentary vehicle health check & wash/vac PLUS a chance to win an iPad when you take an extended test drive. And every new & used car purchased from a Drayton Group dealership qualifies for One Year’s complimentary membership of thesmartclub. (Terms & conditions apply - contact Retailer for more information)

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

FOR CITY SLICKERS.

THE NEW SMART GENERATION OFFERS. PERSONAL USER OFFERS smart fortwo passion 71 hp manual metallic* 36 monthly payments of £139 per month smart fortwo prime 71 hp manual

36 monthly payments of £149 per month

PERSONAL USER OFFERS

PERSONAL USER OFFERS smart forfour passion 71 hp manual 36 monthly payments of £149 per month smart forfour prime 71 hp manual 36 monthly payments of £159 per month

Representative example for a smart fortwo passion 71 hp manual Metallic* 36 Monthly Payments of £139.00

On the Road Price £11,420.00

Customer Deposit £1,687.76

Retailer Deposit Contribution £500.00

Total Deposit £2,187.76

Duration of Agreement 36 Months

Optional Final Payment £5,450.00

Credit Total Amount Amount Acceptance of Fee Payable Credit £140.00 £9,232.24 £12,876.76

Purchase Activation Fee £95.00

Fixed Interest Rate 5.47%

APR Representative 6.9%

Drayton Group

Smart of Wolverhampton Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV2 4HD 01902 276 961

www.draytongroup.co.uk

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the smart range: urban 55.4(5.1)-58.9(4.8), extra urban 72.4(3.9)-76.4(3.7), combined 65.7(4.3)-68.9(4.1). CO2 emissions 99-93 g/km. *Annual mileage for the smart fortwo passion 71 hp is 10,000 miles. Credit Acceptance Fee payable with first payment. Finance based on a 3 year PCP at 10,000 miles per annum. Finance isIssue subject to approval and vehicles must be credit approved and ordered between 01.01.2015 and 31.03.2015 and registered before 30.06.2015, subject to 35credit - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk 17 availability. Excess mileage charges apply. Amount of retailer deposit contribution dependent on model. Finance available from Mercedes-Benz Financial smart – A Daimler Brand. Services UK Ltd, MK7 8ND. Model images shown for demonstration purposes only. Finance subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required.

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

Baldock (North Herts & Central Beds) Smart Meet Meet 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7.30 pm. The George IV, Baldock, London Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire. SG7 6LZ

East Kent Smarties Meet 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm. The King & Queen, 1 New Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6DD Gaydon Heritage Motor Museum smarts day out Annual meet at The British Motor Museum. Saturday 29th July 2017 from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. British Motor Museum, Banbury Road, CV35 0BJ Gaydon, Warwickshire Hampshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire & Yorkshire Smart Meets Groups and meetings in these areas. We’ll publicise the dates and location on our Facebook page. Invicta Smart Club For more details visit Invicta Smart Club on: Facebook, Instagram or at www.invictasmartclub.com or email team@invictasmartclub.com Smart Car Southwest Regular monthly meets. Check facebook for more information. https://www.facebook.com/groups/smartcarsouthwest/

1 3

Please note that as many of the above meetings are outside of the direct control of thesmartclub, details and dates may change.

Sussex Smarts Sunday Breakfast Breakfast meet every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 9.30 am. The Chalet Cafe, Henfield Road, Cowfold, West Sussex. RH13 8DU (approximately half mile south of Cowfold on A281) Wessex Smarts Regular monthly meets. Check facebook for more information. https://www.facebook.com/Wessex-Smarts-695819550518554/

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.co.uk or telephone us on +44 (0) 8452 990332 with details for inclusion in the next issue of our ‘4site’ magazine. For LATEST information and location details always check the ‘Events Diary’ link under ‘News & Events’or check our Online Forum (www.thesmartclub.co.uk)

thesmartclub Shop

thesmartclub has 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. 18

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.co.uk 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.co.uk

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) 8452 990332

‘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 2017 and global Daimler media © 2017 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 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

News from smart

As stylish and practical as the smart itself: new accessories for fortwo and forfour Stuttgart/Toulouse. Two body variants, two transmission variants, four modern combustion engines and, most recently, the smart electric drive with local emission-free drive: smart now offers an unprecedentedly broad choice of different options. The same applies to the genuine accessories for further individualisation of the smart fortwo and forfour. This press release outlines a number of highlights which will be available from March at sales partners or in the online shop. With the smart forfour, smart has broadened the scope of the successful concept to include four seats – a “true” smart, but with more space inside. A small car that’s a big favourite particularly among families, thanks to the rear doors which open up to almost 90° and the standard-fit ISOFIX securing system for child seats in the rear, for example. And the entertainment programme for kids is sure to keep boredom at bay: with the tablet holder, the rear bench seat of the smart forfour can be turned into an online gaming paradise or an on-board cinema in next to no time. The user-friendly and crash-tested smart Style & Travel equipment has been jointly developed by smart and Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. The universal pre-installation (code 866) is already on board as standard with the prime and proxy equipment lines as well as BRABUS Toplines. It is optionally available for the basic model, the passion and the electric drive models (52 kW engine rating and above).

The slot in the backrests of the driver and front passenger seats is designed as a universal interface for various accessories. In addition to the tablet holder for the iPad Air (code 866; March 2017) other items include a holder for an action cam and a coat hanger. The classy-looking system is securely locked by a flap in a colour matching the rear of the seat. The flap is only released when a suitable holder is slotted into place. 20

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

Another safe and universal solution is the smartphone cradle for fortwo and forfour (in conjunction with the smart Audio-System). This is now also suitable for smartphones of up to 15.24 cm (6 inches) in size and positions virtually any commercially available smartphone safely and securely in the driver’s field of vision. The smartphone can be swivelled by 90° in this cradle. The cradle additionally incorporates a USB port for charging the telephone while on the move. Yet more smart accessories: from a loudspeaker to volleyballs smart is the only car manufacturer worldwide to offer its model range with both combustion engines and pure battery-electric drives. The smart electric drive snap-link key ring designed in the form of the smart fortwo pictogram in anodised aluminium suits the perfect electric-powered city car. Attached to the electric green snap hook is a black ribbed band holding a flat split ring and three additional minisplit rings. These enable keys to be attached and detached quickly. With the smart JBL GO Bluetooth loudspeaker you can take your favourite music with you wherever you roam. This loudspeaker – also in black/green – enables wireless streaming and features an integrated hands-free function. The rechargeable battery and the audio cable connection round off this practical accessory’s scope of equipment. Dimensions:approx. 8.3 x 6.8 x 3 cm. Cool accessory for a cool car: the new smart fashion watch has a stainless steel case featuring a black-coated finish produced by means of the high-quality PVD (physical vapour deposition) process. The face in minimalist design is also black, while indices and hands provide a contrast in electric green or orange. The smart fashion watch comes with a black leather strap which is also available as a replacement strap. The quartz watch measures 42 mm in diameter and is waterproof to 5 ATM. smart has been an important strategic partner to international beach volleyball since 2004. The beach volleyball is ideal for those who are keen to take an active involvement in this sport.This top training and recreational ball produced by MIKASA exclusively for smart comes in orange, turquoise and white. A special valve which produces a perfect airtight seal and a TPU surface round off the ball’s special features and make it weather- and sea water-proof, enabling it to be used virtually anywhere. The beach volleyball is available in original size (size 5) and small (size 1). The ball in size 1 has a diameter of only around 15 cm, which means that it will fit into any bag, even when inflated. The ladies’ shirt in figure-hugging slim fit combines fashionable design with excellent wearing comfort. The short-sleeved shirt in pure cotton comes in black, with orange mesh inserts on the sleeves and back and the orange 3D embroidery of the “smart ring logo” on the front of the hem and the rear of the shoulder adding contrasting highlights. Rolled hems in the sleeve area and on the neckline round off the fashionable look in impeccable style. The shirt is available in sizes XS to XL. Come wind, rain or shine – the men’s flat brim cap is the right choice, whatever the weather. The cap comes in black,complemented by orange on the underside of the peak, orange straps inside with black stitching and the large black 3D embroidery of the “smart ring logo” at the right on the front. The front panels and the peak are produced in cotton twill, while the panels on the sides and the rear consist of polyester mesh. The snap-back clasp enables individual adjustment. Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

smart times 2017

Following on from the previous issue of 4site, it’s now only a matter of weeks until smart times ‘lands’ in Salou, Spain. You can find detailed information regarding the whole event at smarttimes17.com and meantime, here’s a flavour of what to expect:

smart times 2017 – What is it about? ‘Electrify your life’. smart times 2017 is characterized by electric drive. Whether smart fortwo, forfour or fortwo cabrio, at this year´s event almost anything is charged up. In Salou, smart enthusiasts will be able to experience how fascinating the driving enjoyment beyond fossil fuels can be. You are going to be electrified by the preview of urban future: in the sun of Salou the electrical variety is ready for a test ride. In addition, the entire program of smart times 2017 is dominated by the electrical revolution. Whether the test drive area, the performance of NERVO or the Slotcar Track – the messages are electrifying and promise a lot of excitement which will be unloaded at the legendary Saturday evening show. Program NERVO - two girls from Australia who have managed to take live electronic music to the next level. The twins called Miriam and Olivia started out as songwriters and musicians. Working together with and writing music for artists such as David Guetta, the Pussycat Dolls, Kylie Minogue, Kesha and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, they have redefined electronic house music – just like smart redefined urban mobility. Their daring, energetic and exciting performances have rocked thousands upon thousands of party people all over the world – and they will do so again on June 17 in Salou at smart times 2017. With a colourful and flashing LED wall plus sound and beats, all your senses will be flooded with pure enthusiasm: You’re not just listening to the music, you’re feeling it in every part of your body and in every beat of your heart. It’s a Saturday night you should not miss and you will never forget! smart times Parade Year after year, the smart times parade is one of the most energizing ways to feel the smart spirit. At the world’s biggest meeting of the smart community, smart cars from all over Europe come together for a truly inspiring movement. For a few hours, the impressive coastal landscape is traversed by the move of the colorful smart family. The traditional parade will drive along the coast on a two-way route. Expect spectacular ocean views and an enthusiastic crowd cheering along the way. Of course we are also looking forward to setting yet another record for the largest smart parade ever – get in your smart and be part of an unforgettable event. Other points included at smart times 2017 are: -smart times contest -smart Club Area -smart Clubs on stage -smart times Excursions -Welcome of the Nations show For further information regarding the UK presence, visit thesmartclub web site and also refer to the April 2017 Daimler blog (smart times 2017).

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

Readers Stories

My smarts - An article from David Ibbotson Our smart car is parked outside the Hovercraft Museum located in Lee-On-The-Solent in the picture is a fortwo Proxy Premium Plus Automatic. Standing in the background is one of the giant cross channel hovercraft “The Princess Margaret” which retired from service in 2000 and stands adjacent to its sister craft “The Princess Ann” which is currently being refurbished. The Museum currently houses over 35 different hovercraft. Our smart is fitted with paddle shift and Tekki 16” wheels and provides a big improvement in performance, road handling and comfort. The new gearbox is smoother and the paddle shiftnow works in auto mode as well as manual. I would say that smart have finally got it right !! Since 2005 I have been the proud owner of the following Smart Cars:-

Smart Passion Numeric Blue convertible. Modified fitted with Spikline Wheels Brabus Exhaust and remap (Picture enclosed) Smart Night Orange modified to nearly Brabus spec, Spikline Wheels, Brabus Exhaust and rear valance. Front Spoiler and Brabus Internal Parts. Brabus Factory Map. My favourite car was the Smart Crossblade in which I had for 7 years modified fitted with Brabus Exhaust, paddle shift and re-map. The crossblade picture was when I did the Lands End to John O’ Groats Challenge.

There’s a new in town! The SMART way to protect your bumpers... The bob (which stands for Bounce off Bumper) Protector is a unique new product designed specifically for Smart ForTwo Cars. This innovative product twists into the chassis of the vehicle using screw mounts that currently exist in the ForTwo model. The bob Protector then acts as a buffer between the rear of the car and obstructions, helping to prevent scratching and denting to the bodywork.

Business owner Rob Leake, developed the concept of the bob Protector back in 2012 after experiencing issues with his own Smart ForTwo being used as a bumper car outside his home. The product has however come along way since its initial conception and is now available to purchase online at www.bobprotector.com The bob Protector is one of the only product on the market offering this level of effective protection at an affordable price to Smart car owners. Designed to fit securely into the existing holes on the Smart car the bob Protector can be attached to the vehicle, one to the front and two to the rear, in two easy steps by removing the bumper caps and simply screwing it into place. Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

As well as all these functional benefits the bob Protector reigns supreme on the image front as its ergonomic design, colour variations and material options compliment and enhance the colour of the Smart car to create a stylish finish. The variety of colours provides Smart car drivers a vast selection of choice for their vehicle however there is now the option to customise your bob Protector. Select the colour you desire and the creators will do their best to match it. For more information about the patent protected ‘bob Protector’, visit www.bobprotector.com 23

Patent Pending No 1514897.6

Readers Stories

My smarts - An article from John Hindley I bought my first smart, a silver 450 Passion convertible in 2012. Before that I had owned two cars at the same time for about 10 years. In 2002 I owned a Ford Fiesta that I really liked and didn’t want to sell but I also wanted a convertible. So I hit upon the idea of buying a Citroen 2CV. I had been a fan of 2CVs for many years, even having a picture of one on my 18th birthday cake. I owned that while I lived on the Isle of Man, but having moved back to the UK, it wasn’t practical. It was fine going downhill on a motorway, when I could go faster than the trucks, but going uphill was a problem. Having an ‘artic’ clamped to your bumper while my foot was to the floor was not my idea of fun. I was conscious that the 2CV had been memorably described as having the crashworthiness of a wet cardboard box! So my 2CV went off to a gentle retirement on the Isle of Man and I began to look elsewhere for a cheap convertible car. I had ridden in a smart when a friend on the Isle of Man bought an early car, but had never driven one. The cheap road tax and insurance meant it was not expensive to run, so I bought a 54 plate which I owned for about a year which I sold to a friend on the Isle of Man. I’d bought it as a sort of ‘toe in the water’, and having been sold I wanted to upgrade. Incidentally I’m told there are a lot of smarts on the island, a land mass of 33 miles by 13 being perfect for the smart’s abilities. There is even a company that rents only smarts. I liked the way I could keep my interest up by modifying the car, upgrading various parts, with invaluable guides and websites providing useful ‘how to’ guides and advice on which products to buy. My 450 was replaced by a 2008 non-MHD 70bhp Passion convertible, again in silver. I know purists say the 451 isn’t as good as the 450, but I preferred it. It seemed more grown up, the ride was smoother and the quality inside seemed better, more like a ‘normal’ car. I found the 1.0 engine more reliable [I had to have the 450 engine rebuilt] and the car more relaxing to drive. It was in this car that I embarked on one of the smart club’s trips to Hambach in June 2013 when I made friends who I still keep in touch with via Facebook. On the Hambach trip I discovered that the non-turbo engine had to work harder to keep up with the 450s and turbo-engined 451s. It was usually me having to request a fuel stop over the radios we used to keep in touch with other participants. I owned this car for three years, adding things like a new radio, arm rest and daytime running lights. I began to look around for a change and again nothing else fitted the bill so I bought a 13 plate black with white tridion turbo 451 with the sports package. I enjoyed the extra performance and I came to use this as my main car, my other car at this stage being a Peugeot 208. Incidentally the silver smart also went to the Isle of Man, so I have done my bit for increasing their popularity there! Then in August 2015 my mum decided to stop driving. Her car is a 95 plate BMW 320i with a 6-cylinder engine [less than 20mpg around town!] and was not worth anything but is in brilliant condition. So I decided to keep the BMW, sell both the smart and the 208 and buy a 453 smart. I’d realised that a smart was all I needed for 99% of my motoring and for the other 1% I could use the BMW, if I needed more that 2 seats. I bought a nearly new smart fortwo edition #1. I knew I wanted the Premium Plus pack and 16” alloys and the edition #1 was one of the few ways of getting all I wanted as there was relatively few used smarts for sale at that time. As it was to be my main car I also wanted the 0.9 turbo engine. The BMW is an auto and I wanted to keep my hand in using a manual so I went for the 5 speed rather than the twinamic option. I’d read criticism of smart for fitting such a small car with a parking camera, but I really like it and glad that such a small car can have big car options. Like many blokes I like my gadgets so appreciate the auto lights and wipers. Again, the 453 is a big step forward. The extra width makes a difference in the cabin and the doors shut with a real quality ‘thunk’. I have become a big fan of smarts. They’re unique and put some fun into my everyday motoring. Whenever I travel abroad I always go into a smart dealer to have a look at the cars and see what merchandise is unique to that country. I was recently in Tenerife and came home with two 453 branded bags. I like being part of a community and always appreciate it when a fellow smart driver waves back. A smart is different to many of the other cars around and the fortwo is a unique motoring experience.

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

Event Review

Simply Smart 2016

For Simply Smart on November 13th, 137 Smart cars gathered in the grounds of the National Motor Museum, adding an extra 17 colourful Smart cars to last year’s event. Beaulieu Events Manager Judith Maddox said: “Loyal Smart car owners travelled to the event from as far away as South Wales and we were pleased to also welcome some new enthusiasts. “It was a fitting end to a tremendously successful season for Simply rallies at Beaulieu. We are already looking forward to an exciting new season in 2017 and have just announced our Simply events dates, from April to November, for visitors to plan ahead.” Celebrating some of the smallest and most cheerful cars on the road, the annual gettogether of Smart owners saw all varities of the compact city car in the Beaulieu Events Arena, from the original Smart ForTwo to the familyfriendly ForFour and highly prized Roadster. Event-goers chose their favourites from the colourful display which included personalised examples and factory-spec versions. The winner of the People’s Choice Award was Tony Williams with his Smart ForTwo Passion in blue metallic and silver. Tony, who had travelled from Bristol, was presented with his tophy and prize of an Autoglym professional car care pack and a bar of Lord Montagu’s chocolate by Visitor Services Manager Jon Tee. Runners-up included Ian Wilde-Dolphin, who travelled from the Forest of Dean in his purple Smart 451 decorated with dolphins, and Dean Prior, from Bordon in Hampshire, for his Smart Brabus in Gulf petrol colours of light blue and orange. Each received an Autoglym perfect bodywork pack and a bar of Lord Montagu’s chocolate. They led a cavalcade of nine cars around the grounds of the attraction. Simply Smart is traditionally held on Remembrance Sunday and the date for next year’s event has already been set for November 12th. A two-minute silence is held during the event at 11am, which visitors are invited to take part in. For the full calendar of 2017 Simply events see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events or call 01590 612888 for more details. Admission to Simply events includes entrance to the whole of the Beaulieu attraction including the National Motor Museum, the World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House and the 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and grounds.

Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

4two Cup

The 4two Cup - An Introduction The 4two cup started back in 2011 with a grid of 10 cars. The original concept was to provide a series of races allowing good, close racing without a massive budget – the core root of motorsport providing the fun, excitement and close competitive challenge at reasonable cost.

As the team at smarts4you Racing said in those early days, it soon became clear after the first few races that the short wheel based car was quite a tricky car to drive fast and all the young drivers that had come from a kart background soon became very quick in the smart. Battles were taking place from front to back of the grid! The smarts4you racing team constantly developed and refined the cars over the following months and years – there was very little ‘off the shelf’ solutions and much of this development was a mix of proof of concept, track development and engineering ‘know how’.

The following year (2012) a second class in the series of races was introduced based on the Pulse 84 model. This provided an even lower cost version of the race car with smaller brakes, different exhaust and engine kit aimed at the somewhat ‘less powerful’ smart fortwo when compared to the BRABUS models. This race offering was introduced following a number of people approaching the team and expressing an interest in converting their road car such that they could compete in the 4twocup. Over the years, the 4twocup has been uniquely successful at ensuring that a regular series of racing not only continues for the smart cars, but it also continues to stick to the original ethos of providing affordable, exciting and enjoyable motorsport. You can find more details about the team at smarts4you Racing via their web site (www.smartsforyouracing.com). Results from the opening rounds of 2017 are shown below and these, in addition to the results from all the remaining 2017 rounds will be available via The smart Racing Club web site at www.thesmartracingclub.com. You can also find the full results from 2016 and 2015 via The smart Racing Club. Also shown in this article are the individual driver placings in 2016 and 2015 for each qualifying session and each race.

4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

2015

Silverstone 4/5 April

Rockingham 16/17 May

Castle Combe 18/19 July

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Clatworthy, M

Grace, D

Green, R

n/a

Kemp, M

n/a

Nash, D

Owens, G

n/a

Palmer, A

Palmer, J

Woodhead, A

2015

Brands Hatch 22/23 August

Mallory Park 26 September

Donington 18 October

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Bloomfield, M

n/a

Clatworthy, M

Coverdale, S

n/a

Grace, D

DNF

n/a

Green, R

DNF

n/a

Horrobin, S

Kemp, M

n/a

DNS

n/a

Nash, D

DNF

Owens, G

DNF

Palmer, A

DNS

Palmer, J

DNF

Weir, I

n/a

Woodhead, A

n/a

DNS

2016

Silverstone 8 May

Rockingham 11/12 June

Snetterton 16/17 July

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Bloomfield, M

n/a

Clatworthy, M

DNF

Coverdale, S

Nash, D

DNF

Owens, G

Palmer, A

Palmer, J

Weir, I

n/a

Woodhead, A

DNF

2016

Anglesey 6/7 August

Croft 10/11 September

Donington 16 October

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Qual

Race 1

Race 2

Bloomfield, M

n/a

Clatworthy, M

n/a

DNF

DNS

n/a

Coverdale, S

n/a

Nash, D

Owens, G

DNF

n/a

DNF

Palmer, A

DNF

Palmer, J

Weir, I

n/a

Woodhead, A

n/a

Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

4two Cup

4twocup - Rockingham 8/9 April 2017 Qualifying Results - Saturday 8th April

Grid (4twocup)

Number

Driver

Best

Laps

Nash, D

1:51.026

Palmer, A

Turner, D

1:59.519

Needham, S

Race 1 Results - Saturday 8th April

1:52.246

Woodhead,A

1:52.124

Coverdale, S

1:51.778

Clatworthy, M

1:50.769

2:00.670

Bloomfield, M

2:06.085

7 7 7 6 6 6 6

Position (4twocup)

Number

Driver

Best

Time

Laps

Nash, D

1:51.133

16:59.888

1 3

DNF

88 69

Race 2 Results - Sunday 9th April

Palmer, A Palmer, J

Coverdale, S Turner, D

Clatworthy, M Woodhead, A Needham, S

Bloomfield, M

1:50.348 1:50.796 1:52.703 1:52.793 1:54.507 2:01.703 2:02.389 2:04.250

16:57.883 17:10.414 17:11.702

17:31.314 17:43.760 16:41.844 17:27.000 12:51.944

9 9 9 9 9 8 8 6

Position (4twocup)

Number

Driver

Best

Time

Laps

Nash, D

1:53.072

17:21.189

1 3

1 2

5 6 8

Woodhead, A

88 28

Turner, D

Clatworthy, M

Coverdale, S

11 3

Palmer, A

Palmer, J

Bloomfield, M Needham, S

1:50.969 1:54.172 1:53.268 1:54.500 1:54.042 2:03.166 2:08.699 2:14.766

17:00.076 17:27.338 17:30.932 17:44.257 17:45.082 16:44.017 17:26.258 16:41.243

9 9 9 9 9 8 8 7

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Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

4two Cup

The 4two Cup Review 2016 2016 saw the 4two cup enter into its 6th year of racing again running under the administration of the BRSCC and racing alongside the Honda Vtec Challenge. A late start to the season with the first race not being until the 8th May gave us plenty of time to carry out the new modifications to the suspension to lower the cars and rewrap some of the cars with new sponsor logo’s, Arc building group, Midland Karting and Roydon packaging. Alistair Woodhead who was in the no.2 Smarts4youRacing 451 car (class 1) had decided to purchase his own car this year a Smart 450 (class 2) no.8 and was all set for the season ahead. Last years series winner Martyn Clatworthy took the 1st win with Alan Palmer taking the 2nd race win. A huge effort by novice Simon Coverdale saw him take his first podium position of 3rd in race 2. Both fastest laps were set by Martyn. Onto Rockingham in Northamptonshire for rounds 3 & 4 where Greg Owens had a fantastic weekend taking pole position in qualifying, 2nd in race 1 and 3rd in race 2. Alistair Woodhead took pole position in his new class 2 car ahead of Mark Bloomfield a.k.a. Fudge, however he didn’t manage a victory this weekend with Fudge taking both wins. Martyn took the 1st win but had to retire in the 2nd race due to a puncture which allowed Alan to take his 2nd win of the season. Fastest laps were set by Martyn and Alan. Rounds 5 & 6 saw the 4two cup head to Snetterton, a new circuit for some of the drivers as this wasn’t on last years calendar but a favourite of series owner James Palmer who almost had a full house of pole position, both wins but only 1 fastest lap as Martyn managed to take it on race 1. Ian Weir a.k.a. Sparky qualified ahead of Alistair and went on to take both wins in class 2. With temperatures soaring to 25 degrees, it was tough for the drivers who I’m sure were relieved to get back to the paddock for a well deserved cold drink. A short break and we were off to Anglesey on the North west coast of Wales, a 300 mile drive to get there but the scenery along the way was stunning. Due to drivers holiday’s we only had a small grid but the few that we did have, having never been here before were all looking forward to it. It was a beautiful view for the spectators on the hill with the sea in the background and almost all the track visible. All drivers qualified within 0.5 seconds of each other with Nash in pole position for race 1 but it was Alan who went onto take the 1st win and James the 2nd win of the day, with both Palmers also setting a fastest lap time. Once again Simon Coverdale, now no longer a novice took a podium position (3rd) in the 1st race. After the racing had finished Nash was keen for a swim in the sea which was freezing by the way, dressed in his swim shorts, he headed down to the sea but was stopped by too many rocks in the way, luckily for him :-) Rounds 9 & 10 and we were again off on a long journey up to Croft in North Yorkshire, an unfortunate clash with Goodwood revival weekend saw a smaller than normal grid again this weekend. Whilst the majority of the UK was subjected to torrential rain, Croft was blessed with glorious sunshine. Nash took pole position again this weekend and went on to win the 1st race, with Martyn and Alan both retiring in race 1, they needed to get a good start in Race 2, unfortunately Martyn didn’t manage to get back out and therefore hung his boots up for the season as next race he is on holiday (again) Still it meant he could now have a beer :-) Alan did just that, 30

get a good start that is, not have a beer, and won the 2nd race and also set fastest lap in both races. The results of the weekend meant Alan and James go into the final two races at Donington Park on Sunday 16th October on equal smartie points, and as a result of Nash getting a 1st and 2nd looks like he will take 3rd place although Greg Owens and Simon Coverdale can catch him up setting up a great finale for the 4two cup So the grand finale… Donington Park. The weather wasn’t being kind with qualifying in the pouring rain, Alan took pole position followed by Simon and Nash. The rain stopped in time for race 1 but the track was still wet which caused havoc for many of the drivers. Alan got away at the start whilst separate spins for the 3 cars behind gave him a big advantage allowing him to take the win 20 seconds ahead of 2nd place James. With pole, a win and fastest lap, Alan only needed to finish at least 3rd or ahead of James in race 2 to secure the series title which he did by going on to take his 2nd win of the day in dry sunny conditions with James just behind him in second. Nash took two 3rd place podiums this weekend to secure him 3rd place in the series and Alistair Woodhead was the only 450 out and therefore took 2 trophies home this weekend making him series winner of class 2.

2017 4two Cup Calendar Round 1 & 2 - 8th - 9th April - Rockingham Race Circuit, Corby Round 3 & 4 - 13th - 14th May - Cadwell Park, Louth Round 5 & 6 - 24th - 25th June - Silverstone, Towcester Round 7 & 8 - 29th - 30th July - Brands Hatch, Longfield Round 9 & 10 - 2nd - 3rd September - Thruxton, Andover Round 11 & 12 - 7th - 8th October - Silverstone, Towcester 4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website

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Issue 35 - 2017 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk

smart – A Daimler Brand.

Magazine design & production by Oliver Whittaker ÂŠ 2017 32

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