Photo: Catalin Garmacea
The German marketing machine that is Daimler has just announced its all-new Smart Fortwo is now available for order with an automatic gearbox. Big deal? Well yes, since it's not an automated manual like the one on the old car. Together with Renault, they've integrated a small six-speed dual clutch gearbox they call "Twinamic", a far superior technical solution.
For now, it's only available with the 71 hp 1-liter non-turbo engine. Despite costing more, the auto Smart Fortwo is actually a little slower than the manual version, taking 15.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h, as opposed to 14.9 seconds. But not everybody can row a 5-speed stick perfectly, so in the real world, there's probably no difference between them.
The combined fuel consumption stands at 4.1 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers, corresponding to a CO2 figure of 94 grams per kilometer, both numbers are the same as the manual equivalent.
Above all other things, we arrive at the price point, which is where things get interesting. With the standard version of the Fortwo, which we don't recommend buying, the Twinamic gearbox costs €1,275 extra. However, on all other trim levels (passion, prime and proxy), it's a more reasonable €1,000.
Manual shifting is also possible, thanks to two paddles included in the Sports package. However, most driver's will be happy to leave it in drive and let it take care of the gears; remember, this does 100 km/h in 15.1 seconds, so it's not a sportscar.
The new Smart gearbox works pretty much like every twin-clutch. In addition, since this is likely similar to Getrag unit used by the Renault Clio, it's sealed and needs no oil change for the lifetime of the car.
The Twinamic dual clutch transmission is unique in the small car and microcar segments. The vast majority of cars in these segments use a single-clutch automated manual or a 4-speed auto with torque converter.
The combined fuel consumption stands at 4.1 liters of petrol per 100 kilometers, corresponding to a CO2 figure of 94 grams per kilometer, both numbers are the same as the manual equivalent.
Above all other things, we arrive at the price point, which is where things get interesting. With the standard version of the Fortwo, which we don't recommend buying, the Twinamic gearbox costs €1,275 extra. However, on all other trim levels (passion, prime and proxy), it's a more reasonable €1,000.
Twinamic tech
Everybody knows the old Smart Fortwo came with one of the most dreadful gearboxes ever built, a jerky single-clutch automated manual. And to make matters worse, you couldn't order a manual. The Twinamic is nothing like that, as it has been designed as a 3-shaft dual clutch manual transmission and has six forward gears and one reverse gear. Just like the DSG, it may be grabby off the line if you're too eager with the gas, but other than that, it should be OK.Manual shifting is also possible, thanks to two paddles included in the Sports package. However, most driver's will be happy to leave it in drive and let it take care of the gears; remember, this does 100 km/h in 15.1 seconds, so it's not a sportscar.
The new Smart gearbox works pretty much like every twin-clutch. In addition, since this is likely similar to Getrag unit used by the Renault Clio, it's sealed and needs no oil change for the lifetime of the car.
The Twinamic dual clutch transmission is unique in the small car and microcar segments. The vast majority of cars in these segments use a single-clutch automated manual or a 4-speed auto with torque converter.
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