http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/ destinationsmart news channel has all the latest news on the smart car en-uk Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:50:21 GMT Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:50:21 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss smart support@destinationsmart.co.uk 60 http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/images/common/rss-image.gif http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/9/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Average prices for this week are: - Unleaded: 115.1Diesel: 117.8 This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £37.98, and drive almost three and a half times around the M25 motorway. Or you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of diesel for £38.87, and drive almost five and a half times around the M25 motorway. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Wednesday 8th September 2010 http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/9/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:40:06 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/8/Light-and-smart Wouldn't it be brilliant if some smart designer type turned a really boring thing into a really great thing? Oh look - that's exactly what Alex Kovatchev has done! In the true spirit of smart car, designer Kovatchev has created a terrific new product that's responsibly green, terrifically useful and really rather cool, and in the process turning a boring domestic object into a thing of beauty. The ‘Wash Lamp' is Alex's eco-friendly idea. It's a lamp that uses the drums from waste washing machines as the shade and the effect is amazing. The perforations of the drum let the light twinkle through (very flattering!) and the metal gives a luminous quality to the reflection. The stainless steel finish washing machine drum is the perfect size, shape and material for a lampshade it's a wonder no one thought of it before - but then isn't that true of all the best ideas? The ‘Wash Lamp' can be made into a pendant lamp (that means it can hang from the ceiling, fact fans), a wall light and even as floor lamp, so it's beautiful, sustainable and practical. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/8/Light-and-smart Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:59:22 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/7/smart-gets-pretty-in-pink If you close your eyes and try to picture the most perfectly fabulous smart car, chances are you're imagining the latest special edition smart fortwo. As if the name wasn't enough of a giveaway, the limited run ‘pink passion' is all about pink - its vibrant pink exterior paint has been created by the smart BRABUS customisation team to compliment the sleek silver tridion safety cell and metallic features, including a dashing chrome package that's sure to turn heads. Just think - you could colour-coordinate your outfit to your brand new smart! We know that you're going to love the smart fortwo ‘pink passion' because it's actually the second time we've launched it - although this second generation ‘pink passion' is even more striking than the first - and the first was a big hit! The fun and glamour of the ‘pink passion' has a serious message too, as we are hoping to help raise funds for a very worthy charity. We'll tell you more about it nearer the time when details are confirmed, but rest assured that the smart fortwo' pink passion' edition, which will be available as a coupé and cabriolet, will be doing all it can to make things a little rosier. To see exclusive footage of the smart fortwo pink passion special edition, click here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/7/smart-gets-pretty-in-pink Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:28:12 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/6/Charge-your-smart-with-style It looks like a new designer charging station will be a stylish addition to the smart electric drive eco-revolution! Swiss-born designer Yves Béhar has come up with a very attractive solution to charge electric cars like the zero-emission smart fortwo electric drive, and he hopes a home-use version will soon join the street charger that's rolling out globally in 2011 and is already installed across San Francisco. Thanks to a considerable research and development investment from energy giants General Electric, which will continue to see $10billion invested by 2015 to promote clean technologies, Béhar's WattStation is already a big hit. He explained, "In scale it's much closer to a parking meter than a gas pump. It's not very high - you approach it much like you would a bank teller machine - and the display is angled toward your eyes. It is very much speaking to you directly, and it's a soft-looking shape with no angular elements." The GE WattStationTM doesn't just look good - it charges a 24kilowatt-hour battery pack in between four and eight hours, making it ideal for car parks to offer charging facilities to eco-drivers with vehicles like the smart electric drive. The cool-factor is boosted by the LED light around the charger display, and the practically is increased with a retractable cable. This commercial version retails at around $3000 to $7000 and can be programmed to utilise energy out of peak hours. A wall-mounted home version is expected by the end of 2010 and will cost around $1500. General Electric is on board both as part of its involvement with ‘Project Get Ready' alongside an environmental research firm and its commitment to exploring new technologies. These projects focus heavily on preparing communities for the electric vehicle revolution by delivering workable, affordable charging solutions for ‘future-proof' vehicles, including the smart electric drive. For more information on the smart electric drive, click here.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/6/Charge-your-smart-with-style Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:09:49 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/3/Arty-smarty-joins-the-party If you’ve been preening and polishing your smart to make it convoy-ready for the smart festival 2010, you may just want to look away now. There’s a fancy new kid on the block that’s planning to join the convoy and it’s rather good looking!The arty smart fortwo has a dashing wrap that’s been inspired by famous artist Mondrian and designed by artists at The Berkeley Gallery. The Berkhamsted-based art gallery was approached by local smart dealer chain The Hughes Group to create a special wrap to help the smart brand celebrate its 10th anniversary since being launched in the UK – and the results are pretty eye-catching!If you want to catch a glimpse of the modern art smart, it’s currently strutting its stuff in the window of the gallery until Friday 3rd September, and will also be on display at the showrooms of  smart of Beaconsfield and smart of Aylesbury from Monday 6th September. Full details to be confirmed.But if you’re planning on taking a peak at this stylish smart fortwo during the convoy to this year’s smart festival on Saturday 4th September, there’ll be a prime viewing position as it joins the local meeting place at smart of Beaconsfield. Owner of The Berkeley Gallery Paul Rozelaar is clearly chuffed to be involved with this uniquely smart art venture. “We are excited to be working with The Hughes Group on this exclusive art project. The smart brand represents fun, quirkiness, passion and style, which we have been able to put across in an artistic representation.”The Hughes Group operations director Simon Eggs is just as positive. “The Berkeley Gallery is a natural fit to the smart brand. It has a great reputation in the local area for creative, innovative art, and their design, based on a Mondrian classic, has really helped smart to stand out from the crowd.”And what a crowd it’s going to be! It’s clear that the see-and-be-seen stakes are pretty high for the smart festival 2010 convoy, so you’d better be prepared to tart up your smart and join the fun!To see images of the Mondrian classic wrapped smart fortwo, click here.For directions and more for information on smart festival 2010, click here.For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/3/Arty-smarty-joins-the-party Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:31:29 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/3/Keeping-it-smart-at-smart-festival As we edge closer to the start of smart festival 2010, the list of not-to-be-missed activities just keeps getting longer and longer! In fact, so does the smart convoy that's going to take large amounts of smart car fans to the festival, and you're welcome to join in! There's bound to be a smart Retailer near you where you can link up with the convoy - see below to find the best place for you to hop on and arrive in style. And there'll be so much to keep you amused when you get to smart festival. We have our very own smart silver arrows driving display team putting on their show. A whole load of special edition smart fortwos will also be strutting their stuff, with colourful displays including pink passion, gb-10 and the ICE edition. Alongside these you'll find a specially-wrapped smart fortwo and a selection of BRABUS and BRABUS tailor made smart cars. Once you've seen the ICE edition fortwo, you'll only be a hop, skip and a jump away from the Pioneer stand, where you can find out more about their awe-inspiring automotive audio products. We're also going to be sharing details of our specially-designed motor insurance for smart drivers (including the smart electric drive) at the smart festival - with a few offers available when you visit us at stand T25, just next to the smart club. There'll be experts on hand to help guide you in the right direction of all things insurance-related, and to make sure your smart is well looked after. As if that wasn't enough smart fun, there'll also be two smartware fashion shows. If you haven't seen it already, smartware is a collection of funky clothing and accessories that give smart lovers a whole new way to be part of the smart community. With bags, t-shirts and even kids stuff in the smartware range, there's bound to be something that tickles your fancy. Can't wait to see you there! For directions and more information on smart festival 2010, click here For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/3/Keeping-it-smart-at-smart-festival Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:54:43 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/2/This-weeks-petrol-prices Average prices for this week are: - Unleaded: 115.1p Diesel: 117.8p This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £37.98, and drive from Cartagena, Costa Rica to San Pedro Sul, Honduras. Or you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of diesel for £38.87, and drive from Les Pitchous, France to Cádiz, Spain. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Wednesday 1st September 2010   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/2/This-weeks-petrol-prices Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:50:37 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/1/A-Facebook-hangout-for-smart-car-fans Even though your smart fortwo is the perfect size for you and a smart-loving friend, imagine how big a smart you'd need for all the smart car fans in the UK? And then think about how much fun you'd all have together, sharing your love of all things smart - swapping pictures of your smart all dressed up, or posting videos of just how much stuff you can fit into your smart fortwo? You'd be able to chat to your heart's content about your favourite smart features, what adventures you've taken in your smart and how you plan to knit a winter scarf to match your beloved smart fortwo. Well, thanks to the joys of modern technology, that place now exists. We are more than a little excited to tell you about the new smart car UK Facebook fan page that offers another way for the smart community to huddle together and keep warm. The cosy glow that comes from joining up to the smart car UK Facebook page can be heightened by clicking the ‘like' button, so all your friends can see that you're a fan of the cool, compact smart fortwo. It's also the perfect place to hear the very latest on what we're up to - and you can share what you're up to too! We'd especially love to see your pics and videos from any of our annual smart festivals. You can even tag yourself, your friends and your smart, so we can all know just how fab smart fans really are! Why not join up here at destinationsmart or follow us on Twitter @smartfortwouk while you're adding the new smart car UK fan page to your Facebook profile? That way, you've got all smart news bases covered, and you're sure to be one of the very first to know what's happening in the eco-tastic world of smart. Join the smart car UK Facebook fan page now, by clicking here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/1/A-Facebook-hangout-for-smart-car-fans Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:30:07 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/1/Get-smart-accessories-at-smart-Festival-prices At the veritable pick n' mix of smart brilliance that is the smart Festival 2010, coming up on 4th September at Mercedes Benz World in Weybridge, we have an almost unending list of events, competitions and displays to tickle your fancy. But even though you may have heard whispers about the smart fortwo egg and spoon race, the smart electric drive test drives or the terribly exciting celebrity guest, what you probably don't know is that there are some great discounts on your favourite smart products. We put together some smashing reductions on a whole load of smart accessories for both you and your smart fortwo, including cupholders, bags and clothing, with the discount exclusive to those smart lovers attending smart Festival 2010. So you know that tingly feeling you get when you know someone has spotted you looking cool driving your smart? Imagine how brilliant it would be to have exclusive smart accessories to show off too - that you got at special smart Festival prices! There'll be smart fortwo experts on hand to tell you all about the smart accoutrements that will give a little extra twinkle to your smart and they'll be giving their labour time at special smart Festival prices too - so fitting your smart accessories won't break the bank either! For directions and more for information on smart festival 2010, click here. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/9/1/Get-smart-accessories-at-smart-Festival-prices Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:18:41 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/31/Can-your-smart-get-any-cleaner A well-polished smart is truly a thing of beauty, so we thought we'd dedicate our latest destinationsmart competition to smart fortwo grooming! We've got a hamper bulging with fabulous Mercedes-Benz cleaning products to polish up your smart to give away alongside a few special treats that will make your smart twinkle even more. The ‘smart-en-up' pamper package also includes a visit from a professional valet service and a showbiz-style tinted window treatment (subject to legal restrictions, safety fans!), so your smart will certainly scrub up well if you're the lucky winner. So how do you get in with a chance to have the most sparkling smart? All you have to do is tell us why your smart fortwo deserves this special pampering treatment - in 150 words or less. We'd love to hear your stories about how your smart fortwo has saved the day, got you out of a sticky situation or gone above and beyond the call of smart duty. We'll be announcing the winner here on destinationsmart and on Twitter too, on 13th September - not long to go so you'd better get cracking. Be as creative and funny as you like - just make sure you keep it clean! To enter the competition, click here. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/31/Can-your-smart-get-any-cleaner Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:42:13 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/31/Go-green-at-smart-festival-2010 Just because smart festival 2010 will have more fun than you can shake a smart car at, it doesn't mean that we're not responsible. There's a flock of green features nestling alongside the more random events like the smart fortwo egg and spoon challenge and competitions for ‘best dressed smart', because we thought you'd be up for getting involved in the eco-fun stuff as well. We've got our eco driving guru Mick Linford on hand to play teacher with a classroom-style Q&A on how to get the most from your smart. Don't worry about having to write lines or do homework though - Mick promises to make the session informative without getting anyone into trouble! In terms of CO2 emissions, the whole of the smart fortwo range is now coming in under 125g/km, which is a green feather in our cap, so this is a perfect opportunity to learn all about how driving smart is good for you and the planet. There'll be a host of smart fortwo electric drive vehicles available for test drives, so you can see what all the fuss is about! Our zero-emission revolution is well under way as the new generation of eco-hero vehicles are already being trialled throughout Europe, with all manner of driving fans, environmental experts and smart lovers giving them the thumbs up. You can book a drive in the smart fortwo electric drive on the day, so be sure to put your name down to join the zero-emission driving club. Join us a smart festival 2010 at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge on Saturday 4th September. For directions and more for information on smart festival 2010, click here. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/31/Go-green-at-smart-festival-2010 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:50:26 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/27/All-that-glitters-is-smart Although we may be in the depths of an age of austerity, where ‘make do and mend' and making a roast chicken last for three days is the way forward, smart lovers in China are still enjoying a bit of bling. Chinese luxury car accessory brand Anjuny has established a partnership with one of the ultimate names in all things sparkly, Swarovski. The crystal specialist is rapidly gaining popularity in China, with its trademark gems gracing all manner of consumer products, with the latest item to get the Swarovski treatment our very own beloved smart car. Anjuny has taken a smart fortwo cabrio and created a limited edition glittering smart, totally covered from boot to bumper in dazzling Swarovski crystals. And not just on the outside either - the special smart twinkles on the inside too, with crystal covered mirrors, pedals and seat buckles just the start of it. The bespoke smart fortwo cabrio is certainly set to be a girl's best friend, with over 283,960 of the famous crystals used to bling up the eco-responsible urban vehicle. Although if you taste is perhaps a little more...shall we say understated, it may be that you can just enjoy this one from afar. To view more images of the crystal covered smart, click here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/27/All-that-glitters-is-smart Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:00:17 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/26/This-weeks-petrol-prices Average prices for this week are: - Unleaded: 115.6p Diesel: 118.2p This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £38.15, and drive from Athens, Greece to Novi Pazer, Serbia. Or you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of diesel for £39.01, and drive from Dhaka, Bangladesh to Shamsherganj, Nepal. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Wednesday 25th August 2010   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/26/This-weeks-petrol-prices Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:41:50 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/25/The-smart-fortwo-gb-10-special-edition There's sure to be a smart fortwo that's just perfect for you and we are happy to announce the launch of a brand new special edition smart fortwo, celebrating 10 years since the first smart was sold here in the UK. The smart fortwo gb-10 special edition will have a very limited run of only 100 smarts in the UK, each with its own exclusive ‘1 of 100' badge, so you can be pretty sure no one else you know will have one! As if the exclusivity wasn't enough, the gb-10 looks ace too! When you know that it has been created to mark the smart car's 10th birthday in the UK, you can guess what patriotic colour scheme we've been inspired by to celebrate. The bright red and silver smart fortwo is perfect for the gb-10, especially as the luxury interior of leather and Alcantara matches the unique vinyl design on the exterior's tridion safety cell. There's also a whole load of customisation features in the gb-10, thanks to the smart BRABUS gurus who are dedicated to packing as much good stuff into as small a space as possible. The smart fortwo gb-10 special edition will be available as both coupé and cabriolet, so it's the perfect time to pick up a smart that's even more out of the ordinary. To view an exclusive video of the smart fortwo gb-10 special edition, click here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/25/The-smart-fortwo-gb-10-special-edition Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:33:17 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/24/Fun--games--smart-festival-2010 Having fun at smart festival 2010 is a serious business! There is a ludicrous amount of fun to be had at this year's smart festival and we're keeping everything crossed that you'll be there to enjoy it. There's something for everyone - whether you want to take part or be a spectator, we're pretty sure that we've got something that will appeal to even the most adventurous of smart fans. How about smart car football? Or maybe the Wii driving games in a smart fortwo is more your bag? ‘Ping the Ring' is a wacky game where a smart fortwo cabrio will be driven through an obstacle course with basketballs shot out of the roof at the end! There will also be a smart crazy golf course to keep you amused. If you fancy fun and games of a rather more traditional persuasion, you may want to get involved with our very special egg and spoon challenge. A spoon is attached to a smart fortwo with an ‘egg' balanced on top, and then driven round the course against the clock - it has to be seen to be believed! There will also be a bunch of smart events that you may never have heard of - but you're sure to remember them after smart festival 2010! There's an electronic graffiti car wall and a smart car singing booth! You'll also become an orchestra for the day as we're going to get all you smart car lovers involved in a rhythmic session with a load of boomwhackers - you'll love it, we promise! Join us a smart festival 2010 at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge on Saturday 4th September. For directions and more for information on smart festival 2010, click here. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/24/Fun--games--smart-festival-2010 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:51:36 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/23/smart-Auto-Residence Although ‘Auto Residence' architect Markus Voglreiter has a big smile on his face, it's not clear if his neighbours are quite so pleased. His fabulously unusual home, right in a residential area of Salzburg, Austria, has been styled on the shape of a small vehicle but it's not exactly in keeping with the rather traditional neighbourhood. While Voglreiter is understandably chuffed with his brilliant eco-home, his fellow local residents will be relieved to know that the car-style shell is just for show, even though the house itself is here to stay. The eye-catching abode has been built to harness the very qualities that the smart car has in abundance - ecological responsibility, energy-saving sustainability and a whole load of fab features packed into a small space. Built using a ‘3 litre' energy-efficiency heating and insulation system, the smart home, dubbed the ‘Auto Residence', also utilises the natural resources of daylight, shade and wind for effective ventilation, lighting and electricity. Although the eco-home may be raising a few eyebrows in the area, Volgreiter was careful to ensure the plans for his smart project complied with all codes and regulations to guarantee full planning permission. Perhaps the fact that the ‘Auto Residence' offers a range of separate living spaces will allow the Volgreiter family plenty of areas to entertain curious neighbours and win them over to an altogether smarter way of living. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/23/smart-Auto-Residence Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:41:30 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/20/smart-festival-fun-for-all-the-family Roll up, roll up! Even though we're keeping a whole host of exciting happenings under our hats for now, we can tell you a few little nuggets about the upcoming smart festival 2010. Taking place on 4th September at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, this year's smart festival is already shaping up to be a ludicrously fun-packed event for the whole family. There'll be heaps of games, competitions and activities to keep even the most hard-to-please smart fans entertained all day. You can join in the smart car competitions for ‘best dressed', ‘best kept' and ‘most modified' smarts - or just watch and be wowed! If that's not your bag, what about the pleasingly-traditional pleasures of the coconut shy, hoopla and smart derby? We've even got a brilliant caricaturist and a face painter on hand to capture the best side of you - and your smart! As if that wasn't enough to get the smart crowds buzzing, there's an extra-special guest who'll be there to hand out the prizes to the winning smarts and their proud owners. You may have heard the whispers of who it is already! So come along and be a part of smart festival 2010. Bring the family and you can all act like kids! Click here to register for smart festival 2010. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/20/smart-festival-fun-for-all-the-family Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:15:28 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/19/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Average prices for this week are: - Unleaded: 116.3p Diesel: 118.9p This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £38.38, and drive from Bellshill, Scotland to Eastbourne, England. Or you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of diesel for £39.24, and drive from Huntsville, Alabama to Houston, Texas. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Wednesday 18th August 2010   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/19/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Thu, 19 Aug 2010 10:51:55 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/18/My-thats-a-smart-pair-of-wellies Music festivals aren't just about mud and falafel. If you've ever been stuck at a festival with a flat battery on your mobile, you'll know the frustration of not being able to hold up your phone so your mate can hear your favourite band, or making a call so you can be picked up from the station. Step forward these brilliant wellies! Long a staple of festival-goers everywhere, wellies are the perfect festival footwear as they're waterproof, practical and stylish. The clever folks at mobile phone company Orange have got together with GotWind, a renewable energy resource organisation, and together they've created an even smarter pair of wellies. We're thinking that these groovy wellies capture some of the qualities we know you love about the smart car, as they're trying to come up with a green way to make every day life just a little smarter. The Orange Power Wellies are able to use the heat of your dancing feet to charge your mobile phone - ingenious! There's some super smart stuff in the soles that use thermoelectric technology to create power and, while it will only power your phone up about an hour from 12 hours of festival adventures, it's still enough to let you make that important call. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/18/My-thats-a-smart-pair-of-wellies Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:36:27 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/17/Make-a-date-with-your-smart We've had such a terrific response from all you smarties with our request for summer-themed smart pics that we're giving you the chance to win every month next year! Through our dedicated competition channel here on destinationsmart, we asked you to send in photos of your smarts all dressed up for summer and we've been more than impressed with the result. We'll tell you more about the lucky winners that will be featured in the smart calendar 2011 for July, August and September another time, but we wanted to make sure you knew that we're going to keep this join-in-the-smart-fun calendar comp all year round! The competition needs you smart lovers to send in good quality photos (minimum 2MB techie-fans!) of your smarts in all their finery - whether it's in an amazing location, a special wrap, a colourful addition or some other weird and wonderful smart upgrade - with the best being picked to feature in the next smart calendar. It's open to smarts of all models. The only rule is that you show your smart car's best side! Send in your pics to our Twitter account @smartfortwoUK, or to find out more about the competition and enter via destinationsmart, click here. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/17/Make-a-date-with-your-smart Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:06:20 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/17/Pimped-out-smart-roadster For some smart lovers, the almost-unlimited customisation options of the smart car are simply not enough to satisfy their smart desires. Ellis Baily is one such smart fan. His smart roadster has the most incredible collection of upgrades, features and modifications that probably making it one of the most unique smart roadsters around. He started on his smart journey by purchasing a whole bunch of smart stuff from the usefully-named SmartsRUs including a leather pack, sports pack and air conditioning. He then picked up a colour-coded Lester Bodykit, then lowered the roadster and fitted spacers for a bit of street style. With the basic smart roadster now primed for Baily's upgrades, he started by adding dark smoke tinted windows all round. Next, he installed a booming sound system including a Pioneer mp3 head unit, a Viper 600 and a dedicated RMS monoblock amp to handle bass. In addition he also added 4 speakers for mid and treble, all housed in a custom-sealed box. To keep the outside of his customised smart roadster as cool as the inside, Baily added mirrors, fuel cap and interior accents in shiny chrome and a dragon emblem instead of the classic smart badge. As if that wasn't enough and to make sure his roadster gets the utmost attention, he's installed an ICELED interior light and undercar multi-coloured lighting system, including two floodlights in the floorwells and all round the outside, are linked up to be sound-reactive. As a finishing touch, Ultimate led Streetforce led`s illuminate the suspension and wheels. Even though modified car magazine Max Power have expressed an interest in Ellis Baily's souped up smart roadster, he's still not satisfied. He plans to get involved in some engine modifications, Lambo-style doors and perhaps add some fancy Lorinser alloys. It's no wonder he says it's the best car he's ever owned! For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/17/Pimped-out-smart-roadster Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:30:08 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/16/Scotlands-smart-ambitions It looks like Scotland is the latest place to go electric, thanks to an ambitious plan by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund). The Scottish branch of the WWF has decided to work towards achieving a 42% reduction in Scotland's CO2 emissions by 2020 and the smart fortwo electric drive is going to play a major role in making it happen. WWF have researched that if 10% of Scotland's 290,000 petrol-powered cars are replaced with electric cars like the zero-emission smart fortwo electric drive, it will make a major contribution to the desired result. Dr Sam Gardener from Scotland's WWF is quick to point out that the Scottish government ministers and local councils need to play their part too, so he has stated that all of the vehicles for these departments should be replaced by electric models by 2020 in order to set the right example. There is also a strong focus on supporting the electric vehicle and renewable energy movement across Scotland, so it really is a total re-education towards cleaner, greener thinking. It's even possible that Scotland could produce so much renewable energy that it is able to export it to other countries. Now that really would be smart! For more information on the smart electric drive, click here. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/16/Scotlands-smart-ambitions Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:55:16 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/13/fortwo-now-even-smarter A new look interior, external enhancements, more standard features and lower CO2 emissions on the most popular petrol models, are set to make the smart fortwo even more appealing. A new facelift just announced sees a cabin makeover for the iconic two-seater with a new upper dashboard design. The harmonious styling of the full fabric-covered instrument panel complements the improved fabric and colour designs for the cockpit, seats and door panels. The pulse line now features fabric seats with leather optic on the side bolsters and headrests. Fabric elements on the instrument panel, door trim and knee pad are colour co-ordinated with the upholstery. The passion line, meanwhile, has new fabric patterns in black, red and beige with contrasting components. There are restyled dashboard instruments, a new glovebox design and net pockets on seat side bolsters between the driver and passenger. The 2-spoke leather steering wheel, standard on the passion, has a matt chrome bezel and along with the pulse's 3-spoke leather sports wheel features modified seam stitching. The smart fortwo continues to embrace new technologies with the pulse model gaining USB/iPod connectivity and passion and Xclusive versions gaining the smart branded high line navigation system with a larger touch screen, CD/DVD/SD functionality and iPod interface. On the outside, the front and rear apron, side skirts and fuel filler cap are now all finished in body panel colours as standard, and 3-double-spoke alloy wheels replace the current 6-spoke design on pulse models. There are brighter paint options too with light blue replacing dark blue metallic and matt light green introduced as a seventh colour to the range. In addition, the coupé's rear lower tailgate has been revised so that only one of the two release levers now needs to be operated to open it rather than both. There's also continuing good news on the emissions front. CO2 emissions on models featuring the popular 71 bhp micro hybrid drive petrol engine and fitted with softip transmission, have been cut from 103g/km to 97g/km. It means the most popular petrol and diesel engines available in the smart fortwo range all now fall below the 100g/km level. In addition, the lowering of the emissions of the Xclusive from 124g/km to 119g/km sees the entire smart fortwo range now under 120g/km. While the emissions of the Xclusive have been reduced its power output and performance have been increased. A rise of 7bhp now gives the model 105bhp and the enhanced power helps the striking smart to sprint from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds - a whole second quicker than before. To see images of the smart fortwo 2010 range, click here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/13/fortwo-now-even-smarter Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:52:22 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/13/Put-your-smart-in-our-care In these uncertain times isn't it good to know that you can make one thing predictably certain - a cost-effective way to keep your smart looking good and running smoothly. The experts at smart have just launched smart Service Care, a new way to help you take care of your smart that's affordable, flexible and totally reliable. The scheme is open to owners of all smart fortwo, roadster and forfour models which are no more than seven years old. Join the smart Service Care plan and kiss goodbye to inflationary price rises. The plan will guarantee and cover the cost of the next two or three regular services at a fixed price with the outlay spread over 12, 24 or 36 months. That means both parts and labour, so you know the costs in advance and it even includes regular service items such as spark plugs, air and fuel filters. There are several payment options available and you can choose the one that suits you best after discussing your requirements with your local smart Official Workshop. To find out more about smart Service Care, click here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/13/Put-your-smart-in-our-care Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:41:58 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/12/Get-ready-to-celebrate Ex Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton will be among the stars helping to make this year's celebratory smart festival the best ever. With the September 4th event marking the 10th anniversary of the introduction of right-hand drive smart fortwo models to the UK, organisers are expecting last year's record attendance figure of 2,000 to be smashed. Lewis will join celebrities, owners, smart lovers and enthusiasts at the festival, to be staged at Mercedes-Benz World, near Weybridge, the country's biggest automotive brand experience centre. Highlights will include the chance to get behind the wheel of the latest generation zero emissions smart fortwo electric drive and an opportunity to see two new striking special edition models - the gb-10 and pink passion, both featured elsewhere in this edition of Park & Read. There will also be examples from the stunning smart BRABUS tailor made collection on display showcasing the range of vivid colours and bespoke interiors now available to individualise smart models. Lots of other events are planned, but you can even contribute to the event here at destinationsmart and suggesting your own ideas for attractions and fun activities. Previous favourites have included competitions for 'Most modified', 'Best Kept' and 'Best Dressed' smart as well as crazy golf and egg and spoon driving games. Each year hundreds of smart owners gather at their local retail outlets and join long convoys of vehicles heading to the festival which is staged between 10am and 2pm. You can register at www.smartfest.co.uk and for the first time updates on the festival's attractions will be posted on Twitter this year. It's a birthday party not to be missed so register now. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/8/12/Get-ready-to-celebrate Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:36:12 GMT