Well, the Smart car is coming to the US in 2008. There are 3 models, one is a convertible and you can reserve yours now for just $99 with a credit card. Starting this month, Smart will be touring the country, demoing the cars and providing test drives.
History:
Ironically, the concept of the Smart car developed in the early 90's through with a Joint Venture between Mercedes-Benz and Swatch, the makers of Swatch watches known for their wide array of colorful designs. Nicolas Hayek, the inventor of the Swatch watch brought his ideas for an “ultra-urban” car to Mercedes-Benz.
Price/Features:
The models start from $12,000 to $17,000 and the convertible the fortwo passion cabriolet comes with an upgraded soundsytem with mp3 player connection. Leather seats are also available for an additional cost. Other innovations like the selection of energy efficient and recyclable materials, the removable door panels (you can change the color of your smart as you desire) and a high driving position for great visibility in a small car combined to make smart a true revolution in driving style.
Safety:So I have this personal mindblock that small cars are dangerous, there is just not enough metal around me for me to feel safe. Apparently, the Smart is stock full of safety features usually reserved for high end cars incuding a protective “tridion safety cell”, electronic stability program (esp), anti-lock braking system (abs), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution Control, Acceleration Skid Control, and four airbags.
Fuel Economy/Speed:
The vehicle is designed to achieve 40 plus mpg under normal driving conditions and current standards. The car can achieve top speeds of approximately 90mph.
Size:
The cars are:
- 8.8 feet long (you can usually fit two smart fortwos in an average parking space!)
- 5.1 feet tall (the smart still has as much headroom as most luxury vehicles!)
- 5.1 feet wide (two six foot, five inch plus people can sit side by side with plenty of shoulder room to spare!)
So, I don't know if the Smart is right for you but it will be an interesting and refreshing entry into the American market. It would be a cute, soot around the city car.....
For more info, check out www.smartusa.com
5 comments:
I thought they were a lot more expensive -- like 30K Euros.
While they're good European city cars, and I have seen them on the streets of Silicon Valley already, I suspect they are really too small for most non-ultra urban US markets. Even my Alfa on the highway is scary -- my biggest fear ist hat a Licoln Navigator will run me over and never notice.
i love these small cars. i saw a beatiful little mercedes model while i was dining in nice near the hotel negresco several years ago. unfortunately, my budget at that time did not match my taste. so i just savored my meal and continued to dream big, or in this case, small.
These are cute but I can't even imagine driving around in something so small. I adore the VW bug and think those are too small too (lol).
Thanks for sharing the facts on it. Sounds like you may be considering owning one!
I saw these tiny cars in St Maarten a few weeks ago. They are so cute. My Hubby called them coffins on wheels. In NYC they are great for parking, but against yellow cabs they are no match.
I first saw these cars when we were on holiday in Rome a few years ago. Over there they looked so stylish we came back intending to swap our car for two of them - didn't happen! They are becoming more popular in the UK as are the ForFour and Roadstar models.
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