DriveSmart
Print this Email this diggDigg this! del.icio.us
Smart Car

What's small and cute, unique and economical? Hint: It's as much fun to look at as to drive. Naturally, it's the European-built Smart car.


Just about anyone who's been in Europe lately has seen Smart cars on the streets. Probably plenty of them. Mexico has them, too, even in small towns. In 2002 alone, more than 122,000 Smart two-seaters were sold in Europe, Asia and Mexico.

"fortwo"
Few automobiles are as noticeable as a Smart car, whether they're rolling serenely down the road or squeezed into a tight spot at the curb. Smart promotes the fact that with its 8-foot overall length, the coupe—named "fortwo" in Europe—can fit crosswise into a single parking space.


Despite occasional rumblings over the past few years, Smart cars have never reached the American market. At Toronto's Canadian International Auto Show in February 2004, Mercedes-Benz announced that Canadians will get a diesel-powered Smart coupe and cabrio (convertible) in the fall of 2004. Americans will have to wait until 2006 when the next-generation models emerge. One is supposed to be an SUV, though a new version of the original "fortwo" series may also debut.


Actually, Americans might not have to wait two more years, or travel to Europe or Canada to get behind the wheel. ZAP, a California company that got its start with electric vehicles, plans to begin sending first-generation Smart coupes—and even convertibles—to a network of American dealerships later this summer.

Continued on Page 2

Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2008

 


Related Articles
2006 Chicago Auto Show
2006 North American International Auto Show
Subcompact Comparo: Aveo, Fit, Yaris, SX4
World Car of the Year Winners
Tricks to Buying a Used Car, Part 2


autoMedia Car Blog
Ouch! Small Pickup Truck Crash Tests - Painful Results
As gas prices soared past $4/gallon nationwide, and full-sized pickup trunk sales plummeted by double-digit percentages, some corners of the auto indu ... more...

Official: 2010 Lotus Evora 2+2
Lotus’ first all-new model in 13 years was unveiled at the British International Motor Show this week, the Evora. (We’re partial to the “Project Eagle ... more...

Car Sales Reaching the Lowest Levels Since 1993
It can’t be ignored that on the same day J.D. Power and Associates spreads doom about light-vehicle sales being expected to drop to the lowest levels ... more...


Forum Highlights
Need help putting brakes on 1961 Ford Ranchero
 I can't remember how my passenger side rear emergency brake attaches to the rear shoe. I know it attaches to the top with a pin and a horsesho ... more...

Re: engine smoke
he is right. Piston ring migth have not been the same. are they genuine parts? or its timing belt was'nt did right.   ______________________ ... more...

Re: 2000 Ranger front brake pads and rotors
don't worry about the sound. Tha's a good sound, it means the pads are working well, soon it will be gone. New pads ussually does that. Because its st ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!

Used Car Buying Guide


2000-2008 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.