Getting Smart: The Smallest Car in Detroit

The Smart ForTwo is just 106 inches long, more than 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper. Park it perpendicular to a Ford Expedition, and its rear end extends just 14.3 inches beyond the Expedition’s side mirrors. In a world of supersized value meals, this one’s a small fry.

Under the auspices of DaimlerChrysler and car dealership mogul Roger Penske, Smart plans to sell the ForTwo in hardtop and convertible form in the U.S. starting in early 2008. To show the Smart off at this year’s Detroit auto show, the company simply parallel parked a ForTwo — again and again — between two closely spaced limousines. On the show floor, Smart’s display included a ForTwo for journalists to poke around in. Naturally, I took to the task.

This is the second-generation ForTwo, which is nominally larger than the original one that’s been sold in Europe since 1998. Smart markets the car as offering an unexpectedly large cabin for its shrink-wrapped size, and I’ll back that claim. I had the seat one click from the rearmost adjustment, and my 5-foot, 11-inch frame had adequate legroom. Headroom is plentiful because the ForTwo is as tall as most compact cars — a characteristic partly responsible for its ungainly outward appearance.

With an interior layout aiming to yield the most room to the two occupants, the biggest indication you’re in a minicar comes in all the elements surrounding the seats. The dashboard is starved for space, crammed with all the usual items. The CD stereo controls are about as big as they would be in a compact car, which seems monstrous in the ForTwo. Climate controls are sandwiched between the two central air vents, and the tachometer and analog clock perch near the windshield. I doubt the glove compartment could fit more than a large water bottle.

Behind the seats are two storage nets and a tote for the owner’s manual, and all three elements are wedged underneath the rear window. The doors are thin, and when you slam them the entire car vibrates. Exposed hardware — seat belt anchors, seat tracks and the parking brake extension — are plainly visible. Smart says the car on display is a preproduction model, so it’s possible some of these issues might be worked out.

Full details have yet to be released, but this much we know: Powered by a 71-hp, 1.0-liter three-cylinder, the ForTwo will start at less than $15,000. It should get around 40 mpg in combined city and highway driving on regular gasoline, but it can only go 90 mph. There is also a bevy of standard safety features, including four airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system.

With only the spec sheet and some static seat time, we're not ready to call the Smart a winner yet, but it has a chance — a small one.

Comments

[Mike....]

I know it's painful.....but is anyone else thinking Yugo?

[wade]

From the side, it looks a little like a first generation MB M-class. There is definitely some family resemblance.

[David]

ONLY 90mph?

[Dave T.]

yep

[G]

why would you want to go any faster in a car like that?

[ermatthe]

I wouldn't wnat to go half that speed in a car like that

[M3]

Hopefully this engine will be a lot more powerful than the current model's. I've read reports that the current European Smart is dog slow. This car reminds me of my old Festiva, I loved the basic simplicity of it. $15K is quite steep for what you're getting though. You can get larger "normal" cars that get mileage almost as good.

[ken]

God help the people who get into car accidents in that think. Whether it be because of the ForTwo driver or some other driver, an accident does not bode well for the For Two occupant.

And indeed... if the ForTwo costs 15k, why wouldn't a person just goe for a Hyundai Elentra that doesn't look so goofy?

[Mike]

$15k is too much for a car like this. It competes in the price range of cars like the Corolla and Civic, which get nearly as good gas mileage, are larger, more comfortable, and better looking.

This car should aim for the Yaris/Fit price range, or lower. $10-13k would be more reasonable for a city-only car.

[David]

Actually, there's a video online showing the Smart being crashed into a larger Mercedes E-Class. Guess which car emerged in better shape? (Hint: It's the car with the peanut-shaped steel safety cage.)

[Happymantis]

seriously... only 40 miles to the gallon? Don't Priuses (and many other cars) do better than while offering more interior space and safety? What's the point of selling this car in America? We don't have uber narrow roads like the ones in Europe...

[Troy]

Turning Americans away from their gas guzzling, parking realestate gobbling, (most of the time) single occupant SUV's and large trucks that are rarely used for thier intended purpose will be a challenge for the Smart brand. People love their larege vehicles.

I predict they will sell well in environmentally freindly areas. California, Washington, Oregone, you get the point. Now, seeing one on the back roads of Generica?.... probably not.

I would own one simply becasue it's a micro car. Kinda like the old Honda CR-X. Fuel efficient, easy on the wallet and it don't take up my entire garage. 15,000 is too steep IMO since there are other vehicles that offer more space and similar MPG for the money. Yaris, Fit, xA, Aveo, Accent, to name a few. Drop the price to say 11-12000 and you'd sell quite a few. Bring the smart for 4 over, and you'd sell more.

[ermatthe]

mercedes vs. smart:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPdEWLnAQr0

smart vs. concrete barrier:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssx4uQnDcV8

I still would rather be in the mercedes. Not to mention, the front is just one possible place for an impact. How would the rear and sides hold up?

Something tells me that the different safety ratings would probably bury this vehicle. It makes a 2-door yaris look like an Expedition.

[ermatthe]

Also, I would wonder how the vehicle would hold up under a moderate speed frontal impact. Would a 20 mph crash completely destroy the engine and bend the front axle and drive shaft?

[Tor]

The smart is actually a high-quality and remarkably safe (for its size). That being said I think bringing it here is a big mistake.

DC has two much more appropriate cars. One is the MB B-class. It is golf sized. Another is the A-clss. Why is DC bringing the laughable smart, but neither or these? Puzzling.

This car has been a failure in Europe. In the US other cars are much bigger and so are parking spots and roads. Why would it succeed here?

This car will flop. Why buy it over a Yaris, Fit or Rio?

[J]

15K?!

Why am I getting this instead of the xB?

[Troy]

The price better match the size of the car or it won't sell.

[john riley]

These things are all over Toronto. Their unusual shape means they are often bought by companies for light delivery use and plastered with adverts. They also seem to be statement cars in the way that a Toyota Prius is a statement car. Such buyers don't always care if the math doesn't work out. I expect they will have a similar appeal with some Americans.

[Dave T.]

Tor,
I actually said to Kelsey if the price is close to the Nissan Versa which got perfect IIHS crash test scores (not easy to do for any sized car) why would you pick this over that and forgo the extra room and performance with similar mileage?

I believe the videos linked and crash test information for the smart commented on here is of the previous generation not the new one destined for the states and written about by Kelsey. The ones in Canada are also previous gen.

[Dave S.]

15 K is too much. I would drive one for 12K.
If everyone likes it, I don't want it. They would be a tad more safe than riding a motorcycle in the winter. I think in Europe the price was closer to 10k, but our wonderful government wants to hose us.

[Jordan]

I value my life too much to drive this coffin. MB is doing a good job of keeping quiet that the Smart only received 3 out of 5 stars for crash testing in Europe. You take the Smart, I'll keep my Maxima.

that interior is HORRID! for some reason, i think the car looks alittle top-heavy...high risk of rolling? there is no way this thing can be safe...i'll just get a cobalt with better room and its safer (with SCA)

[LoganSix]

From what I have read elsewhere:
$15k is for the convertible version.
$11k for the base version.
40 mpg is combined city/highway, it would be nice if the USA got the diesel version too, but that's probably not going to happen.

Maybe after they get a production version out, the safety rating is given and reviews are written, then people will start liking it more. But, there will always be those who will be misinformed or would rather drive a tank to work.

[Stuart W]

Its a nice but small car. My neighbor brought one home for the weekend last summer. IT looks good, rode well, but the auto shifting was to slow. I would only buy one if they brought the 60 + mpg diesel to the USA. At 12 to 14k they would sell a plenty. I would save $100 a month on gas money.

[M.]

...I went to google to find out the price ranges for the smart fortwo: about 11K for the basic hardtop;and,about 15K for the raptop.

...quite frankly,I look forward to the smart car coming to the States.

...finally,my only gripe is what someone state earlier about bringing the MB subcompact to the states. But then,I remember...MB dealerships pride themselves on selling high-end cars,to high-end people. God forbid if the lower-class folks came into said dealerships...

[DonR]

Ahh, You guy's just don't know how to have fun... haha

http://www.smartuki.com/spanishsmart.wmv

[CG]

A friend and I drove a SmartCar - in Germany - a For4,with back seats.Obviously they are not made for long hauls and big loads - but the one we had was fun to drive,was comfortable and was able to keep up on highways(obviously not in the fast lane), including mountain roads. It held the road surprisingly well in heavy rain. Needless to say,I wouldn't want to be broadsided by a sport-ute-bus in one. It would be a great vehicle for short suburban trips and urban use, especially if available as a diesel.

[HD]

BTW, all you safety fanatics who like to question the safety of this vehicle on our USA highways ought to start with this one first… according to your safety concerns this thing out to be made illegal!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOZSnt9FncQ

[kent beuchert]

With plug-in hybrids implemented as real cars
in teh upcoming Chevy VOLT, I wouldn't touch
any fossil car, tiny or not. I guess everyone notices the transparent attempt to emphasize the
small size of the car by scouring the Earth to
find a couple of 1970's refugees from the junkyard crusher machines to bookend the tiny
tot. Fraud, pure fraud.

[Dave Different]

I read where an all-electric version may be produced that costs $35,000. Well, cheaper than a Tesla.

I drive an old Subaru Justy Hatchback that still gets over 40MPG, can double as a truck to haul lumber home from Home Depot, but will be due for replacement by 2008. I think the Smart is very cute, but will probably spring a few extra thou for a Civic. If it were a $15,000 hybrid that got 70MPG I'd consider it seriously, even with all its limitations.

I'd like them to get the Chevy Volt working and in production. Would rather look way cool, than conspicuously bizarre. Learned driving in a VW bug though, and always thought it was the most fun to drive, even more than a sports car I drove once.

[geffel]

I'm signed up for one. Of course not being American i happen to know quite a bit more about these cars (and most things it seems). They're extremely safe, and all most people need most of the time.Each day I commute to work in a car designed to seat five people and with the potential to transport a sofa in the back, if I fold the seats down - why?

The Smart is all anyone actually needs and you can park them anywhere. Why sit in traffic not going anywhere taking up space in a stupid V8 pig SUV when you could be a little more considerate to humanity and take up less space. Oh, sorry - not thinking like an American there, am I?
These things are going to sell like hot cakes in the sane states. The time is ripe. The Smart is the anti-Hummer.

[David Lassiter]

Kent Beuchert is a fake working for the oil / gas lobby and has posted on hundreds of websites through dummy email accounts (eg - kbeuchert@toast.net). He has been posting for six years on this topic - ridiculously if you think about it. He has made up locations in McLean, VA and Tampa, FL. Please forward any information you may have on him as I am writing a story. Regards - David Lassiter

[Jason]

I am not going to question the safety of this car--I don't doubt the technology is available to keep the occupants safe. However, with the wheels right at the corners and I do mean "right at", I am wondering how easily this car will be considered totaled. It is too new and doesn't sound it will be popular to retain its resale value, so you will be buying them over and over after each crash.

We Americans have always thought bigger means safer, but like I said, the technology is there to keep us safe in little cars. Look at the crash test for the Civic with and without side airbags.

I am definitely not a fan of full size trucks, SUVs, Minivans, or the like. I prefer the fun-to-drive sports cars (if I can afford one). I currently have a Mazda3 5-door and love the handling and power. I have seen one of the Smarts on the roads here in Northern Virginia and I don't think it will sell well here in the States. Sure, the environmentalist would like it and those living in the cities, but I think the lack of space will be another nail in the coffin. It is definitely not a family car, so you wind up needing more than one car negating mileage gains. I don't use the back seat and trunk in my car everyday, but when I have needed it, I have been happy it is there. Can't say the same for this car. It is more like a weekend car like a two-seat sports car without the fun.

[Mini fan]

@kent beuchert
Try not to make such idiotic knee-jerk reactions.
They used two STRETCH LIMOS. Granted, the limos weren't the absolute NEWEST models out, but why would you expect them to be? (And why be an ass and berate them for that decision?) They were most likely chosen to exaggerate the extreme compact-ness of the Smart, but without losing sight of it as it drives circles around the behemoths in the parking demonstration (as it would have, had they chosen a Hummer or Hummer-Limo).

View the WHOLE video if you don't believe me.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/01/09/detroit-auto-show-video-of-the-smart-fortwo-parking-demonstrati/

(Personally, I welcome out minuscule ForTwo overlords.)

[Thuy]

If we think about a small car because of the environment, I would remind the width of the car is also an important factor. (Car for one or one person in one row of seats). Why?
1) Less weight.
2) Width of the road these narrower cars requires would be less, then more lanes adding to the roads is possible. (One or two big lane(s) for the wider cars only to force people to drive narrower cars if they don't really need to drive a bigger car.) So, the result would be less traffic jam and therefore less gas consumed and les CO2 emission. Immagine we have roads with almost double number of lanes? ....Ahhhh! What's a released on rush hours?

[eartherncitizen]

How about sub-divided lanes in a normal size lane that allow 2 tiny cars going side by side, so people driving SUV have to rethink and choose to drive a smart car in rush hour to save their own time if they don't care about saving energy?

[Sanjay the Smartass]

I own a 2005 Smart ForTwo, and live in Canada. I think I can offer some useful commentary both about the culture of North America and the Smart Fortwo's acceptance within that culture.

I am a single individual without a family, and live very close to where I work.

The Smart is ideal not only for those people who want to use it to make a statement, but also for those who want to buy only as much car as they need to get around and not a sliver more, and want to be easy on the environment. Less is MORE!

In strictly practical terms for a young single adult, the Smart is a very good choice in terms of fuel economy, practicality, and the fact that its mostly one person in a car at a time.

That being said, a Smart makes an ideal 2nd car for a family to go pick Junior up from baseball practice or for Junior to take his first girlfriend out to a movie. For most city-based small payloads like groceries, or moving small things like computers around, the Smart can meet 95% of the average person's needs. Call a friend with a bigger vehicle for the remaining 5%. No need to have a big fat ass SUV or mini-van.

Some of you complain that its expensive and try to play smart-aleck economist about other cars like the Honda Fit or Corolla. If you people were serious about such cars you would have bought one by now, so STFU. Its Total Cost of Ownership, people - TCO, see below.

The Smart being sold in Canada takes conventional reliable diesel engine technology and takes it to the max, then shrinks it down, and results in a car with an extreme maximum fuel efficiency of 70 mpg. This is not what you would get in the city, but for a car that can be bought today, that kind of fuel economy spread out over 5-8 years can save some people considerable money. But remember its also one of the most environmentally friendly cars out there; from the way its constructed, to its design and operation.

Some of you are really naive and think that environmental compliance comes for free. No, you have to PAY extra for it if you want to help Nature recover from your greed. The Europeans undertand this, Americans don't, and Canadians are somewhere in between.

I was at an intersection recently and counted no less than 8 vans or SUV's with precisely one person in them a piece. I find that wasteful and just plain dumb.

If Americans will lose their self-centered "size is everything" ethos, and lose some weight, so they can FIT (maybe thats why Honda chose that name for their car?) into the Smart Fortwo, and learn that there is virtue in using only what you need, rather than taking everything you can, there will be hope for Smart to be successful in USA, and hopefully move towards electric and hybrid Smart vehicles in the future, which are already on the drawing boards.

S.

[one Texan disgusted with oil companies...]

40MPG? What's up with that? They're getting near 90MPG with the european versions... But then again, they've had a devil of a time getting it "approved" for NA market... I guess dropping the gas milage down to where american manufacturers can compete was part of what was required....

[Wolfgang]

Hi there Americans,

I'm 24 and from the Smart's origin, Germany. All talkings here are just about gas consumption, safty and loading space...boring stuff.

But what noone of you guys knows is that driving this cute little Smart ForTwo is soo much fun. No other (little) car has that great fun factor. The engine purrs in the back like a little cat. Your sitting almost on top of the rear axle, much space to sit inside, a great view around and just show me another car (with that price that has a full panorama glassed roof! The interior (although a lack of quality (which is improved with the new model)) is also so cute that all girls I take with me always smile: All those little turnable displays, the stuffed armatures, the funny switches.

Especially funny is the convertible. Driving it within a big city (roof open in summertimes) is like sitting ON the street like on a (motor-)bike.
I once drove it in Heidelberg (where the most American soldiers are stationated and drive many big SUVs). When the traffic lights turn green you can easyly "jump" between the lanes and overtake those lame and lazy SUVs. What a fun.
I a Smart car you "feel" the road you're driven on. No super-soft dampers an no none-feeling steerance. The price maybe seems to be high. Right. That's why also we Germany consider twice buying one. But show me a fun convertible with a comparible price!

Now I drive a Smart ForFour. The quality is way better and with a weight of only 900kg but 109hp it is a racing maschine! Poorly they do not build it anymore.

My brother just bought a Smart roadster. DAMN! That car is fun! You are sitting way deep close to the street and the turbo-charged engine in the bag is soo cool noisy! Some people always tell me "oh, that's no real "car""! and I frankly answer "No, it is not. It is a tiny Fun-Machine".

---

If it'll sell well in the States? I cannot tell. But, since it is already decided to sell them in the states, just go and take a neutral test drive!! If afterwards you are still critical about it....just don't buy it. But I can promise you: Afterwards you've never seen a car not only as a transportation device but as a fun-machine before.

Greetings from Germany (where the "new" 42 just started yesterday),
Wolfgang

[Wolfgang]

Add-On:

Hi there again.

As I just wrote, the Smart Roadster is THAT fun-mobile, why don't you take a view on some nice pictures of it http://www.dieselstation.com/archive/Smart-Roadster/index.shtml
or the coupé version http://www.dieselstation.com/archive/Smart-Roadster-Coupe/index.shtml

Just imagine what an eye-catcher you would be in the city or by your friends. And then let me tell you: a barly used one (they don't bulid it anymore) here in Europe costs only around 10000€ (=13300$). Shipping it to the stats is also not that expensive because it is so small and light.
Consider about it. But let me tell you, it really is just a cool fun-car that is driven like a go-kart.

greetings.
Wolfgang

[Jason R.]

Actually, if you were really concerned for the environment, you wouldn't buy a car at all. Use public transportation or a bicycle. If you need a car for a trip somewhere, either borrower from a friend or family member or rent one.

[Wolfgang]

The primary reason to buy this car is not the enviroment! Good enviroment treatment is maybe the possible sideeffect (along with the gasmoney safings).
The main reason to buy this car is that it is a "statement car"! Driving it tells everyone that you're a young, innovative person. Here in Germany, though it is bought by any kind of person, it still is a youngster car. Tiny, nice, fast, cute, innovative, diffrent to any other car.

[Jeff Zekas]

I am on the waiting list for the Smart car... I mean, 40 mpg, incredibly cute, fun to drive, and well-built... What's NOT to like? As a previous owner and driver of a VW Bug, Karmann Ghia convertible, Subaru Impreza and an Austin Healy Sprite, all I can say is: Why do you think they call it "Smart"? Save the environment-- Be smart-- buy a Smart car!

[Clayton]

I've done a lot of reading about the Smart. I went to the site for the United States as well as the one for the UK. They really seemed to be stressing how safe this car is, what with the huge creature stepping on it and hurting his foot. That was cute. I like how the car looks, and I am want to get one when they come out. I am however not thrilled about the gas mileage. I do think it could get at least 50 mpg if it's so much smaller in so many ways. I don't really see a point in taking a wait and see approach with this one. Perhaps a hybrid model will be released, and when that day comes I will sell my old and and buy that.

[John R Brightman]

Is there a deaker in St Louis? If so let me know location and pricing info

[RM]

This car is only slightly larger than a motorceycle and only gets 40 MPG? I have a 96 Suzuki that still gets 37 MPG. If you pay the $11,000 to $15,000 price tag for this car....you paid far too much. Think about it, you can buy twice the car and get almost the same mileage....something smells funny about this car! Remember what P.T Barnum said....

[Jim Hanson]

This is the new 2008 EPA figures for gas milage. Canada's figures are like 40mpg city and 50 highway. I had a '98 Suzuki "Metro" 1 liter 3 cylinder as well, got 36-40 city and a little over 50mpg at 55-60mph. I think the smart would easily equal this performance, the gearing is about the same (approx 20mph/1000rpm in top gear) with almost 30% more horses than the metro and a little less weight to push around. smart sez 0-60 in 12.8 secs, beats the hell out of the metro at 21 secs. I reserved my smart the first day it was offered, early in the morning, so I'll be one of the first in Chicago to get one!

[Jim Hanson]

For the last 19 years I drove little 3 cylinder cars, an '88 subaru justy and a '98 metro. I think the justy was 139" long and was quite quick, chirp the tires in first and second gears. EPA driving cycle measurements are 44.1mpg city and 57.5mpg on the highway cycle for the smart. As for being for "young" people, I'll be 48 this year and look forward to getting my smart. Age is a number, maybe I'm immature, I can live with that, as long as I can get my beer!

[451 smart fortwo]

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The new smart website is focused on the 451 smart fortwo ( 2008 smart car ) and its web address is: http://www.451s.com

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[Smart Car of America]

Thought I would just put it out there that Smart Car of America is now the largest Smart Fortwo Community with over 14,000 members.