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2005 smart fortwo coupe and cabrio Review

smart to be Smallest Subcompact

Whats a smart fortwo? Its one of the smallest, most fuel efficient cars available anywhere in the world. Of course, like so many other niche vehicles its not available in the U.S. But why then does Canada get the cute little grocery getter?

Mercedes-Benz Canada took the opportunity at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto earlier this year to announce that it will begin selling its 2005 smart fortwo 2-seat coupe and cabrio cdi diesel models in the early fall 2004.

Having started in Europe in 1998, the Mercedes microcar division is now available in more than in 31 countries throughout the world, with the U.S. being two of its final target markets.

The smart brand (yes the lower case spelling is intentional), will be sold through the Mercedes-Benz

The smart fortwo is one of the smallest, most fuel efficient cars in the world, and it will soon be available in Canada. But why not the U.S.? (Photo: smart)

dealer network in North America, a very different approach to rival BMW that chose to market its Mini division through stand-alone dealers. This could pose unique challenges to the Mercedes-Benz retail division, depending on how they choose to separate the two very different buying experiences and distinct clientele.

After all, the smart fortwo and Mercedes-Benz S Class are the comparative size equivalents of a dinghy and luxury yacht, with equally comparable price diversity. The base coupe will begin around $16,000 (USD$11,740)

The base coupe will begin around CAD$16,000 (USD$11,740) while the reasonable cabrio at under CAD$20,000 (USD$14,670). (Photo: smart)

while the bottom-dollar cabrio at under $20,000 (USD$14,670). Comparatively the M-B S-Class starts at $74,250 (thats U.S. dollars by the way) while the luxury marques least expensive convertible has an MSRP of $39,600.

Despite its diminutive size, the smart coupe and cabrio deliver Mercedes-like standard safety features, starting with ESP (electronic stability program), Brake Assist and ABS. In its report the automaker added that the car "performed brilliantly in all of its safety tests."

And how does it fare in dynamic performance tests? I drove an early example many years ago, after literally tracking down a Hungarian national who was attending school

Not built for tackling mountain roads at high speeds, the fortwo is at home zipping around busy downtown streets. (Photo: smart)

in my West Coast town and had imported his sprite little car on a temporary visa. While cute as a button, and not much larger, it wasnt exactly a stellar performer. Expectedly the tiny engine could keep up with traffic but only just, which was probably a good thing as it felt a little top heavy in the corners. Still, it would make a fine commuter for the right target consumer.

But do enough of those right consumers live in the U.S. to make the fortwo a success? The newest DaimlerChrysler division doesnt feel its smallest model would do well here, therefore its not going to be part of the smart lineup when the brand debuts in 2006 - or at least thats the word so far. Instead, America will get the larger forfour sedan and formore SUV. And maybe, if were lucky, the sleek looking roadster.

Back

The coupe and cabrio are powered by a 40-hp inline 800-cc 3-cylinder diesel engine. (Photo: smart)

the fortwo for a minute, both coupe and cabrio models feature an inline 800-cc 3-cylinder diesel engine producing 40 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. Theyre fine for highway driving as they can achieve a top speed of 75 mph while still managing to consume a thrifty 67 mpg. Both cars measure only 8.2 feet, which as I remember made parking a breeze.

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