Smart is a Daimler AG brand of microcar, the smallest automobile classification. Microcars are smaller than compact cars and typical four-door models; most have no backseats and can fit a maximum of one passenger and one driver. Smart cars are manufactured in France and sold all over the world.
History
The Daimler-Benz auto corporation established the smart car, originally known as the "Swatchmobile" or the "Micro Compact Car AG," in 1994 as part of a collaboration with Nicolas Hayek, CEO of the Swatch watch company. The first smart car design debuted in several European countries in 1998, after which Daimler-Benz purchased the Swatch company's share in the model and concept. After releasing and discontinuing several models of the smart car, the company decided to offer the vehicle under its Mercedes-Benz division.
Models
The smart fortwo, also called the city coupe, is the original smart car model. Other models have included the crossblade, which has an open top like a convertible; the smart K, which was produced to fit Japanese kei car regulations; the smart roadster, a two-door sports car; and the smart forfour, a roomier model of the traditional two-seat car. As of 2010, Daimler AG produces several slight variations on the fortwo model--the passion coupe, passion cabriolet, BRABUS coupe and BRABUS cabriolet--and an electric model called the electric drive.
Features
According to the smart Web site, the fortwo model has 1.0 L, 71 HP, three-cylinder engine as well as five-speed automated manual transmission. Some passion coupe and passion cabriolet models also feature a panoramic roof, convertible top, a leather steering wheel and heated seats. A premium sound system is available with the passion coupe model only. An additional feature that distinguishes the smart car is its efficiency in fuel use. The fortwo model can travel more than 30 miles per gallon of fuel in the city and more than 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
Safety
Because the smart car is so small, it's natural to wonder whether it's safe and how it would hold up in a crash with much larger vehicles. According to Green Car magazine, the 2008 smart fortwo model received the best ratings possible for front and side crash protection from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the second-highest rating for rear crash protection. An electronic crash avoidance system is a standard feature on all smart models.
Cost
Secondhand and older models of the smart car vary in price. New fortwo models are listed on the smart website starting at $11,990 as of May 2010 with other models ranging from $13,990 for the passion coupe to $20,990 for the BRABUS cabriolet. "Business Week" reports that after a strong debut in the U.S. market, the smart car's sales dropped by 41 percent in 2009 and still are on the decline as of 2010.
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