2008 smart fourtwo

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No doubt you have seen or 'felt' the buzz surrounding the impending arrival of the 2008 smart fourtwo on our shores. After all, this is a vehicle that has been discussed since American tourists came home from Europe back in 2000 and said "you gotta see that crazy car they're driving over there now!"

For the uninitiated, the smart fourtwo is a two-door vehicle powered by a three-cylinder engine and mated to a semi-automatic transmission. It comes in two styles: hard top coupe and soft top convertible, and with choices of many bright colors and great sound systems...and during my time driving the car on the highway and around city streets, I achieved an MPG rating of 41. All good stuff, especially in light of the new sensitivity buyers are now showing when weighing the virtues of "the biggest vehicle I can get for my money" vs. "the most logical." Take a moment and think...how many times do you REALLY need all those extra seats that you drag around in your SUV every day?

2008 smart fortwo hardtop and cabrio

This is one of those vehicles that will appeal equally to the economically savvy side of your brain as well as the emotional side--and that is a powerful motivator. When this car hits showrooms January 1, I predict a rush to see and be seen in this car. We are all about to experience one of those rare moments in automotive life when you will remember where you were and who you were with the first time you saw a smart fourtwo on the road. And hopefully you will be at the wheel.

Prices will run from $12k to $17k, depending on trim level and hard top or soft top. (By the way, that soft top can be raised or lowered at any speed--cool!) So what will keep this vehicle from revolutionizing American roads? Misplaced safety fears. You see, the smart is a tiny car--even by European standards. Mercedes-Benz was responsible for the engineering and safety of this car, and it always sets very high standards. In fact, at the press event we were introduced to the fourtwo's chief engineer, who also worked on the big Mercedes S-Class. Heady stuff. All of the latest electronic safety wizardry is built in, as well as a super-strong roll cage to protect the two occupants. Plus, it is so light and maneuverable that many European drivers report being able to avoid some accidents that would be a lock in other cars--especially a lumbering SUV. But until the smart fourtwo is tested and rated by the U.S. authorities, I expect honest trepidation. My fingers and toes are crossed for a high rating, as I think this vehicle deserves a rational look by buyers interested in a logical yet exciting 2nd or 3rd car. The smart fourtwo will never replace the SUV or minivan or even some sedans in U.S. driveways, but it is the perfect day-to-day commuter or student vehicle for the "smart" drivers that use IntelliChoice.com when ready to "Chose Their Car Wisely."

Posted on 2007-12-17 | Permalink | |

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