The money-losing SMART brand hits US streets in January, and the price is much lower than many of us expected. A mere $11,590 will get you into the base "pure" fortwo, but it won't even get you a radio. For another $2,000, the "passion" fortwo also comes equipped with alloy wheels, a panorama roof (on a two-seater), AM/FM/CD player, power windows, and power mirrors. If you get the most pleasure driving a car with the top down, you can drop $16,590 on a passion cabrio. The drop-top fortwo comes with a power-fold soft top and a premium sound system.
The SMART will not only deliver killer fuel economy, but it will also cost less than most small cars on the market. The European subcompact can be fun to drive, too, since you can lessen your carbon footprint and play 'dodge the SUVs that can't even see you' at the same time. We don't understand, however, how any automaker would want or need to fore-go the radio on any model, no matter how base it is. Is the money saved even worth the aggravation of those left without tunes?
[Source: The Car Connection]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
BLS @ Sep 6th 2007 9:34AM
Plus you can you can use it at the Dodge-ems bumper cars. Bonus, no sparks.
Don @ Sep 6th 2007 6:52PM
I wonder what a Dodge Ram will look like in the rearview when you're trying to merge onto the highway in this thing.
geo.stewart @ Sep 6th 2007 9:35AM
maybe in Europe, its not illegal to have ear/headphones on while driving so a radio as an option wouldnt be that big a deal. but yeah, a base radio and speakers cant be that hard to put into your base model.
Totalfixation @ Sep 6th 2007 9:41AM
At 65mpg sounds like a decent deal, but not enough to justify the safety.
Big 2.5 @ Sep 6th 2007 12:26PM
I recommend to check the crash tests of Smarts on YouTube. As surprising as it sounds, it is much safer than many of the larger cars on the road.
Peter @ Sep 6th 2007 12:52PM
65mpg?? The smart web site says 40mpg.
sean @ Sep 6th 2007 2:20PM
It scores well in crash tests, but here in the UK my friend brought one after doing research on the safety as this is was his main concern with such a small car. After looking at the crash tests he was convinced it was very safe and went ahead and brought one. Unfortunately he was hit from behind by a larger car and suffered serious injuries to his back and is going through a very long treatment course.
The simple fact is that with a such a light car due to the conservation of momentum law, a small car is going to get rocked big time when its hit by a heavier car. My friend wouldn't be in the state he is now if he was in civic. I'd never drive a smart in a place where big 4x4's are so common.
Don @ Sep 6th 2007 6:54PM
This thing should average 39 mpg city/45 mpg highway.
srivendel @ Sep 6th 2007 9:50AM
The smartusa.com website also includes option prices. That is obviously where TCC got its information. Why not link to the original source, Auto Blokg?
Dave T. @ Sep 6th 2007 9:50AM
I think the lack of A/C in the base model will be a bit more pressing to car buyers than a radio.
retsel @ Sep 6th 2007 9:52AM
if they add an in ipod connection kit with an FM receiver... i would buy it... not... i would rather a used Mazda 3...
phoenexius @ Sep 6th 2007 9:54AM
safety
the tridion safety cell is really quite good
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02eghIfyHP0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnVNUvixWUQ&mode=related&search=
gmporschenut @ Sep 6th 2007 11:36AM
IT is safe in that the shell will not be crushed but the lack of crumple zones means that the occupants must survive the extreme g forces.
Ken @ Sep 6th 2007 9:54AM
geo, Europe doesn't allow headphones (or cellphone use) while driving. I think the radio delete is a great idea. I'm extremely dissatisfied with most stock radio offerings so not having to pay for a factory installed one and being able to take the savings to put my own in would be a big bonus. So long as the base model has A/C I'd be happy with it. This might be the perfect car to park next to my MINI Cooper S and truck. I'll have the truck for the occasional haul, the MINI for long trips and autocross, and a smart for commuting and errands.
Compy386 @ Sep 6th 2007 9:54AM
Wow this pricing is pretty reasonable. Now if it only weren't so ugly...
rem83 @ Sep 6th 2007 10:04AM
I'm kind of amazed you can only get it with an auto. I would definitely prefer a manual, especially with a $500 price break.
beaker @ Sep 6th 2007 10:07AM
I'll still wait for the Pure Cabrio w/ a diesel.
srivendel @ Sep 6th 2007 10:09AM
That'll probably cost close to $20k properly optioned.
goat @ Sep 6th 2007 10:12AM
This is the gasoline engine model. It doesn't get 65 mpg. It doesn't even get 50 mpg. It is pointless. If the diesel model were sold here, it might make some sense, as it at least gets 55 mpg or so.
dan @ Sep 6th 2007 10:55AM
Once you get into the 30s and 40s, gas mileage improvements are pretty close to meaningless. Put 8,000 miles a year on this, which is a whole lot for a city car (only a moron would use one of these for a non urban commute) and the difference between 40 and 60mpg is about 5.5 gallons per month ie. who gives a crap.