2005 smart ForTwo Review

Specifications

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 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) 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 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 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.

Once again that consumer will have to be willing to pay for the little gaffer though. While smart models offer high-end standard features, such as electronic stability control and antilock brakes, and their price points are low for a Mercedes-Benz dealership, an estimated $16,000 (USD$11,740) is quite high for the subcompact segment. Cars in the price range now include the award-winning Mazda3, and just about every other entry-level compact - a much larger and more performance oriented segment than smart is targeting. With that in mind, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia offer cars closer to the smarts size that also deliver better performance with pricing starting at more than $1,000 to almost $2,000 less - albeit with fewer standard features and slightly less fuel efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz Canada is not concerned though. The companys president and CEO, Marcus Breitschwerdt commented, “We decided to launch the current generation of fortwo smarts in Canada in response to strong consumer demand. Based on the success of the fortwo models around the world, it was the consensus that there is an unequivocal need for this type of intelligent, fuel efficient mobility in Canada.” He added, “The advanced common rail diesel cdi technology lends itself perfectly to the demands of todays sophisticated driver who is looking for clean energy, performance and fuel economy. smart will become an integral part of our product and brand portfolio, and we will expand and complete the smart line up in the coming years with additional models including an SUV.”

With the smart brand arriving in Canada soon, and other brands considering following Toyotas recent lead down market, the Japanese automakers Canadian division introduced the subcompact Echo Hatchback (Yaris in Europe) late last year, the economy end of the market is heating up. smart, however, will be the only brand retailing microcars, which are considerably smaller than even Toyotas Echo Hatchback.

No doubt the tiny smart fortwo will find an enthusiastic niche of trend setters willing to spend more for something truly unique. BMWs MINI is a prime example of this formula working at its best. No doubt Mercedes-Benz would like to experience similar results with its smart brand.

Personally I think the fortwo would create quite a stir in America too, at the very least selling to a unique, environmentally conscious consumer while causing some street talk about the brand. What harm could that do? The fact that it has passed the worlds toughest safety crash tests already (Canada by the way), should make it easy to import.

In the end smart might still decide to feature a full line of subcompact models in the U.S. including the fortwo. The brand may be quirky to some but it will also be ideal to those who appreciate a mix of fuel efficiency, low emissions, and upscale luxury appointments.