http://www.smartcar-usa.com/

 

You know the price quoted above is CND, right? So it's not far out of the ballpark you mentioned assuming equivalent US pricing.

 

I hope the fully loaded one really is around $12,000USD, they will sell many thousands per year I would think...

 

Oh hell yeah. Honestly...it'd be a great beater that you could buy new...and it'd beat the pants off a Hyundai, Kia or (soon) Chery if you're looking for a 2nd car that's more fuel efficient than whatever else you have. My only concerns are safety related. I know it has to pass minimum standards, and I'm sure it's not as bad as it looks, but a 2-4 ton car, truck or SUV vs. as Smart Car? I mean...it's a matter of mass at that point. I doubt I'd ever get one, but I'm all for them becoming big here. Cars have gotten ridiculous in the US. Smart keeps it real.

 

I think that will be the number one concern for people here in The States: the safety factor. How safe the car really is and the peoples perception of how safe the car is will determine the ultimate sales. The crash tests done for overseas gave the car three stars, but the US car will have beefier bumpers. The car itself fairs great if it runs into a wall or another light-weight car. What happens when it gets run over by an 18-wheeler is going to be another story. I guess time will tell. I know it does have dual airbags, and is suppossed to get side airbags too...

 

Yeah, exactly. I'm sure it's great against another Smart, a Fiesta, or a light post. At least as good as any other car. But it's the big moving objects that have my concerned.

 

Here is a 70MPH crash into a concrete barrier (you have to turn the sound up to hear the comments): http://www.veoh.com/flvplayer.swf?au...be5dad4cee2ee3

 

I sure wish more people would vote on this poll...

 

For that price I think I'd rather go with a Civic. But I think they're even more expensive overseas.

 

I'd drive one if I lived in a more dense area.

 

Moved to other cars.

 

I was wondering where this thread went. I put it in Off Topic because way more people view that the Other Cars forum. Oh well, please vote on the SMART car poll for me!

 

we already have em in california, at least here at UCI, the college ordered a fleet and i see em all the time, this isnt anything shocking to the US

 

I seen one the other day driving through town. It is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay small on the streets.

And the thought of a big truck smashing over the top of that thing,,,,, well yea not for me.

Now if all the cars were that size,,, but not with all these huge trucks, SUVs, and 18 wheelers.

 

The car is a collaberation between Swatch (the watch Company) and Mercedes Benz and I guess they think the car's a work of art.

S(watch) M(ercedes) ART

Had these cars for years in England and the sports coupe (which I don't believe is coming here) is actually a decent looking car but grossly underpowered.

[edit] To give an idea on size for those who have never seen these cars: You can park one sideways, with room, in a regular sized parking spot.