Even the folks at Mercedes Benz were surprised at how well the Smart Fortwo took off in the Canadian marketplace. Find an owner of a first-generation 'smartie', and they'll likely tell you about having to wait for a considerable amount of time for their tiny runabout to arrive.
Live in a busy city setting and looking to upgrade from a bus pass? Don't travel often but want the convenience of owning a car? Just want to be seen in one of the most unique and stand-out vehicles on this side of a hundred grand? All are valid reasons to check out the cheeky little fortwo.
Sure- it's not a machine that'll take you and your friends cruising, as it's only got two seats. It's not an overachiever in the cargo capacity or refinement arenas, and it's not a car intended for any feats of comfort or performance.
What the fortwo does best is gets around with minimal fuel consumption and hogging of space. Get over the funny looks and lawn-equipment levels of horsepower, and you'll likely find the first-generation fortwo is as charming and sensible as owning a four-wheeled scooter with a roof.
On sale in Canada from 2005 to 2007 inclusive, the first run of this teensy two-seater was available in a coupe or 'cabriolet' designation, the latter featuring a retractable roof. Canadian shoppers got 3 trim levels to select from-- depending on the level of equipment they required. The 'base' model was called the 'Pure', while the mid-range fortwo was called the Pulse. Top line models wore a 'Passion' badge.
Look for power steering, a CD player, air conditioning and power accessories like locks, windows and mirrors. Traction control, stability control, antilock brakes and even side airbags were also fitted. In fact, the fortwo took safety more seriously than most folks would have imagined.
Between the rear wheels, all Canadian market smart cars came with an 800cc turbo diesel engine that got one camshaft, two valves per cylinder and generated 40 horsepower and 73 lb.-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual mode was included. Many owners report that some practice with manual-mode shifting is required for smooth operation.
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| 2005 smart fortwo |
Live in a busy city setting and looking to upgrade from a bus pass? Don't travel often but want the convenience of owning a car? Just want to be seen in one of the most unique and stand-out vehicles on this side of a hundred grand? All are valid reasons to check out the cheeky little fortwo.
Sure- it's not a machine that'll take you and your friends cruising, as it's only got two seats. It's not an overachiever in the cargo capacity or refinement arenas, and it's not a car intended for any feats of comfort or performance.
What the fortwo does best is gets around with minimal fuel consumption and hogging of space. Get over the funny looks and lawn-equipment levels of horsepower, and you'll likely find the first-generation fortwo is as charming and sensible as owning a four-wheeled scooter with a roof.
On sale in Canada from 2005 to 2007 inclusive, the first run of this teensy two-seater was available in a coupe or 'cabriolet' designation, the latter featuring a retractable roof. Canadian shoppers got 3 trim levels to select from-- depending on the level of equipment they required. The 'base' model was called the 'Pure', while the mid-range fortwo was called the Pulse. Top line models wore a 'Passion' badge.
Look for power steering, a CD player, air conditioning and power accessories like locks, windows and mirrors. Traction control, stability control, antilock brakes and even side airbags were also fitted. In fact, the fortwo took safety more seriously than most folks would have imagined.
Between the rear wheels, all Canadian market smart cars came with an 800cc turbo diesel engine that got one camshaft, two valves per cylinder and generated 40 horsepower and 73 lb.-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual mode was included. Many owners report that some practice with manual-mode shifting is required for smooth operation.
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| 2006 smart fortwo |