Growing up in suburban Calgary, AB I really didn’t think the smart car would sell at all in this country. Who would even want something this small? How the heck would this thing do on icy roads and what if you got in an accident?!
I am sure most of you have seen the video from the old Top Gear – They take an unmanned smart fortwo at about 110km/ hour and crashed it into a concrete barrier. Surprisingly, this little car holds up quite well! See the video below.
The Tridion safety cell that you can see on all smart cars, encloses the car and forms the bulk of its chassis. A small crumple zone on the front of the car lessens impacts and the engine is actually in the trunk instead of under the hood.
Since it came to Canada in 2005, the fortwo has actually been quite successful. I don’t see too many of them on the road when I go home to Calgary, but on a trip to Montreal, I saw quite a few and here in Vancouver, they are everywhere.
Now that I live in the city, I can totally appreciate what a great idea this little car is! A 2-seater vehicle to use for running simple errands, it is one of the most unique looking vehicles on the road, and the best part, it boasts incredible fuel economy and you never have issues finding a place to park.
This week, I get to drive a smart fortwo Highstyle edition. It comes in a tasteful brown metallic paint, the Tridion safety cell is in silver and it has elegant 12-spoke alloy wheels. This exclusive smart went on sale in January of 2010 and there are only 136 units for sale in Canada.
Unlocking the door, I am impressed with the wide opening and realize that I am actually stepping up and into this little car. Behind the wheel, I really don’t feel like I am in a small car. The interior is surprisingly spacious – a good amount of leg room and the high roof line allows for plenty of room for tall people.
I am sure most of you have seen the video from the old Top Gear – They take an unmanned smart fortwo at about 110km/ hour and crashed it into a concrete barrier. Surprisingly, this little car holds up quite well! See the video below.
The Tridion safety cell that you can see on all smart cars, encloses the car and forms the bulk of its chassis. A small crumple zone on the front of the car lessens impacts and the engine is actually in the trunk instead of under the hood.
Since it came to Canada in 2005, the fortwo has actually been quite successful. I don’t see too many of them on the road when I go home to Calgary, but on a trip to Montreal, I saw quite a few and here in Vancouver, they are everywhere.
Now that I live in the city, I can totally appreciate what a great idea this little car is! A 2-seater vehicle to use for running simple errands, it is one of the most unique looking vehicles on the road, and the best part, it boasts incredible fuel economy and you never have issues finding a place to park.
This week, I get to drive a smart fortwo Highstyle edition. It comes in a tasteful brown metallic paint, the Tridion safety cell is in silver and it has elegant 12-spoke alloy wheels. This exclusive smart went on sale in January of 2010 and there are only 136 units for sale in Canada.
Unlocking the door, I am impressed with the wide opening and realize that I am actually stepping up and into this little car. Behind the wheel, I really don’t feel like I am in a small car. The interior is surprisingly spacious – a good amount of leg room and the high roof line allows for plenty of room for tall people.
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| Behind the wheel, I really don’t feel like I am in a small car. (Photo: Lacey Elliott/Auto123.com) |