Smart to be Smallest Subcompact Available
Mercedes-Benz Canada took the opportunity at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto to announce that it will begin selling its 2005 smart fortwo coupe
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| Mercedes-Benz has finally decided the time is right to introduce the unique smart brand to Canada. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
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. and Canada 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 Canada, 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,
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| The fortwo will be available as a coupe, starting somewhere around $16,000, and a the bottom-dollar cabrio under $20,000. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
After all, the smart fortwo and Mercedes-Benz S Class are the size equivalent of a dinghy and a luxury yacht, with equally comparable price diversity. The base coupe will begin around $16,000 while the bottom-dollar cabrio at under $20,000. Comparatively, the S Class starts at $97,850 and the luxury marque's least expensive convertible at $73,800.
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."