My test vehicle was the fortwo coupe, one of five models SMART sells in Europe, however only joined by the fortwo convertible here for the time being.
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| The fortwo comes in three trim choices: entry level Pure, midrange Pulse and top-of-the-line Passion. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
The fortwo (as in seating for two) comes in three trim choices: entry level Pure, midrange Pulse and top-of-the-line Passion. My tester was the later, and apart from heated seats had most of the creature comforts you'd expect in a 2005 model, including air conditioning, power windows, a CD player and power mirrors.
With a massive glass canopy overhead there is no real need for a sunroof, and the large door windows provide great airflow throughout the surprisingly spacious cabin.
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| Powered by an all-aluminum 800 cc (0.8-liter) three-cylinder turbo diesel, the fortwo boasts a top speed of 135 km/h. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
As much as the futuristic appearance of the fortwo sets it apart, it's the mechanical workings that make this smart car a wonder. Powered by an all-aluminum 800 cc (0.8-liter) three-cylinder turbo diesel, the fortwo boasts a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph) and a zero to 100 km/h time of (yawn) 19.8 seconds. What it lacks in get-up-and-go it makes up for in fuel up and go... and go... and go.
With the best fuel consumption figures of any production car available in North America, the smart will indeed attract interest, as did the Civic so many years ago. What remains to be seen is if Canadian consumers -- some of which are the very ones who have driven and supported the 'big is better' mentality of the SUV -- can get over the 'funny look', and more importantly the sense of vulnerability driving a smart conveys, despite achieving a commendable crash test rating.
