There may be one flaw in smart's fortwo, apart from struggling up some big hills in my neighborhood, however, and that is
whether or not consumers will believe the press releases that claim the car "represents an unrivaled, pioneering force in this segment in terms of drive technology, safety engineering and comfort." Of course, there's some truth to that in the fact that there's nothing else this side of a golf cart in this segment, and factoring in road worthiness nothing competes directly. Of course, the Honda Civic, which was much smaller than the current car when it first came on the scene three decades ago, raised similar questions about safety, but still succeeded to change the way Canadians think about automobiles. It will be interesting to watch and see if we use the same smarts that converted us to "Civic Nation" status when considering smart's fortwo.
Specifications (fortwo coupe):
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| It's hard to compare the fortwo in terms of drive technology, safety engineering and comfort when there is literally nothing on the road that competes directly with it. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Specifications (fortwo coupe):
- Price Range (MSRP): $16,500 - $19,200
- Body Type: 2-door coupe, space frame with polycarbonate panels
- Layout: rear engine, RWD
- Engine: 40.2 hp, 73.8 lb-ft, 799 cc, common rail turbodiesel, I-3
- Transmission: 6-spd clutchless auto (with manual mode)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS and EBD
- Curb Weight: 730 kg (1,609 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 2
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 260 L (9.2 cu ft)
- Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 2,500 / 1,537 / 1,549 / 1,812 mm (98.4 / 60.5 / 61.0 / 71.3 in)
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 19.8 seconds
- Top Speed (electronically limited): 135 km/h (84 mph)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 3.9 / 3.1 L/100 km (72 / 91 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 48 / 80,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, MINI Cooper, Suzuki Swift+, Toyota Echo Hatchback
- Web Site: www.smart.com or www.thesmart.ca
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