OK, I think we really need to put together an honest to god FAQ for the newbies and then sticky it (not yet). First, I'd like to suggest that we actually put together the questions, then after the list, stick the answers underneath. Let's try to keep it short-and-sweet, and maybe something we can print off and stash in our car for people who have a ton of questions (with a link to here, naturally). Thanks to StevenM1TX for the trunk dimensions.
Here's my list:
Basics:
- How big is a smart?
- How safe is a smart?
- How do I get a smart?
- Is it an electric car?
- Are there other versions of the smart?
- Who makes the smart?
- How long has the smart been for sale?
- What kind of engine does the smart have?
- What kind of MPG does it get?
- What kind of transmission is the smart?
- What kind of storage does it have?
And what answers I have from memory or whatever:
How big is a smart?
106.1 inches in length, 61.4 inches wide, and 60.7 tall.
How safe is a smart?
Very. The car is designed around what is called the "Tridion Safety Cell" (the black/silver portion of the car) - designed to act like a roll cage in stock car racers. It also has four airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, an electronic stability program and more. Will it stand up to a head-on collision with a Mack truck? No, but neither will anything else.
How do I get a smart?
Visit
http://www.smartusa.com - they have a list of dealers, and you can also place a reservation at that website. Be prepared for a wait of 6-12 months for a new vehicle.
Is it an electric car?
No, it is a purely gasoline-power automobile. Electric models are being tested, as well as cars that automatically shut down when you stop (and power up upon pressing the gas pedal). Diesel models are for sale, but due to EPA regulations, they cannot be sold in the US.
Are there other versions of the smart?
The model being sold in the US is the "fortwo". smart used to sell a four-door car ("forfour") and a sports car (the "roadster"), as well as a short-run specialty vehicle (the "crossblade"). The only model in production currently is the fortwo. Brabus makes an authorized sports model of the fortwo; currently not for sale in this country.
Who makes the smart?
smart is owner by Daimler AG, which also produces Mercedes-Benz, and Maybach. Early smart models featured the Mercedes-Benz star on their hood.
How long has the smart been for sale?
They have been for sale since 1998. 2008 is the first year an authorized dealer network has been active in the United States, and they are allowed to be sold in the US as-is. Earlier cars were able to be sold in the US after being retrofitted to meet environmental and safety standards.
What kind of engine does the smart have?
A three-cylinder engine with 71 horse-power. Other engines are available outside of North America. The car is electronically limited to 90 MPH.
What kind of MPG does it get?
The fortwo get the best mileage of any non-hybrid car with a 2008 EPA rating of 33 MPG in the city, 41 highway, and 36 combined. A 2008 Prius is 48 city, 45 highway, and 46 combined. Actual mileage for any car depends on your driving style and environment
What kind of transmission is the smart?
The fortwo has a five-speed automated manual transmission. In layman's terms it is a manual transmission with a clutch, but the clutch is operated by computer, so there is no clutch pedal. This means you can operate it manually via the stick, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel (on certain models); or you can put it in "drive" and the car will shift on its own like an automatic.
What kind of storage does it have?
39" wide x 27" tall x 21" deep. Additionally, the passenger seat can be laid flat for additional storage.
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