Only two Smart models are available for sale in the US: the Pure and the Passion. The Smart Pure is only available as a coupe, while the Passion comes in two configurations, the coupé and the cabriolet. Smart USA will not be selling the very popular Pulse.

To be frank, the Pure Smart model comes with very little! If you need creature comforts, you would be better off buying the Passion. However, the entry-level price tag of the Smart Pure is very low. At $11,590 it is one of the least expensive cars you can buy and its price tag is a primary reason why so many people choose to drive a Smart Car. All prices exclude tax and destination charges.

All Pure models are equipped with new, three-cylinder (71 hp) engines, and new five-speed transmission.

This is the same engine and transmission that come with the Passion. The Pure will get roughly 40 miles per gallon and requires premium gas.

Most metropolitan drivers will love the Smart Pure for many reasons. Among these are its cost, its ability to park almost anywhere, its economical fuel consumption and, of course, its knockout looks.

Young drivers with limited resources, who still want a trendy transporter, will be drawn to the Pure, in a way we haven't seen since the VW bug became the vehicle of choice for millions. Smart RV people and those who simply want a third or fourth car will jump on the Smart Pure bandwagon.

The Smart Pure is green, lean, and mean - and 80 percent of all the materials that go into it are recyclable. The light, flexible body panels are removable, which means you can change them, and the colors,  as you would your watchband.

The Smart Pure comes with standard black interior trim and a safety shell. As in all Smart models the luggage space is minimal and the trunk - well, it's not really a trunk - can accommodate two small shopping bags. Bag hooks are provided on the back of the seats. Four folding plastic boxes for shopping fit comfortably behind the seats.

The all-new, 2008 US Smart Pure has improved handling and safety features, which include front airbags, lateral airbags, ABS brakes, and an electronic stability system (ESP).

The Smart Pure ForTwo is a very fuel-efficient vehicle and it's also one of the most cost-effective advertised motoring brands on the market.

The fact that these vehicles will be extremely limited across the United States makes them all the more appealing for advertising purposes. About 30% of all vehicles sold in Europe are used for advertising. They STILL get attention, and Europeans STILL advertise with them!

Initially, many consumers couldn’t believe the prices being quoted, but we kept our word regarding these prices!

Roger Penske of the Penske Automotive Group said, "Only seven percent of customers on the waiting list have signed up for the less expensive Pure vehicle" (expected to be priced under $12,000 at base). "The other 93% have signed up for the more expensive models" (the Passion is expected to price under $14,000 at base, while the Passion Cabriolet is expected to price under $17,000). All these prices have gone down a little, as will the supply.

This means supplies of the Smart Pure will be very, very limited. If rumors regarding the allotment for 2008 are correct, only 1,500 to 2,500 Smart Pure units will be available for sale for the entire year.

Factory installed options:

• Silver metallic tridion safety cell $175 
• Metallic paint (metallic red, metallic blue, metallic silver) $225 
• Air conditioning with automatic temperature control $600 
• Alarm system $160 
• Power steering $450 
• Panorama roof (sun screen included) $350 
• Heated seats $220
• Smart radio (AM/FM, single CD; incl. 2 speakers, aux input jack for mp3 device $350 
• Smart premium radio (AM/FM, mp3-compatible 6 disc CD changer; incl. 2 speakers $495

Tolal cost for all options and a radio is: $2225.00 bring the base price for the Pure to $13,815.00, excluding tax, license, registration and destination charge?