The first time I laid eyes on it was while viewing the movie “The Da Vinci Code.” This tiny car was involved in a chase scene and commanded my full attention. What the heck was this? It was a full two years later that I saw that car, the Smart Fourtwo, in person motoring down Tropicana Avenue. There it was again. And indeed it was tiny. I had to check it out.

The story only gets more interesting. The Smart Car concept began in the early 1990s when Swatch, the Swiss fashion watch company, set out to design a car to solve the parking and traffic problems in most European cities. They managed an unlikely hook up with Mercedes-Benz to collaborate the building of the car, which debuted in Europe under the name City Coupe in 1997. Since then the car has sold 770,000 units and the decision was made to make the car available in the USA for the 2008 model year.

So, on a recent weekend, I was on my way to Smart Center Las Vegas on Sahara Avenue to get a peek at this automotive phenomenon. Brand Manager Rony Mansour greeted me and led me to the Passion Cabriolet Brabus, the upscale convertible model in the line. “This is a Brabus version of the Cabriolet, a little more chic model. It’s owned by the dealership and used as a test drive vehicle. All the others on the lot are reserved by buyers.”

It is minute. The Smart Car is three feet shorter then a Mini Cooper, and only a foot longer then an E-Z-Go golf cart. But slipping into the leather seats finds a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. Legroom and headroom are ample for a six-footer. The 1000cc, 71-horsepower engine provides surprising zip, getting you to 60 mph in 12.8 seconds. The ride proves steady and smooth despite the short wheelbase, and the power steering is quick and accurate.

We drive up Sahara and enter the 215 northbound. The Cabriolet reaches 70 mph and holds steady, easily keeping up with the traffic flow. High-speed stability seems normal, hands off steering is straight ahead. Rony explains, “The stability is achieved because the rear wheels are a little wider apart then the front wheels, causing the car to go straight.” Heading back to the dealership, Rony points out the connection to Mercedes in the standard and optional equipment.

“The Tridion safety cell is a reinforced steel cage which protects the occupants, and safety features like side airbags, antilock brakes, stability control, and traction control all combine to make Smart a very safe car,” explains Rony. The transmission is a newly developed 5-speed automated manual transmission. There’s an automatic mode that can be used for those who do not want to do the shifting. A nice option is the steering wheel paddle shifters; you can shift gears without removing your hands from the steering. This feature is normally not found on a car this price. The convertible set-up is unique also. The fully automated tritop fabric soft top can be lowered at speed and also serves as a sunroof.

But the interior features really surprise. The Brabus coupe was loaded. It features a premium sound system: 6-disc changer,
five speakers and an MP3 dock. Leather seats cans be fully heated, and the optional dash mounted clock and tachometer add to the appearance. Air conditioning was con-trolled with automatic temperature sensing, and electrically adjusted heated mirrors insure a safe view all the time. A tire pressure monitor dash indicator alerts you to low tire pressure. In the Passion Coupe model, a panoramic roof with sunscreen, and optional 15” 9-spoke alloy wheels really dress up the exterior. My only complaint is that the seats are situated pretty close together, limiting elbow room and eliminating much needed front arm rests.

There are three models of the Smart Fourtwo available, The Pure Coupe, starting at $11,990, the Passion Coupe, starting at $13,990 and the Passion Cabriolet starting at $16,990. The Pure is the barebones model featuring functionality and economics.

The Passion Coupe is for those wanting a little elegance and comfort. The Passion Cabriolet for the sportier, wind-in-the-face  crowd. Options can be added a la carte. For instance to add air conditioning to the Pure Coupe, the coats is only $600. Power steering adds $450.

“There’s no haggling at the dealership, we sell all the cars at manufacturers’ pricing, not one penny more,” explains Rony. “ Just add on the price of any extras and that’s the price of the car.”

But getting one could be a problem. You need to register on the SmartUSA website. It costs $99 to register. Unlike most dealership where customers purchase a car off the lot, Smart offers future owners the experience of customizing your Smart Fourtwo online. Your reservation is processed and it takes a little over a year for your custom choice to be delivered to the local dealership.

Yes, the car is unique. It’s a head turner for sure. But it’s definitely not an only car. Besides, who wants to drive the Bentley every day?

QUICKFACTS
Engine: In-line 3-cylinder 999 cc

Horsepower: 71hp @5800 rpm

Torque: 68 lb-ft @ 4500rpm

Transmission: 5-speed automated manual

Wheels/Tires: 155/60 R 15 front - 175/55 R 15 rear

Brakes: Disc brakes front Drum brakes rear

Performance: 0-60 12.8 seconds, Top speed 91mph (Electronically limited)

Length/Width/Height: 106.1 inches /61.4 inches/ 60.7 inches

Weight: 1808 lbs

Fuel Economy: 33 mpg city/40 mpg highway

Fuel: Premium Unleaded

WHERE TO GET ONE:
Smart Center of Las Vegas
5550 W. Sahara Avenue
702.253.7000

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