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It may not be to everyones taste but demand for this ultra-chic city car has taken off since it was launched in the early nineties.
Buyers get a buzz from the Smarts economical 600cc engine, ease of parking and the attractive iconic design. With this micro car luggage space is obviously restricted, though, so that should not be a big priority if you are considering this car.
The smart was launched at Smartville, a purpose-built factory complex in Hambach, France, established in 1994 as a joint-venture of Daimler-Benz and the Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch.
Swatch eventually pulled out and now Chrysler plans to send the Smart brand to the United States but it may not be in full production until 2007.
The Smart car was initially aimed at the younger market offering transportation for two and luggage but the appeal has broadened since then particularly as drivers began to wake up to its fuel consumption capabilities - the diesel version offers an incredible 90mpg.
If current petrol increases continue then this car looks increasingly attractive to all age groups.
The Mercedes built MCC Smart Car has a small 699cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine and is capable of modern day motorway cruising speeds. It also combines that great fuel economy with decent performance and modern refinements, all in a tiny individualist package.
Another development worth noting is that since introducing right hand drive versions prices for the original left-hand-drives have fallen.
As our reviewers testify the MCC Smart attracts a loyal type of road user who find the Smart car a lot of fun to drive with its great mpg added to an experience of reliability and durability over different surfaces.
The Smart Fort-Two is definitely one of the most fuel competitive cars on the market with most models offering combined fuel consumption of more than 60 mpg. A recent Which? report confirmed its running costs were low identifying the Smart Fortwo as one of the most economical small cars available
More and more customers are realising this. DVLA figures reveal sales of used Smart cars rising dramatically during 2005. In the second quarter of the year almost 3,300 Smart cars were sold, a 25 per cent increase on last year.
Demand is high for used Smarts which move very quickly. Retailers are also reporting increased interest in early Smart models, including left hand drive cars.
Recent announcements about a reduction in insurance premiums put the entry level Four-Two Pure into the lowest insurance group available.
Need to know more? The Smarts plastic body panels are resistant to scratches and dents which means older model are often found in excellent condition.
There is one other major issue of concern to most drivers - at just over eight feet long many wonder whether they are safe.
Well, in Europes five-star crash rating system, the Smarts get three stars.
Since introducing Smarts in 1998, the carmaker has spent time and advertising money marketing safety features, including its tough frame design which it likens to a walnut, with high-strength steel beams reinforcing key areas. Smart has a 30-mph crash test between a Smart coupe and a Mercedes and the Smart passenger zone survives the collision almost unscathed. Other safety features on the manual transmission Smarts include braking and stability technology usually found only on high-end luxury cars. On hills a start assist keeps the brakes on for just under a second to allow time for the feet to adjust.
There are various models on the market. Why not get the ball rolling and add a review of your model? And help Review Centre readers make an informed choice.
Insurance Groups: 3-9.
Performance: 50bhp, 0-60mph 17.2s, max speed 85mph.
Fuel: combined 57.4mpg.
Standard safety: twin front airbags, abs, trustplus, esp.
Length/Width/Height: 2500/1515/1549mm.
