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What is it? The Fortwo is finally coming to America. Although it doesn’t look it, it’s been redesigned and this time it also meets all U.S. safety and emissions standards. We tested the 2006 model which we bought in Canada, and other than being a conversation piece and an urban fashion accessory, it proved to be a miserable car.
While the new Fortwo is nearly eight inches longer, 1.7 inches wider, and rides on a wheelbase some 2 inches longer than its predecessor, it is still a tiny car. It measures 40 or more inches shorter than compacts like the Mini Cooper, Toyota Yaris and Chevrolet Aveo. Surprisingly, there is ample room for a tall drivers and passengers, two only, as the name implies.
The retractable top on the Cabrio can be opened with the touch of a button and has a sunroof and full convertible setting. The top trimline Passion features a clear polycarbonate roof that gives the driver a feeling of driving al fresco.
Smart, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, has also upgraded the Fortwo’s structure, which it says is similar to the roll cage on a racecar. And they’re eager to demonstrate that their car is very safe in front, rear, and side collisions. No independent crash tests have yet been performed in the States, but the new Fortwo was awarded 4 (out of 5) stars for crash protection from Euro NCAP, which performs a similar test to the Insurance Institute.
The only engine offered for the US is a 70 hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline. It has a claimed 0-to-60 mph time of 13.3 seconds and a governed top speed of 90 mph which is a lot better than the diesel powered Smart we clocked at 23.2 seconds. SmartUSA, the U.S. distributor, claims that this engine will achieve 40 mpg or better overall fuel economy. The Toyota Prius, gets 44 mpg overall and seat five. The slow and bumpy -shifting six-speed automated manual transmission that dogged the old model has been replaced by a five-speed variant, which was tweaked to be smoother. Turbocharged and turbodiesel versions that are available in Europe may or may not come to the States.
What is new and notable? SmartUSA’s chairman, Roger Penske, who also owns the Penske truck rental company, says that all Smart cars in the U.S. will benefit from the same roadside service as the vehicles in his rental fleets. The impressive Honda Fit retails for not much more than a nicely equipped Fortwo and is much more spacious and practical as a daily driver, but gets 31 mpg overall with the automatic.
What’s new and notable? All Smart cars in the U.S. will benefit from standard stability control and a roadside service network, two surprising features to find in such an inexpensive car. Still, the impressive Honda Fit retails for not much more than a nicely equipped Fortwo and is much more spacious and practical as a daily driver, but it gets 31 mpg overall with the automatic.
When will it be available? March 2008.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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