A Mercedes Mini That Isn’t

While the rest of America continues to inflate, there’s a tiny new sheriff scooting onto its roads. Mercedes’ Smart Fortwo (for two) has been navigating the narrow streets of Paris and Rome for almost ten years, and now, measuring 8.8 feet and weighing 1,800 pounds (vs. the empty Hummer H2’s 6,600), this Lilliputian roadster is poised to purge the United States of its SUV sins. 

Launched from a partnership between Swatch and Mercedes, the Smart originally boasted having enough room for “two people and a case of beer” (it’s German, naturally). These days, it’s being marketed to parking-space–challenged city dwellers and the environmentally conscious.
Besides its diminutive size—it’s twee enough to park “nose in,” perpendicular to a curb—the Smart boasts over 40 highway miles to the gallon, ultra-low emissions, and recyclable body panels in multiple colors. There is no trunk or hood, so the three-cylinder engine revs up in the rear behind the seats, getting up to 70 horsepower. The Smart also comes standard with four airbags and ABS brakes.

Three models will be available in 2008: the original “pure” ($11,590), the “passion coupe” ($13,590), and the “passion cabriolet” ($16,590). Follow the yellow brick road, 21st century style.