Unbound Edition - Smart is the New Status

It's a big idea, this small car. Popular all over Europe, the Smart is finally coming to the US next year. Safety cage, more interior room than you'd ever imagine, and design that stops you in your fuel-efficient tracks. Crazy? Nope, just a car that doesn't burn a ton of fuel to move a ton of unused space (and little ol' you). Why does something just the right size seem radical? Maybe because this is a car for people with bigger brains than egos? And in an intellectual economy, that's status worth honking about. (BTW: you can reserve one for just 99 bucks).

Civic Hybrid is my dream car
written by oaks, May 30, 2007 01:02 AM

Very cute commercial. The Smart is cool, but it would be a little too rich for my blood considering what you get for the price tag of $11 - 13k'ish (and you'll likely pay a premium). For about $5k more, a nice Civic takes the cake in my book. But the fashion statement of a Smart would be fun - even if driving on the highway gets a little dicey.

love it!
written by jerry, May 30, 2007 03:16 PM

I am wild about this! Then again, I'm just wild. Whoo.

joy
written by Patrick, May 30, 2007 03:19 PM

I saw these all over the place in Paris last year. They just made me happy - great design, common sense.

little is big
written by Kristin, May 30, 2007 03:32 PM

I've been waiting for these to make their way to America. They're practical without being dorky. 40 mpg is really appealing,considering the hideous price of gas. If I didn't need to fit two wee ones in the back seat, I'd be all over it.

better than a mini
written by anya, May 30, 2007 03:44 PM

Where have I been? I just went to the site and really like the look of this. A Mini Cooper doesn't get this mileage and costs around $5K more. And it looks boxy. This is something I'd consider. Hey, maybe I'll finally learn to parallel park in the city. Thanks for posting this.

What about luxury for two?
written by Eric Raymond, May 30, 2007 11:52 PM

When I think about the hybrid / small car rise in the U.S., it makes me happy. I think they make perfect sense, especially in urban environments where your average speed is 12mph and parking is a nightmare.

I wonder about The Smart in America, however. Consider: I think it's telling that Honda appears to have decided to go for hybrid mini-SUVs in the future and will discontinue the Insight. Word on the street is, they're also declining development of a Honda Fit Hybrid... for now. I think Lexus has had their eye on the American driving heart for a long time. Their early marketing focused on a hybrid SUV-class that didn't "feel" like a hybrid.

I don't think the Smart is destined for the gas-sipping success that the Prius had. I've actually experienced one first-hand, and while I like the small-car ethic, this little maverick makes the Prius feel like you're driving a studio apartment.

Is there a middle ground? Can someone make a small, hybrid car that feels like a luxury car on the inside? Is that what it will take to capture a larger segment of the U.S. market? I don't know. But I'll be interested to see what happens with Mr. Smartypants.

E.