Smart USA Announces Pricing of smart fortwo Models
Innovative and Unique Vehicle to Go on Sale January 2008Smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc., (NYSE: PAG), today announced the pricing of the all-new smart fortwo models that will be sold in the United States beginning in the first quarter of 2008.
The smart fortwo will be available in three trim levels. The entry-level pure coupe will start at $11,590*, manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), with standard convenience features such as a 5-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual driving modes with the push of a button, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console. The well-equipped passion coupe, starting at $13,590* MSRP, includes a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with gear shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with CD player, all standard. Those seeking top-down excitement can choose the passion cabrio, starting at $16,590* MSRP, featuring a fully automatic soft top that can be easily adjusted, with a push of a button and in addition to the standard equipment of the passion couple, a premium sound system with an in-dash mp3 compatible 6-CD changer. The value-priced cabriolet model is believed to debut as the lowest priced convertible offered in the United States. All models are equipped with a 1 liter, 3-cylinder, 71 horse power engine.
“The smart fortwo offers a fantastic combination of fun to drive aspects, innovation, functionality – and all for a great value,” said Dave Schembri, president of smart USA. “In addition all smart fortwo models will come standard with four air bags and many other safety features found in many luxury vehicles.”
An optional “comfort package” for the passion coupe and passion cabrio, at $850* MSRP, includes leather heated seats, electric power steering, rain/light sensors, and auto-off headlamps with exit delay.
Information about many other vehicle accessories and option pricing can be found on the smart USA website
here...
Here's
Inside Line's take:
Smart Announces U.S. Fortwo Pricing
- Permalink | Comments (20)
- Posted by: Bob Holland September 6, 2007, 7:31 AM
- Categories: SMART
$11,590 sounds great but you have to add $600 for A/C.
Power steering is another $450, though it's so light it might be fine without that.
Even the radio is a $350 option.
That puts a basic model with A/C, single CD, and PS at $12,990. $13k basically.
The Panorama roof is a bargain at $350. That makes it kinda fun for just over $13k, not bad I suppose.
On higher end models, the comfort package is a good value, but then again you're only adding leather to 2 seats instead of 4-5.
A loaded up cabrio is still under $18k. And while that's close to a Solistice, that Pontiac would not have A/C either.
Sales should be fine initially, but they'd really hit the sweet spot if they could lower the price a couple of thousand across the line. A $9,999 subcompact has a better ring to it than one that starts out at $11,590.
Great city car. When I worked in Paris I saw these little buggers everywhere. If I still worked downtown, this would be the car to get.
Doesn't sound all that great. The mileage won't be fantastic as the engine is way too small for a vehicle of that weight (the classic Suzuki Metro / Ford Aspire situation). As they say, possibly a useful city car but a hybrid makes more sense elsewhere.
1 liter (71 horsepower) isn't enough for 1600 pounds?
I don't know about the gas model yet but the mileage on the diesel version is great. Both people I know with Smarts average about 3.5 L/100 km or about 67 mpg US. I don't don't know any hybrid that can do that in the real world.
I owned a Chevy Sprint in college, and it has just 48hp carrying around 1800 pounds.
71hp will feel like a race car compared to my Sprint.
Insights come close to that MPG (both are 2 seaters) and the Insight is actually more practical.
I think you're right about the Insight but they sold so few I have never known anyone who had one. Can't remember the last time I saw one on the road. Not sure why the Insight would be more practical though. Both are small 2 seater with a modest amount of cargo space.
The biggest problem with the Insight was the cost (at least in Canada). They were $26,900 CDN while the Smart starts around $16K and goes up to about $21K or so.
While the price seem great, a Chevy Aveo has it undercut by a solid grand. Not to mention the Aveo has useable room and can keep up with traffic.
Perhaps but the Smart is a huge image and style statement and has tonnes of character.
The Avero is a cheap Korean econobox that only says you can't afford a Honda.
Aveo to Smart is apples to oranges. The Smart's got a different footprint, different riding style and it's really, really good for a single person or couple where one of them works in the city. You can literally park it just about anywhere. The aveo must be parked like a normal car...because it is just a normal car. The Smart's just plain different. If I worked downtown again, I'd be content with it.
OTD on my 6-speed Versa was under $15,000 and I can seat 4 adult-sized people comfortably and carry their luggage for vacation in the cargo area (as I found out a few weeks ago), with AC, power steering, stereo, and side curtain airbags, and still get 33 mpg carrying a full load like that. The Smart is quirky looking and I like that, but I'm not seeing that considering one would gain me anything over my Versa. I wouldn't mind test driving one to be able to make a better comparison.
Yeah, but try pulling into a side street parking space head-on with your Versa. ;)
You can't draw a crowd with a Versa either. We have a couple of Smarts in our parking lot at work and people are alway walking over to look at them.
It's amazing the attention they get considering they are quite common in Vancouver now.
The diesel version will also cost you 1/2 as much in fuel as the Versa too.
Where is the manual transmission? Even those who prefer automatics will admit that a sub 100hp car with an automatic transmission is guaranteed to be dangerously underpowered. With a manual though they are just fun. The whole driving a slow car fast adage. I had lots of fun driving a POS '81 Rabbit diesel with a 4-speed, and they only had 52hp!
Of course I guess we're not getting the diesel version either?
"5-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual driving modes"
That should answer your question bbechtel16
Diesel version please? I like the idea of 65+mpg
It's perfect as a second car/commuter car. For myself (married with no kids nor plans for them so far) 99% of the time the back seats see no use during regular commuting/groceries operation.
BTW, the lack of rear seats also means that it fits tall people great (of course at the cost of trunk space). I'm 6'6" and haven't found more spacious driving positions in anything but trucks and big-ass SUVs.
Carboy I'm fairly certain they are referring to an automatic transmission with manual shift mode. This is not anything close to the same thing as a manual transmission, as it still uses the same componentry including the power robbing torque converter. Also these "manumatics" often don't do as they're told.
Sorry but you are wrong. The smart has a MANUAL transmission, not automatic. There is an "auto" setting in which the car will determine when to clutch and change gears. The clutch is operated by the computer/car, not the driver, but it definitely has a clutch, not a torque converter. You also get steerign wheel paddles if you want to shift the gears yourself. And in that mode, the car will NOT upshift or downshift until you change the gear yourself.
Awesome!