The Truth About The Smart Car

I was first introduced to the Smart car on my vacation in Switzerland. I believe that was around 1998 if memory serves me correct. I even tried to get a Smart car imported back to the United States, and the great old U.S. claimed that the car didn’t meet their safety qualifications. Almost 10 years later the U.S. has finally opened their eyes to what most of the Europeans have known for years Anyway enough U.S. bashing for now…

I’m writing this article to introduce you to the basic “Smart Pure” model which starts at under $12,000. These cars come with a 5-speed transmission, remote locking management, leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console. All models are equipped with a new 3-cylinder engine, 5 speed transmission and puts out a whopping 71-horsepower.

At this time the US doesn’t offer the popular Pulse smart car model. The only models available currently in the US are the Pure and the Passion. The Smart Pure is only available as a coupe, and the Passion comes in two smart car specifications and configurations, the coupe and the cabriolet.

If you have been a member of my newsletter for any length of time then you know I give my reviews raw and uncut. Fan or no fan of the Smart car I made a promise to give you your information the way that you like. With that in mind here we go!

The hardcore truth is, the Pure Smart model comes butt naked without a belt. If your mission is comfort this isn’t the car for you. You would be much better off purchasing the Passion. The main reason that the Pure Smart model is so popular is because the entry-level price tag of the Smart Pure is extremely low. The Pure Smart model starts out at a rock bottom price of $11,590 it is hands down one of the least expensive cars you can buy and its price tag is the primary reason why so many people choose to drive a Smart Car.

For the most part all smart cars come equipped with new, three-cylinder (71 hp) engines, and new five-speed transmissions. The Smart Pure will get roughly 40 miles per gallon and requires premium gas.

Metropolitan and young drivers have all shown to love the Smart car. After all who wouldn’t love the Smart Car’s trendy sleek style. There hasn’t been a car this popular since the birth of the VW bug.

The Smart Pure is made of 80 percent recyclable materials. The light, flexible body panels are removable, which means you can change them, and the colors, and you would a watchband.
The Smart Pure comes with standard black interior trim and safety shell. As in all Smart models the luggage space is minimal and the trunk… Well I really do not know if it’s fair to really say that there is a trunk. The so-called trunk can accommodate two small shopping bags. However bag hooks are provided on the back of the seats.

The US version of the Smart Pure has improved handling and safety features, which include front airbags, ABS brakes, and an electronic stability system (ESP).

Roger Penske of the Penske Automotive Group said, “Only seven percent of customers on the waiting list have signed up for the less expensive Pure vehicle” (expected to be priced under $12,000 at base). “The other 93% have signed up for the more expensive models” (the Passion is expected to price under $14,000 at base, while the Passion Cabriolet is expected to price under $17,000). All these prices have gone down a little, as will the supply.

Here are some of the Factory installed options:
Silver metallic tridion safety cell $175
Metallic paint (metallic red, metallic blue, metallic silver) $225
Air conditioning with automatic temperature control $600
Alarm system $160
Power Steering $450
Panorama roof (sun screen included) $350
Heated seats $220
Smart radio (AM/FM, single CD; incl. 2 speakers, aux input jack for mp3 device $350
Smart premium radio (AM/FM, mp3-compatible 6 disc CD changer; incl. 2 Speakers $495

Total cost for all options and a radio is $2225.00 bring the base price for the Pure to $13,815.00.