And you thought buying a hybrid was smart
By Keith Turner
April 5, 2008
OK class, now that we’ve all learned the best way to battle the sky-high gas prices is to purchase a hybrid vehicle, along comes a car that throws the hybrid theory out the window.
It’s called the SMART car. It’s a three-cylinder, 71 horsepower cutie-pie from Mercedes Benz that went on sale in the U.S. in January and is quickly garnering attention wherever it goes.
Dedicated DogCar reader Beth Simon was one of the lucky ones to snag a Smart Fortwo from the first litter, and she is happy to report that both she and her 2-1/2
pound Deuce have fallen in love the little bugger.
So she sent us these photos of her new, four-wheeled pup to prove it.
The Smart Fortwo gets an estimated 33 mpg in the city and 41 on the highway, according to 2008 EPA estimates. Yes, we said highway — the Smart’s top speed is 90 mph and it’s street legal everywhere, with enough safety features — including four airbags — to earn a four-star rating in the U.S.
Not only will you save smartly at the pump, but you won’t go bankrupt in the showroom either. The base prices for the Smart Fortwo “Pure” model is $11,590, while the snazzier “Passion” model starts at $13,590 and the “Passion Cabriolet” sells for $16,590.
While the Smart is new to the U.S., its been hugely successful in the 36 other nations that have been selling the pint-sized Smart before us.
So, now you have a choice for fuel-saving success: You can either choose one of many hybrids on the market today, or . . . you can get Smart.
Wha? A Prius gets a lot better mileage and has 4 seats and storage space and a decent transmission, all of which the Smart lacks. The best way to get Smart is to buy a Prius or a Civic hybrid.
Comment by drivin98 — April 6, 2008 @ 8:40 am
You have a very good point when the need is for a larger car. This was purchased as a 3rd just for fun. And with a $13,590 price tag, you could buy two for the price of one Prius. As far as the transmission goes, it certainly is quirky and takes some getting used to, but it’s really fun, especially with a little dog in the passenger seat! Look for us in L.A. and say hi!
Comment by Beth — April 6, 2008 @ 10:16 am
One of my neighbors has one and street parks it here in NYC. I envy them - I spend hours looking for a space for my compact pickup truck and they can squeeze in just about anywhere.
Comment by John — April 7, 2008 @ 9:22 am