Smart's Schembri reveals a bit more about the U.S. versions of the ForTwo
If we had an exact launch date for the official state-side introduction of the Smart ForTwo in 2008, you can be sure we'd be counting down the days one by one with a big fat, red marker. Needless to say, we're pretty excited, so any tidbits of new information immediately get flagged for discussion.
Two new items on today's Smart front. First of all, the picture you see above, taken by Auto Express, is the best we've seen yet of the new model that's scheduled to make its official debut on November 9 in Stuttgart. There's still a smattering of black tape, but you get a pretty clear idea of what the soon-to-be Smart will look like.
Secondly, The Car Connection's Paul A. Eisenstein got a chance to sit with Smart USA's president Dave Schembri to get a few questions answered. During the Q&A, Schembri revealed that the introductory ForTwos should get around 40 miles per gallon with a starting price of $15,000. He confirmed that American consumers will initially be getting three models (a base, a well-equipped coupe and a top-of-the-line cabrio) and when asked about a hybrid version he did not discount the possibility. He also said that a diesel could be an option down the road, so those of you who were praying we'd get DaimlerChrysler's 800cc, three-cylinder diesel (as we were), you're in for an indefinite wait. And lastly, Schembri added that the ForTwo may very well become the lowest-cost-of-ownership vehicle in America.
Despite the lack of a diesel offering, we're still eagerly awaiting the diminutive commuter's arrival.
[Source: The Car Connection]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
A5-14 9:19AM (10/24/2006)
The lack of the diesel (right now)is disappointing. To convince many Americans to buy this car, there has to be a clear advantage to owning it. 40 MPG will not give Smart that advantage. Heck, the Geo/Chevy Metro did better than this, in 1989 (58 MPG). The cost of ownership argument won't be enough to encourage customers to look away from other small cars.
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Myles 6:20PM (10/24/2006)
Hehe, I'm glad to live in Canada. Even here, in what I call a "populated rural area". There are about five or so around.
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