The smart fortwo: Greatness is not a question of size
TORONTO, ON – The smart brand was launched in Canada in late 2004, and the car was an immediate hit with Canadians who enthusiastically embraced the concept of a uniquely intelligent transportation solution. While the smart was initially hailed predominantly as a city car, it has also done extremely well outside major urban centres: in its first three years in Canada, more than 50% of sales have been transacted in smaller markets and rural areas.
In short, the diminutive car has performed big in every way, including its volume. When Mercedes-Benz Canada decided to import and distribute the smart, it had a goal of 3,000 units for the remaining three year period of the car's lifecycle. Instead, more than 10,000 units - more than three times the original planning volume - were retailed.
The new generation smart fortwo has arrived in Canadian showrooms. It is offered in three models: the pure coupé starting at $14,990, the passion coupé starting at $18,250, and the passion cabriolet starting at $21,250.
Powered by a 999 cc, in-line 3 cylinder gasoline engine, producing 70 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque, the smart fortwo accelerates from 0-100 km/h in only 13.3 seconds and has a top speed of 145 km/h.
The basic pure model is the entry level into the smart world and comes equipped with convenience features such as a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, power windows, AM/FM radio with CD player and more.
The sporty and well-equipped passion coupe includes a panoramic roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, power steering, heated seats, AM/FM radio with 6-disc CD changer with sound package, and tridion safety cell in silver.
The passion cabriolet has all the features of the passion coupé. The main difference is the soft top with a heated rear glass window that is fully automatic and can be infinitely adjusted to any position while driving at any speed. To convert the car into a full cabriolet, the side roof bars can be removed in no time and stowed in a special compartment in the tailgate.
The new generation smart offers additional comfort and agility and again sets new standards in safety and ecology. A host of advances complement a dynamic and more aggressive look designed to enhance the lifestyle, practical needs and personal style of the customer.
The tridion safety cell, esp®, brake assist, active safety systems, advanced seats with integral seat belts, full-size driver and passenger airbags, and head/thorax side airbags are some of the key safety features offered on the new generation models. The smart fortwo has been designed to achieve a 4-star crash rating in the USA and the EURO NCAP crash result is 4-stars. Its longer wheelbase, wider track and stance make for improved handling and a more comfortable ride.
The smart fortwo has been recognized as the most fuel efficient vehicle in the two-seater class and has been awarded the ecoENERGY for Vehicles Award from Natural Resources Canada.
The new generation smart has been redesigned with a new, more powerful gasoline engine, better acceleration and higher maximum speed without compromising its top notch fuel economy - the smart fortwo qualifies for the full ecoAuto Rebate of $2,000.
Its low emissions and phenomenal fuel consumption, combined with 100% recyclable body panels, make it the ideal choice for consumers who are conscious about making a difference. The smart fortwo is also classified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) on account of its extremely low exhaust emissions of 130 g/km. The smart will continue to be manufactured in Hambach, France - an energy-saving, eco-friendly production environment.
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