2008 Smart Fortwo Now Available in US

The innovative sub-compact car that has been making a buzz since its 1998 European release has finally launched in the US. The Smart Fortwo is an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) with a 3-cylinder, 71 horsepower engine, and an easy-to-park length of just

under nine feet. According to 2008 EPA gas mileage standards, fuel economy is 33 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. Fourtwo component parts are recyclable, and the vehicle is powder coated during production, which generates zero solvent emissions and uses no water. Smart now has 68 dealers in 31 states offering the Fortwo, and announced the opening of its flagship US store in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan on January 17. Sales of the Fourtwo have topped 850,000 units worldwide.

Despite its small size, the vehicle is designed to achieve a four-star crash rating from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Safety features engineered by Mercedes-Benz include front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, and the tridon safety cell that is built into the frame.

Three models are available in the US, the Pure, Passion Coupe, and convertible Passion Cabriolet. The base model starts at $11,590.

[smart USA]