It's more mini than the mini, and it's coming. It’s just like a "normal" car, with manual or automatic transmission, air conditioning, power windows...all the accoutrements that most cars have today. Only it is 1/2 the size. What is it? The Smart Car.

    They've been zooming the streets of Europe for a few years already, squeezing into tiny parking spaces, and reducing carbon emissions. Now that it is 2008, the Smart Car will be gracing the roads of America, and it is time you considered one.

    Not only are the finished models energy-efficient (they are classed as ULEV's, or Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicles), but the entire production is sustainably managed as well. Smart Cars are produced in "Smartville," also known as Hambach, France, where recycling, water quality, and energy efficiency are all key issues, considered just as important as the finished product.

    How does this little cutie compare to monster SUV’s like Hummers? For an interesting video, compare Smart Car to Hummer at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkjZtfgqC2w
or look up “Smart Car versus Hummer” on YouTube. I highly suggest it.

    If you're worried that this small car might not stand up well in crashes with the giants we drive now, check out its safety features. All models have a "safety cell," built around a crash-tested steel cage, and are equipped with four airbags and antilock breaks.

    These cuties start around $11,500. Not bad. Be smart. At least take one for a test drive.

Check out the American Smart Car website for more:
http://smartusa.com/index.aspx


Article By Heather Pennington