I wonder how they got it past crash test?

Actually it does pretty well. In the UK it got 3 out of 5 and in the US it supposed to be built for a 4 out of 5 on the scale. Here's some more info.

In it's current state it will not be sold in CA. It's only scheduled to be sold in 45.

My understanding is it's a computer controlled sequential box. You can use the flappy paddles, but you can't over-ride its logic. So I'd call it an auto.

You also can't coast in neutral with the engine off (at least the pre-08 model). Some logic circuit forces you to stop the car before it will restart. Found this out on clubsmartcar.ca when they were talking about P&G.


Z: the gas model can't be sold in CA? Do you know why?

I'm impressed by the article on its crash worthyness. Thanks One saying I hate hearing about small cars is what if your hit by a semi truck? No thanks in anything.

They made testing so expensive they did not get the approval for such a small inventory. That first link was dated 2005 but I looked here and it still says that it not approved in CA.

It does not sound right to have your distributor in CA and you can't buy one there. So now I'm confused as usual.:confused: I'll just step out and let the Smart folk here at GS answer it.:o

I sent a message to ask if the diesel was going to come to the US and got the follow response.

"Dear smart Enthusiast At this time, there are no plans to offer a diesel version of the smart fortwo here in the United States. This decision was based upon the US emission requirements for the diesel engine. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us via email or by phone at 1.800.smartusa. Thank you for your interest in smart USA."

If they brought the diesel to the US, I would buy one. I think they are cute.

i want one so bad im trying to get my dad to buy me one for my graduation present. there so amazing when you see them in person. ive seen one in town around here (Omaha) idk how they got it but i couldent get to them because they were in the outher lane going the outher way.

fortwo, some answers....
 

The new fortwo ("series 451") will be legal in all 50 states. There is a tour of various cities starting shortly, you can read about it here.

The EPA ratings for the new fortwo have not been established yet, the cars are just now being certified by Penske's United Auto Group. In Europe, the 71 HP version of this car - which is the US engine - is rated at 58 US MPG on the highway and 38 US MPG in the city. The EPA test is stricter, but I doubt that 58 MPG would be "dumbed down" to 44 MPG.

The new fortwo has a 5 speed sequential manual gearbox. The old model (which I have) has a 6 speed sequential transaxle. You can either shift it by the floor lever (up/down), the shifter paddles on the steering wheel or press a button on the floor shifter for fully automated shifting. It is a servo-actuated manual transaxle with a single disc dry clutch. True; you can't "over-ride its logic" but then who really would want to over-rev the engine, or not have it shift down for you?

Safety: check this out. The new one will be safer.

Mine is a diesel and I average more or less 61 MPG US.

A diesel with BlueTec emission control may become available in the 2010 model year.

A "soft hybrid" with stop-start system and starter/generator will be introduced in 2008. Fuel consumption is said to be 15% better than the regiular 71 HP version.

Brabus will offer a version of this car with a turbo and 98 HP. This too will probably be sold in the US eventually.