Smart Fortwo to start at $12,000 for base model

http://blogs.motortrend.com/62....html (http://blogs.motortrend.com/6205344/car-news/smart-fortwo-to-start-at-12-000-for-base-model/index.html)

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The long awaited release of smart cars in the U.S. is slated for early 2008 and parent company DaimlerChrysler has announced base pricing for all three variants of the smart fortwo that will be offered stateside.

The smart fortwo pure (top left) will start at $12,000 and includes an electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes, and four arbags (where do they find the room for all those, anyway?), but no radio as part of the base package. A five-speed automatic gearbox with manual and automatic mode is fitted as is a two-spoke steering wheel.



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Next up the smart food chain is the fortwo passion. The biggest changes here come in the form of a panorama roof, three-spoke steering wheel with paddle-shifters, and an AM/FM radio with CD player. Alloy wheels, power windows, and air conditioning (all optional on the pure model) are standard on the fortwo passion. Pricing starts at $14,000.

For those with at least $17,000 to blow, the fortwo passion cabrio (bottom left) becomes an option. The biggest upgrade here over the passion model is obvously the full convertible roof which, unlike so many other cars, can be operated at any speed. Additionally, the stereo is upgraded to include an mp3 capable in-dash six-CD changer.

Don't want to get left out when the smarts start hitting our shores? Head online to http://www.smartusa.com where you can register with smart and plunk down a refundable $99 deposit to keep your place in the order line. Additional information is also available on all three variants of the smart fortwo

12k..is too much for such a small car, a Versa and Yaris can easily be had for the same amount of money.

I saw a few up in Canada, very cute indeed.

It'll be a boutique car like the MINI, which means that the highly unreasonable price tag might be just fine.

i like the cabrio. it'll probably sell well because of the novelty factor i think.

At a base price of $12K it will sell if the ride feels somewhat refined.

$12k is too much

13579 i win.

$12k is a great price. People were paying Zap $20k for one, and with the gas engine they were putting in it to federalize it, you weren't getting anywhere near the 60-70mpg the TDI diesel does. The deal with the Smart is that you're targeting women and you're paying for style and design. It breaks the normal car valuation rules.

And you know most people who buy one will spend at least $14k, so they can have a factory radio...

My girlfriend has wanted one of these for years, since she saw them in France a few years back, and probably would have bought one 4 or 5 years ago had they been available. I think she's grown out of it though, and now she keeps talking about Italian cars that ends with "i"... Eeep! Ka-ching.

:eek: WHAT! they are crazy!
I'd rather have a vw rabbit for a little extra.

For $12k, I'd at least expect a factory radio.

3 lugnuts/wheels for the win.

~~Quentin

is it true that thing doesn't even need parallel parking...?

i wont mind to drive a cute car since i have a sti if anyone laughed at me i'll just school them with my STi

12k should be the fully loaded price.

is it true that thing doesn't even need parallel parking...?

On the old body style, two could park nose-in in a single parallel spot. I think the new generation is a bit longer, might not be possible to do this anymore...

this is what i meant...
http://fawny.org/blog/images/SmartwithTicket.jpg

Hahahaha, is that a ticket on its window for parking illegally?

Geez, finally. I'd definitely prefer a Yaris Liftback over one of these, but I need the storage. I'd love to try one out though.

I don't suppose we're actually getting the diesel model here?

yeah I know this is a pretty old thread but since these cars are coming soon
I was wondering how much do you guys think insurance costs will be on this guy? taking into account that anything will destroy the car!

first thing I'm putting in this car is a roll cage! :D
next HAYABUSA ENGINE! :devil:

maybe not "everything" will destroy this car.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=biYLn47VwJs

maybe not "everything" will destroy this car.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=biYLn47VwJs

you do realize that the steering wheel is almost touching the back rest of seat right?!

I don't know about these here in the states, great in Europe or asia, but with so much huge cars in the US... not good idea. I think these cars will be driven by spoiled rich celebrities (Paris Hilton) or flaming homosexuals. :lol:

you'll forget your homophobia once you see one of these cars
pull away from you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi_CgGGDglY&NR=1
don't people see the potential of this bike on 4 wheels?!

maybe not "everything" will destroy this car.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=biYLn47VwJs
Understeer will... http://youtube.com/watch?v=Vtg2gGdmmzI

haha, its funny that to work on the car, they just tip it on its side