Built by Daimler-Chrysler / Mercedes, this trendy 0.6 litre 3 cylinder turbocharged 2-seater has 60 HP and can do 140 km/h. Average fuel use is 4.2L / 100km....


SEE BELOW ARTICLE FOR PICTURES AND VIDEOS

Sure, 0 to 100 in about 15 seconds is not mindblowing, but this car is not about performance.

It has been designed as the car of the future with many "smart" features that address today's crowded urban traffic and rising fuel prices. Don't be fooled by its charming, futuristic look, the SMART will surprise you with its handling, its stylish, roomy interior for 2 passengers, and its innovative design.

January 1998 to March 2003 models are eligible for import to Australia, and compliance is available right now.

Prices range on average between about $9,000 and $15,000 plus tyres and ORC's, depending on the year, model, kms and condition.

Technical features include Trustplus (electronic traction and stability control), independent front suspension with GRP transverse leaf springs, front disc brakes, and of course airconditioning. For added appeal, the door panels just clip on and can be removed and replaced by the owner with different colour panels, depending on their mood.


Interior comfort
Perhaps the most startling thing about the Smartcar is the amount of space that's been created inside a very small-looking box. A 6-foot, 5-inch driver reported that he still had headroom, and said the legroom was just fine. There is more space in front of the driver in the Smart than in most normal-sized cars. This is because the seats are pushed nearly to the back of this car instead of positioning the driver in the middle of the vehicle.

Another factor holding claustrophobia at bay is that the seating position is higher than in many cars. Although this gives the Smartcar a top-heavy feeling, it also provides additional visibility and a feeling of confidence.


But is it safe ?
In the mind of most drivers, size equals safety and some might be thinking, "You'd have to be suicidal to get into that roller skate."

Obviously, Smart knew safety was a major hurdle to clear and designed the "tridion safety cell." This is an aluminum safety cage with steel reinforcements that takes cues from the design of racecars. The egg-shaped cage, and the wheels at the corner, are designed to keep the passenger compartment safe and earned it a three-star crash test, out of a possible five, from NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme. The Smart also has an assortment of airbags, hard-backed safety seats (also very comfortable), skid control and electronic stability control. If you'd like to hear more about the safety features and see how they work in real-life crash tests then take a look at these video clips:

VIDEOS

Safety Report

Crash Test -- Mercedes S-Class vs. Smartcar

Smartcar on the racetrack


Of course, we can source a specific vehicle to order for you from the Japanese auctions. There are over 80,000 vehicles per week to choose from and plenty of Smartcars each week !

If you'd like to see for yourself the vast choice of vehicles available at auction in a typical week throughout Japan, why not ask us at sales@prestigemotorsport.com.au for a FREE TRIAL of our automated Auction Search System. Or go to our online auction section at Japanese Auctions Online. We promise that you will be amazed !


FOR MORE NEWS AND FEATURE CAR ARTICLES, CLICK HERE


FOR OUR FULL FAQ's, CLICK HERE