Smart Fortwo
The Concept: While many Americans think that bigger is better, the Smart Fortwo's design challenge that notion. Birthed from a partnership between Swatch and Mercedes Benz, the Smart car is a fusion of utility, customization, and art. Its name alone defines its purpose -- Smart actually stands for Swatch Mercedes Art.
Measuring 8.8 ft. long and 5.1 ft. across, the Smart car was built for city driving. "The real focus of the design and the size of the car is to answer the problem of urban congestion and city driving," says Communications Director, Ken Kettenbeil, "The Smart's size and maneuverability gives it an advantage when navigating sticky driving situations."
The dilemma of finding parking is also a thing of the past since two Smart cars easily fit in the average parking space. Its size also plays a part when it comes to fuel economy. While hybrid cars tend to have slightly better gas mileage, the gas powered engine Smart car is the highest rated gas engine with 33 city and 41 highway miles.
Coolest Feature: This has to be the Smart Fortwo's customization capabilities. Swatch inventor Nicolas Hayek, wanted to bring the same color, fun, and changeability found in his timepieces to a car. With that in mind, all of the exterior colored panels on the Smart car are changeable.
Panels come in six colors and are relatively inexpensive, selling for approximately $1000. The interior also features a variety of colors. Another cool feature can be found in the transmission. It's an automated manual, which means you can switch between automatic and manual.
Demographic: The Smart Fortwo has universal appeal. With its low price tag, the Smart car's destined to appeal to first-time buyers like college students and recent grads. Its unique look will likely attract trendsetters who are always on the search for the next cool thing.
Expected Pricing: $11,600 (about Rs 500,000)
Image: The new Smart 'Fortwo' displayed in Stuttgart, Germany. | Photograph: Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images
Also read: The top 10 best-selling cars ever
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