The Smart car sold in Europe, where small cars have a long tradition, may be imported into America. Zap, a California importer of electric vehicles, is promoting the car in America. While the car is made by a Mercedes Benz subsidiary, you won’t get MB lovers to convert to this car.
It is not merely small; it is tiny — about one-half the length of the gas-sipping hybrid Toyota Prius. It’s only 8 feet 2 inches long and it weighs about 1,600 pounds. For comparison, the bantam weight Mini Cooper is a hefty? 2,700 pounds.
The European version achieves 60 miles per gallon, but the EP says the US version will get 37 mpg. The car maker has asked for a retest.