Many people have been asking me about the new Smart cars, so I decided to swing by the new Smart dealership here in Charlotte to get you the scoop. The name SMART is an acronym for Swatch Mercedes ART. If you are thinking that Swatch sounds like those trendy watches from the 80s, you are right! The idea for this micromobile was actually conceived by the Swiss watch company, which teamed up with Daimler-Benz to create a vehicle that could be easily parked on the crowded streets of Europe. The SMART debuted in Germany in 1998 and, after a decade, has finally made it to the United States.

But is America, the land of “bigger is better”, ready for this minicar? The Smart “Fourtwo” (does that stand for four wheels, two doors?) hit the U.S. market in January 2008, and there is already a 14 month wait list. Not too long ago, such a car would have been unthinkable in the U.S., but obscene gas prices and global warming have made environmentally friendly cars trendy. The Fourtwo gets over 40 mpg on the highway and nearly 35 mpg in the city, but that’s not what makes it so “green”. Smart uses only water-soluble paints for its three basic colors (black, white and yellow), and the body panels, dashboard, and wheel housing covers are fully recyclable. Protecting the environment and preservation of natural resources are truly hallmarks of smart brand. They even offer all-natural floor mats made from hemp.

The next question is “can such a tiny car really be safe?” The laws of physics dictate that any small car is at an inherent disadvantage when hit by a larger, heavier vehicle. However, Smart has gone to great lengths to make the Fourtwo as safe as possible. The core is a reinforced steel safety cell, which surrounds the driver and passenger and acts as a protective shell, much like a roll cage in a race car. Standard front- and side-impact airbags, as well as antilock breaks and an electronic stability system provide additional safety. The Fourtwo passed every American and European crash test, but a star rating has not yet been issued.

The two-seater Smart Fourtwo sports a 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder, rear-mounted engine that puts out a mere 70 horsepower and 68 pound feet of torque. Yet, weighing only 1800 lbs, the little car can still make 0-60 mph in under 13 seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited at 90 mph.

The Fourtwo comes in two trim levels. The base “Pure” model starts just under $12,000 and comes standard with a 5-speed automated manual transmission, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and 15 inch steel wheels. The upgraded “Passion” starts at $13,590 and adds a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and AM/FM radio with CD player. Options for the Passion include leather seats, heated seats, a premium sound system, power steering, an alarm system, rain and light sensors, and metallic paint. The “Passion” is also offered in a cabriolet (starting at $16,590), which has a fully automated, retracting soft top and removable side roof bars. Fun accessories are expected for enthusiasts who want to pimp their ride.

I had the pleasure of test driving the Smart car, and it was delightful. The ride is quite smooth, and it has sufficient “umph” to maneuver confidently through traffic. The turning radius is phenomenal, although the complete lack of front-end takes some getting used to. The cockpit is comfortable, ergonomic and, surprisingly, non-cramped. Cargo space is limited, but the passenger seat does fold flat, in case you need to go to Wal-Mart. Wow. Something smaller than my Mini.