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Smart Car Scores Big on Cute

Tiny rides now trendy, even for big car people

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 18, 2008 9:45 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Mercedes’ Smart cars are selling brilliantly—the US waiting list is 30,000 long—and the tiny two-seater's performance at the gas pump isn't the whole story. Yes, they’re the most fuel-efficient non-hybrids around, but only barely—some Hondas and Toyotas almost match their 33mpg. There's also the cute factor, the Washington Post reports. “The Jeep was stylish,” says one SUV convert, “but I never got the attention before that I get with this.”

"The Smart is the new green statement," says one market analyst, adding that the Prius is "old hat."  And another SUV convert likes the compact package. “You just feel so powerful in that little car, she says. “It’s like a Chihuahua must feel.”

A Smart Fortwo car drives past PPG Plaza in Pittsburgh during the lunch hour Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007. Company representatives were surveying onlookers for their thoughts on the miniature car.
A Smart Fortwo car drives past PPG Plaza in Pittsburgh during the lunch hour Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007. Company representatives were surveying onlookers for their thoughts on the miniature car.   (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Roger Stam of Whitelake Township, Mich., dirves off with the first Smart Fourtwo car at the Smart Car dealership in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008.
Roger Stam of Whitelake Township, Mich., dirves off with the first Smart Fourtwo car at the Smart Car dealership in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
John Hall of Royal Oak, Mich., looks over a Smart Fourtwo car at the Smart Car dealership in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008.
John Hall of Royal Oak, Mich., looks over a Smart Fourtwo car at the Smart Car dealership in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars gets out of the Smart Fortwo at the North American International Auto Show, Jan. 13, 2008
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars gets out of the Smart Fortwo at the North American International Auto Show, Jan. 13, 2008   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
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