How Smart Are Our Smart Cars?

DON'T LET ITS PETITE LOOK confuse you with its superb performance delivery on modern road - the micro city coupe "ForTwo" is just above 8 feet long, less than 5 feet wide and 5 feet tall. Weighing 818 kilograms and 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper, this Vikings have roll cages similar to racecars, anti-lock (ABS) brakes, advanced electronics, microprocessors and superior drivetrain that offer better stability, braking and general comfort. It has luxury enhancements such as GPS navigation, reverse sensing, night vision, assisted parking, climate control, smart card and keyless voice control. Of course, the smartest car is the one that is fully automated and drives itself.

A smart car is a mini-compact two-seater with advanced electronics and microprocessor that are perfect for crowded places and city driving. The first prototype known as the Micro Compact Car (MCC) was developed in 1994 by Swatch and Daimler-Benz and this 'Swatchmobile' was exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997. In fact, the word 'Smart' derives from cooperation between Swatch and Mercedes: Swatch Mercedes ART. The updated Smart "ForTwo" was released in 2008 in the USA.

What's so smart about it?

The idea of building a small car came with Nicolas Hayek, the inventor of Swatch watches. He wanted to make a small car that would be fuel-efficient, environmental friendly and easy to park in confined spaces. Today, his progeny at DaimlerAG's Smart division and other automakers such as Renault, and General Motors (GM) offer cars that have electric motors or hybrid engines and are fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible.

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