In case you’re wondering why it took Daimler-Chrysler South Africa nine months to get around to launching the smart car to the public after Budget took delivery of their first examples, the answer surely lies in the press pack. With just one of the myriad press releases occupying a full 32 pages of enthusiastic prose it must have taken the poor buggers forever to produce. But we won’t inflict the full 5 525 words on you — just the important ones.
Despite its dinky styling and the twee lack of a capital letter in its name, the smart is a pretty serious piece of engineering. Its three cylinder 698cc turbocharged engine delivers 45 kW of power and 95 Nm of torque between 2 000 and 4 000 rpm. A rigid passenger safety cell tucked away inside the plastic body panels provides excellent safety levels, and the diminutive two-seater offers a host of electronic safety aids normally found in only the most up-market of saloons.
The smart city-coupé and smart cabrio on sale here are equipped with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as a standard feature — this makes use of selective brake intervention to stabilise the vehicle. ESP includes functions such as Hill Ascend Assist, Brake Assist and Acceleration Skid Control. Seat belt force limiters and dual airbags are also standard. Remote locking, aircon, electric windows and a Bose sound system are standard, and for those with money left in their wallets there are a host of optional extras, including electrically heated leather seats.
The smart will be sold through five specialised smart Centres in Pretoria, Edenvale, Sandton, Durban and Cape Town. Prices range between R119 000 and R145 000, which is a little steep for most of us, but about right for those who want to buy into the image.