Jim Jackson

Times Auto Writer

The bantam vehicle referred to as "The darling of Europe" for the past 10-years has come to America in a big way.

It's called Smart Fortwo - a two passenger micro car that has captured the imagination and wallets of American consumers.

Smart Fortwo sales have reached over 17,000 units since its U.S. arrival in 2006, sold through a network of 74 dealerships nationwide including two Illinois sites; Knauz in Lake Bluff and Loeber in Lincolnwood.

The German-built Smart Fortwo comes in three varieties - Smart Pure priced at $11,590, Smart Passion for $13,590 and a Smart Cabriolet (convertible) that costs $16,590. The pint-size car is assembled in 3.5-hours.

Buying process begins with Smart's $99 Reservation Program - a fully refundable 'down payment' that holds a Smart Fortwo in your name. Over 30,000 customers have utilized the program.

"Smart doesn't just look different, it promises you a different experience," said Dave Schembri, president of Smart USA at a recent gathering of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. "Customers are not defined by age or income, but rather by attitude and lifestyle."

My Smart test car came in Passion form donned in bright blue paint with a silver accent panel. Owners may purchase and swap out Fortwo body panels for a personalized custom look.

Smart's body is only 8.8-feet long and 5-feet wide - sized enough to make parking anywhere a snap. Its turning circle is less than 29 feet.

Despite its squat size, Smart's interior room is large enough to comfortably seat a pair of large adults. Hip, leg and headroom are very generous.

The 1,800-pound Smart Fortwo is powered by a 1-liter 3-cylinder engine that musters 70-horsepower with fuel economy of 30-mpg around town and 45-mpg on the open road.

One major gripe is the 5-speed automated manual transmission that shifts without a clutch or by flipping paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

As the car shifts automatically, it glides and bows forward creating an annoying back-and-forth 'flop' for driver and passenger. Much smoother shifts are obtainable when using the paddle shifter and an "off the gas - shift - on the gas" procedure.

Smart cruises nicely at Interstate speed, however the wind-wash off of semi traffic jostles the car. Driving in the right lane is suggested. Extra thought must also be given when passing as Smart's acceleration makes the trip from

0-60-mph in 12.8-seconds.

All Smart Fortwo models wrap occupants in a reinforced steel cage, much like the type used in NASCAR.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awards the highest possible rating of "Good" for front offset and side crash tests. Rear test comes with a second highest rating of "Acceptable".

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards its top "5-Stars" rating for side impact and

4-Stars for driver side frontal crash. Three Stars are given for front passenger side impact and rollover rating.