Green Automotive Alternatives: The 2011 Smart For-Two Might Be Just "For You"

With the all-electric Nissan Leaf stealing the headlines lately, it seemed for a bit that the itsy-bitsy two door, two-passenger Smart Car (known as the "For-Two") might get lost in the shuffle. But in the world of environmentally friendly motoring there is no such thing as too much choice and for 2011 the Smart For-Two gets plenty of new optional choices.

Whereas most Leaf and Chevy Volt owners are facing long waiting lists, Smart is now offering an "Expressions" program that will allow owners to pick whatever color they want for their new For-Two. Yes, that's right. Smart is now offering total color customization for the 2011 For-Two which is quite a sea-change from the white, blue and red that were the only colors available when this very eco-chic microcar arrived in the United States a couple of years back.

Also new for 2011 is the addition of new seat fabrics and designs as well as standard USB/aux-input jack capability even for the standard audio system. Music lovers can also specify their uplevel "Passion" models with surround sound speakers as well as a touchscreen navigation/AM-FM-CD-iPod/Bluetooth centralized entertainment system.

Luxuries like this were not part of the initial launch but EPA estimates of 33 miles per gallon and 41 on the highway were not high enough to continue to attract buyers as the Smart's "newness" began to wear off with buyers. What makes the Smart For-Two so special is that it is a way of getting from point A to point B which allows you to show off your individuality all the while saving money on gas.

The cost of entry into Smart For-Two ownership isn't anywhere near what you would need to get a new Nissan Leaf with "Pure" models of the For-Two starting around $12,000. But if you want standard power windows, automatic temperature control, a stereo and the option of turning your For-Two into a luxury car, then you should expect to pay a bit over $14,000 for the more "Passion" trim level. A convertible based on the "Passion" trim is also available and starts at over $17,000.

It's easy to spend more on options like special colors, upgraded alloy wheels, cruise control (a brand new option for 2011), interior ambient lighting, leather upholstery, extra dash-top mounted gauges, fog-lamps, seat heaters, a center armrest, automatic headlamps/wipers and even electric power-steering (the car is so light that it really doesn't need it). Still, it is rather hard to get your fully loaded Smart For-Two Passion too far over the $20,000 mark. Let's just say that's a whole lot easier at a Mini dealership.

The 2011 Smart For-Two continues to be powered by a tiny 1.0 liter 3-cylinder with 70 horsepower and 68 lb. feet of torque. All For-Two models come with a five speed automated manual that has been known to be jerky in the past but Smart engineered out most of those issues a while back. It seems that 2011 might just be the year for you to buy the Smart For-Two that's just "for you."

(Note: Exact 2011 prices were not set at the time of this writing. Check SmartUSA.com for details on pricing, options availability and incentives on possible leftover 2010 models in your area.)

Source: Smartusa.com