Mini-Mercedes looks and build quality, which means it’s surprisingly safe. The ability to park in spaces between driveways and perpendicular to the curb is, in crowded San Francisco, a big plus. The Smart also features lots of creature comforts, like a power convertible top, heated leather seats, a six-disc stereo with subwoofer and rain sensing wipers.

The Smart ForTwo joins us here in the U.S. following more than ten years of sales in Europe and has clearly benefited from the timeliness of its introduction. Amidst record-setting gas prices and a growing popular aversion to the conspicuous consumption of natural resources, the Smart brand was clearly a well-timed market entry.