So maybe you've seen one of these cute, quirky little cars around St. Louis or other cities...maybe you've even gotten a good look at one closeup. They look almost toy-like, but they are very real. smart (yes, with a lowercase "s"), is a company that creates economical and eco-friendly vehicles. And although they may be new to St. Louis, they are not so new to Europeans. However, since their 2001 debut in Europe, the models have been vastly improved and are turning heads throughout town.

Here's the scoop on smart:

Who is Smart?
Smart is a member of Mercedes-Benz Cars. To date, over 900,000 smart vehicles have been sold in 36 other countries throughout the world.

When did smart start selling in the US?
The smart fortwo became available for purchase in the United States in January 2008.

What smart models are currently available in the US?
smart fortwo pure: This is the bare bones base model. It comes standard with a 5-speed automated manual transmission with manual or automatic mode, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel and a radio-ready console. Air conditioning, power windows and alloy wheels are optional.

smart fortwo passion coupe: The value packed, sporty and well-equipped model includes the above base items plus a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and AM/FM radio with CD player. 

smart fortwo passion cabriolet: The convertible. This model has all the features of the passion coupe plus an upgraded sound system (mp3 compatible in-dash 6-disk CD changer). The main difference lies in the soft top with a heated rear glass window that is fully automatic. You can also remove the side roof bars and stow them in a compartment in the tailgate. 

What's the price tag?
The base model starts at $11,590. I was able to customize the smart fortwo passion cabriolet (convertible model) online - fully loaded for $18,230.

What about gas mileage?
In city driving, the fortwo gets a reported 46.3 mpg, while highway driving is an even more impressive 68.9 mpg.

Where is the smart fortwo produced?
The smart fortwo is produced at "smartville" in Hambach, France.

What's so eco-friendly about this vehicle?
The entire vehicle bodywork of smart is powder coated rather than painted. Powder coating uses 40% less energy than conventional painting methods with zero solvent emissions and no water consumption. Powder "overspray" is collected and is 98% reusable. This is a great example of eco-friendly solutions that also provide excellent finish quality.

The vehicle also consists of 100% recyclable synthetics for things like the dashboard and wheel housing covers. Even the exterior door panels can be easily changed and recycled.

Where can I get one in St. Louis?
smart center Creve Coeur (inside of Plaza Motors)
11830 Olive Blvd.
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Tel: 314.301.1700
http://www.smartcentercrevecoeur.com/