PopSci's Best of What's New 2007

Automotive
Smart Fortwo

The smallest car on the road

The new Smart Fortwo is the first modern Euro-style microcar to reach the States. At only 8 feet, 10 inches long (40 inches shorter than a Mini Cooper), it’s both surprisingly safe—imagine cramming a steel safety cage, antilock brakes and electronic stability control into a golf cart—and spacious, with as much leg room as a full-size sedan (or at least the sedan’s front seats). Less surprising is the 40-plus mpg you’ll get from its rear-mounted Mitsubishi engine, not to mention the attention of every SUV driver in line for his $60 fill-up. The convertible version is the only drop-top with a roof that can be retracted at highway speeds. $11,600–$16,600; smartusa.com

SLIDESHOW
Interior views

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