After more than a decade on the road the smart car still causes a second glance

The smart car has now been around for more than a decade, but despite this fact it still manages to get second looks from drivers and pedestrians when it hits the streets as it is a very distinctive site on any road or highway.

The smart car was originally created by Nicholas Hayek who is also the head of Swatch watch makers. It was conceived decades ago but took quite some time for Hayek to partner with VW and then Mercedes Benz before the idea was put into production. When they finally did get to showrooms the cars did look very colourful much like his watches which was Hayek’s original vision.

Slowly but surely the colourful two-seated vehicles have developed an international cult like following and have become an urban hit. The two-seater has also been produced with four seats and now that it has entered its second generation a few changes have been made. For instance, it sports a larger badge, a bolder grille, side skirts, and a more noticeable air intake.

It is powered by either a .8 litre turbo diesel engine or a 1.0 litre petrol engine. In addition, the smart car now offers a green electric version to drivers also. Newer models are now offered in hybrid models that come with a shop/start system that make them very economical to drive.

Even if you rely on the petrol version the fuel consumption still comes in at a very impressive 65.7 mpg landing it well below the road tax exempt emissions of 98g/km. It also has a very low insurance rating saving you money on insurance and on operating costs since the smart car also costs little in upkeep.