Smart car coming to the US market
02-08-2007, 09:09 PM
#1
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Smart car coming to the US market
Hope Audi responds with an A2 (or A1??) sometime in the near future
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02-09-2007, 12:18 AM
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Smart is not a competitor...
The Smart is far to small to compete with the A1. The A1 will compete with the new Mini and Alfa Junior (EU only).
The A1's design will be based on the "shooting brake" concept.
The engine range will start with the 1,4-Liter-FSI - with, 85, 105, 120 and 150 HP.
And for the diesel fans there will be a 1,6-Liter-Common-Rail Diesel engine with 70, 90 and 105 HP.
<img src="http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1217/audia1cd6.jpg">
The A1's design will be based on the "shooting brake" concept.
The engine range will start with the 1,4-Liter-FSI - with, 85, 105, 120 and 150 HP.
And for the diesel fans there will be a 1,6-Liter-Common-Rail Diesel engine with 70, 90 and 105 HP.
<img src="http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/1217/audia1cd6.jpg">
02-09-2007, 12:21 PM
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I wonder if there's some cross platform competition
I know that the A3'ers are concerned about an AWD Mini (being that they will be similarly priced). I'd be more willing to accept your comments (they are not direct competitors) when US pricing is released for both...
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02-10-2007, 06:20 AM
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That's true, it all depends on the US pricing strategy.
I'm looking from the EU point of view.
The Smarts are seen as city cars, since they are great to park. However not made for highway use. (The old one was scary to drive above 70 mph).
The building quality of the previous Smart was also very poor. (Blown engines after 20k miles, the bodywork changed color after one summer.(Red -> Pink, Yellow -> Off-white, etc)
Also from a pricing point of view, they are not comparable.
Examples:
(Prices here in the Netherlands)
A3 1.6 = USD $33,000
A3 2.0T = USD $43,000
A1 1.4 = USD $28,000 (expected)
Mini Cooper = USD $29,000
Smart = USD $12,000
I think you get the idea.
The Mini Cooper is only comparable with the base model A3, the Smart is in a totally different league.
However the Mini and the A1 are quite comparable in price and performance.
Can't wait to see the US pricing.
Cheers,
Dirk-Jan
The Smarts are seen as city cars, since they are great to park. However not made for highway use. (The old one was scary to drive above 70 mph).
The building quality of the previous Smart was also very poor. (Blown engines after 20k miles, the bodywork changed color after one summer.(Red -> Pink, Yellow -> Off-white, etc)
Also from a pricing point of view, they are not comparable.
Examples:
(Prices here in the Netherlands)
A3 1.6 = USD $33,000
A3 2.0T = USD $43,000
A1 1.4 = USD $28,000 (expected)
Mini Cooper = USD $29,000
Smart = USD $12,000
I think you get the idea.
The Mini Cooper is only comparable with the base model A3, the Smart is in a totally different league.
However the Mini and the A1 are quite comparable in price and performance.
Can't wait to see the US pricing.
Cheers,
Dirk-Jan
02-10-2007, 05:07 PM
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Interesting figures...I had no idea that the A2 (EU) pricing is similar to US A3 pricing
IMO, the Smart car well sell well in very limited markets in heavily urbanized areas...when it comes to cross country, your observations will be right on (especially with all the heavy SUV's one might run into).
02-11-2007, 10:08 PM
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I *think* the A2/A1 is slated for North America
and if it's not, I hope the Smart car will prompt Audi (based on price point) to bring the A1/A2 to this side of the pond
How I would love to have nearly 60+mpg with a TDI A2 in the states!!! </beats a dead horse>
How I would love to have nearly 60+mpg with a TDI A2 in the states!!! </beats a dead horse>
