http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/...go-in-america/

 

I'd trust the workmanship on a Toyota before I'd trust a Smart.

 

Just what I always wanted, a heavily flaired, four-wheel motorcycle and sidecar. . . . NOT!

Bob Wilson

 

You've gotta love how when introducing the car to America they have to include a more powerful engine. What do you need 100 hp on a car that small for? Does anyone really think that people considering this car or the smart are looking for power? Once again we get a less efficient version just because the car manufacturers assume that is what we want.

 

I'm guessing it's a demographic decision. I'd suspect a huge market for these cars will be young, first time car buyers. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the extra hp was in there to make it "cool", or for kids to make little race cars out of them. I can see the abnoxious "fart pipe" exhaust sales skyrocketing in 2008...

 

Maybe it needs the extra horsepower because most Americans are morbidly obese. The average American probably weighs twice as much as the average Japanese.

 

The Aygos are made by Toyota-Peugeot-Citroen Automobile Czech, so they're also available as the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1. They come in either a 54 or 67 hp engine, weigh 2000 lbs, and do 0-60 in 16 secs (14 secs for the 67 hp motor). If they can get it down to ~11 secs, it should be decent for US motorways.

 

Looks like the Fit to me.

 

What I want to know is if they will be selling the 5 door hatchback version. It's listed as coming in 3 or 5 doors under the wikipedia article about the car. 5 doors obviously means it can seat 4. I can't say a two seater is really all that convenient. In any case, if you're getting a two seater, the Insight still will provide the best gas mileage, albeit it may be a bit more expensive.

 

In my book, the Fit and the Scion Xa are tied for the cutest cars of the year. Its a very aestheticly pleasing design. The Toyota 2-seat critter does seem to follow that design trend.