smart USA plans to launch five-door model

One of the world's smallest cars will soon get a big sister.  smart USA, which currently markets the fortwo micro car, plans to introduce a five-door model to the American in the next 15 months.  The announcement was made today in Detroit.

Roger Penske

This will be quite a leap for smart which is known for tiny vehicles, large on efficiency.  "We are faced with continuing customer demand for a smart car with more seating capacity," explained Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske.  To meet that demand, smart will partner with Nissan to build the B-segment five-door car on architecture from the Japanese automaker.  The new model will only be sold in the United States.

"Together with Nissan, we will bring to market a fully equipped small car for our customers and dealers," said Penske.  "It will fit in well with the smart brand."

smart did not release concept photos, sketches or a vehicle name saying further details about the new model will be announced at a later date.

2010 smart fortwo
Photo Credit: smart USA

That was the news.  Here's the dish!  I have never driven a smart fortwo and I'm not sure would want to outside of my neighborhood.  I see more and more of them on the roads and often wonder if the people driving them have a death wish.  The fortwo is just too small for my liking.  Amazingly, they get good safety ratings.

Would you drive one?