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Actually the smart roadster doesn't look too bad. Don't lead with the fortwo, lead with the roadster.

http://www.thesmart.co.uk/index.html

The problem they might have is that the roadster is 80 bhp. Then again so is my 1957 MGA and I still would drive it every day if it wasn't a 57'.

The problem they might have is that the roadster is 80 bhp.

But the curb weight is only 1,700 pounds. The Lotus Elise is a world-class sports car at that weight with only 50% more horsepower.

The roadster looks really cool and got me doing a little research. Unfortunately, neither the performance nor the price makes it ...
From http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/models.php

The entry-level Pure For-Two Coupe will cost you as little as $15,000, while you can figure on forking out over $34,000 for a tricked-out Brabus with all the bells and whistles. This doesn't include tax, tags, dealer prep or shipping.

Roadster and Roadster Coupe

Hottest of the Smart series lineup are the sophisticated, stylish and stimulating Roadster and Roadster Coupe, which are powered by twin-spark (80hp), and three-cylinder Suprex turbo engines, producing speeds of 0 to 62.5 mph in 10.9 seconds.

The I would be more than happy to pay $15000 for the tricked out BRABUS to use a commuter car if it could deliver a 0-60 in, say, the 8s range. However, the price starts at $15000 and the performance is dangerously anemic. No one with half a brain is going to pay $34000 on a tiny roadster that can't even get out of its own way. IMHO, the roadster was their best chance to create some cachet for the Smart brand if only it could deliver on price/performance. As it is, if Smart makes it the the US with a $15000 tag on a dinky Fortwo, it will be DOA.