When Mercedes-Benz designed the Smart car, chances are good it wasn’t thinking it would be a high-mileage freeway cruiser.

Or that it would be towing a light-duty trailer on a regular basis.This car can do a lot more than people think it can. The first Smart car rolled off the assembly line at Smartville — the nickname for the car’s factory in Hambach, France. Right now, more than 900,000 Smart cars are on the road in 37 countries.

Propulsion was an issue, and electric car, hybrid car were considered. In the end, gas-diesel variants won out, and the Smart car was shown at numerous venues.

The Smart measured in at 2.5 metres long, 1.51 metres wide and 1.52 metres tall. A three-cylinder gas engine sat in the back of the car, and safety was assured through the Tridion safety cell together with front and rear crush zones and modern restraint systems. The body consisted, and still consists, of dyed thermoplastic panels, including a front and rear clip and doors.

While Smart had launched a few other models in Europe, including ForFour and Roadster and coupe car, they never came to Canada. Production of those other models didn’t last long as Smart cancelled them and returned its attention to the ForTwo.where the car captured its share of attention. Some people were ready to buy the minute they saw the Smart sitting in the Roundup Centre. However, the local Mercedes-Benz dealers didn’t have any product.

There are now, of course, a large number of aftermarket goodies available for the Smart car. Leading the charge in Canada is Smart Car Universe, operated by Cochrane Smart car devotee Les McDonald. He bought his Smart car more than three years ago to replace a Dodge Dakota V-8 pickup truck and started looking for accessories. He ended up importing a rear body extension from Germany called the Clever End that replaces the rear hatch.The car promotes a healthier lifestyle as the tiny Smart dictates living with two seats and a small trunk.