With rising oil prices, America has seen an influx of hybrid vehicles. Overseas, Japan and Europe has seen high-priced oil for years. To combat the costs, Japan and Europe have seen an influx of smaller, more compact cars. While the Honda Civic might be what most consider a small car, the Smart forTwo is the small car in reference today.

While the Mini Cooper can get you offers a fun to drive, fuel-efficient small car, the Smart forTwo starts at only $11,000, making this vehicle much more affordable. The 1.0L 73 horsepower 5-speed automated manual forTwo is your solution to the ever increasing gasoline prices. While the vehicle may be small, Smart has placed the wheels at the far corners of the vehicle, ensuring stability and excellent control of this golf-cart sized super-compact.

Not only does this car help the environment once it hits the street, but the forTwo is also built in an environmentally friendly manner. The dashboard and wheel housing colors are made from 100% recyclable materials. The door panels were designed with the same idea. You can pluck them off and reuse or recycle them. Smart reduced the number of components required for the vehicle’s build, electing to mold larger pieces that served the same purposes as numerous smaller pieces. Even the car’s paint job is efficient beyond any standards. Rather then use the conventional spray on paint method, Smart powder coated their cars, which leads to 40% less energy usage and the excess powder can be recaptured and use on the next vehicle.

Don’t confuse this car for a speed racer. The 3-cylinder enginer will get you from 0 to 60 in an astounding 12 seconds. Good thing performance isn’t Smart’s number one priority. Highway travel will be far from comfortable, but the Smart forTwo will aid in conquering the crowded city streets from Los Angeles to New York City.