At a local mall they had 4 Smartcars for people to test drive on the mall parking lot. The rep said that Mercedes has invested in it but it has NO mercedes engineering or parts. The thing is made in France by some unknown start up company with zero experience in making cars. France has a history of making bad cars. So bad they haven't been imported to the US for decades.
Engine is in the rear below the very small trunk space. They couldn't get the rear hatch to open. After much pounding it opened and appears to be flimsy plastic.
Consumer reports tested it and said it may be one of the worst cars ever. A much smarter buy would be one of the mini cars made by experienced car builders like: Honda, Mazda, Toyota Sirus, Mazda.
But it is good for laughs.