The first time I saw the Smart (standard) I just laughed and laughed. It’s sooo tiny. It looks like a shopping cart.
That was a couple of years ago. They’re quite common now and the success has made them put out the roadster. It’s small, has a small engine, but it goes zooooom down the road. It’s truly a sports car and from what you’ve written, would fit your needs well. I would imagine it gets a great mpg.
And it’s DaimlerChrysler, so it’s backed by a major car maker, which also includes Mercedes. I’ve driven the convertible, not the roadster, and weee, it’s fun.
I know the american tradition is huge cars, but if the Mini is available, why not the Smart, which really is a very smart car.