A brand new unknown product with unproven reliability Oh, come now, take a breath. It is only new to this market.
Oh, and it is not the worst warranty in business, but it is one of the shortest. BTW, it is warrantied for 4 years in Canada. I suspect it is a trade-off, if the warranty is shorter here, and allows the initial purchase price to be much lower here in the US than it has been set anywhere else. Once again, trade offs.
City car or not, the Smart WILL be used by city-dwellers for jaunts to the country,
I really don't see the Smart as a primary car or only car for to many people. I see it mostly as a second commuter car which would mean that there would be another car for the city dweller to take out on jaunts to the country.
It only seats 2, has minimal storage space, no spare, it is decidely un-peppy, and the fuel economy isn't great for its size.
As a commuter car do you really need more than two seats or tons of storage space? As for being peppy well its not the fastest thing out there by far but it has enough pep to keep up with traffic and then some. As for the fuel economy its gets much better than any other non hybrid, almost as good mileage in the city as most compacts get on the highway.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
It certainly goes faster than most of the older Buicks and worn out crud that still is driving here in U.S. cities and clogging up the place.
When you're behind a 1984 Buick Regal, well, your 300hp in your IS350 is nearly useless. Add in trucks and pedestrians and so on and well, 0-30 in ten seconds is more common.
Plus, 13-14 second 0-60 times were common a decade ago and there's a lot of Civics and the like still running around.
A while back we were timing acceleration in regular driving around our fair suburban streets. Usually we were doing 0-40 in 12-15 seconds. That was with us keeping up with traffic.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I never faulted the Smart for its slow 0-60 time. Given all the traffic nowadays, it's not a factor. I merely said the Smart lacked peppiness, which is perceived speed. And perceived speed can make or break a small car.
When the Japanese and Germans first entered the U.S. market with small cars, they knew they were at a disadvantage. Their frugal cars were much slower than the American behemoths of the time. To mitigate this, marketers created the term "peppy" to describe the new econoboxes. It didn't make the cars any faster, it merely offered a new definition for the visceral pleasures of a fast car.
Smart should've sent the fortwo here as stick-only, and with turbocharged diesel engine of 90 hp or so. Smart buyers are pioneers of a sort anyway; it's logical that they all would know how to drive sticks. Smart should've copied each and every marketing idea from the original VW Bug. Back in the day, the Bug was a car for a renegade.
The Smart cannot claim that renegade status. Why? Because its performance does not set it apart from any other subcompact. It gets 37.2 mpg combined? (InsideLine recent test). Big deal. So does a Fit or Yaris.
The Smart has plenty of electronic doodads and advanced safety features. But the true "renegade" nowadays is the dude (or dude-ette) who drives a stripped Yaris hatchback with crank windows and stick-shift. :P
Smart should've sent the fortwo here as stick-only, and with turbocharged diesel engine of 90 hp or so.
On the first part - sticks represent less than 5% of all North American sales and city dwellers want nothing to do with rowing their own gears.
On the second part - the diesel isn't CARB compliant AFAIK and when you can't sell the vehicle in CA, MA, CT, and NY - arguably a good portion of the potential market for a Smart - then why bother??
Stick only is the death of any car in this country. And it does get better mileage than either the Yaris or Fit. And so what if they are close? The reason people buy a smart is because of its size. Both Yaris and Fit are several feet longer, and that makes a big difference in urban parking and traffic. Not everyone needs to drag around an empty back seat everywhere they go.
And have you DRIVEN a smart with the paddle shifters? It feels peppy and feels faster than it is. If it is not for you, that is fine. But why all the mud slinging? The company should have no problem selling 20,000 units a year here. That's not a big market, but it is nice to have the choice to buy something the rest of the world has been able to get for nearly a decade.
I still haven't cancelled my order for a Passion Coupe - probably will.
I found a 2006 Beetle TDI (diesel) with 19K miles on it, which for a diesel is equal to the engine just getting broken in.
My TDI is getting about 30 to 32 mpg in the bitter cold and snow of Chicago in the six weeks that I have had it. With dry roads and warmer temps I would expect to get in the upper 30s in the city and mid 40s on the highway.
More brands will be bringing turbo-diesels here due to high gas prices.
Almost any small car with a diesel will equal or beat the Smart in both MPG & performance. Yes they will cost more but you will get a lot more car with engines that will outlast any gasser. My TDI is great for squeezing through the city streets and with the diesel torque can beat almost anything pulling out from a light.
So true, mate...plus one group that you forgot to mention: at least in New York City, of the many that were into the original VW Beetle and drove them around were the Bohemians (poets, musicians, writers, etc) who favored them and snubbed what Detroit had to offer...BIG time! I suspect the same was happening in the West Coast, especially San Francisco and L.A. at that time before the 60's.
you are right about milage of a deisel vs. the smart, but they will cost more, and smart does have a deisel that works quite well (and returns significantly better milage than the gasser) I don't know why they didn't wait to get that powerplant ready for the US before introducing the car there, they are also apparently just about ready with a hybid and a total electric version as well (again why they didn't push to get these ready for the US intro is beyond me). Maybe they are going to introduce one new tech a year or something to attempt to keep the inerest up, but I think it might backfire as people who bought the gas version first might be upset when the deisel comes and gets significantly better milage, (I know for me it is working in reverse here in Canada, I would like to get a smart, but if I do it will be a used deisel, not a new gasser). Scott
I wonder on your statement that more brands will bring diesels here. Here in Mi. the price of diesel is up to 80 cents more per gal. than reg. With the prem. price of a diesel engine I wonder just how many people would buy one. A Prius which gets a lot better than what you are saying on the VW and I bet costs less brand new.
I have a Golf diesel and can attest to better than 50 mpg on the highway in warm weather. Love the car, but it is huge compared to the smart. The smart has a place, and when the smart offers a diesel here, it will have superior mileage to other diesels.
I cancelled my smart order, but not without regret. Fun little car that sure gets the attention.
Gas buddy in Greenbay says 60 cents. Thats a big difference and I doubt you could ever break even on the purchase of a diesel powered vehicle. At .60 a gal. different on a Smart at 40mpg compared to lets say 80 mpg for 25,000 you would spend $750 more for gas. Thats $3000 more for a 100,000 miles I'm guessing that isn't even the break even point for the diesel. I've had a diesel truck here in Mi. and when it gets real cold as in Wi. you need to add additives just to keep it from jelling which adds to the price of a gal of diesel. Bottom line the diesel isn't going to get 80 mpg unless it is a big downhill.
Not to sure about that, most of the people I knew/saw that had one (not to far behind you in age) were refugees from Woodstock and/or were beat up by police in Grant park in '68.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I don't understand what you were trying to say ( At .60 a gal. different on a Smart at 40mpg compared to lets say 80 mpg for 25,000 you would spend $750.....) What gets 80 mpg?
My point was that a VW TDI Beetle gets better mpg than the US smart, accelerates better and is an all around car. Four passenger, much better for highway driving and does well in the city, it's a better choice for a person or family with just one car.
As a pure short haul commuter and as a second car Smart is just fine.
My point was you are toting diesels as a great deal and I'm saying that since yours don't get 80 miles per gal. that my figures are going to be a lot worse than what I quoted for the 80. You bought a used vehicle I believe so you aren't taking as bad a hit but the diesel is not going to be the magic answer to saving money if the price stays as high as it has been for the past few years. I'm also betting that they will tighten up more yet on diesel fuels and smog controls for the diesel engine further creating a larger break even point in a diesel purchase.
Here in Madison the difference is 40 cents at teh station where I buy diesel. And as I pointed out before, that difference tends to be even less in warmer weather. In any event, the overall difference for the year comes out to less than 20%, and most diesels do at least 30% betterr than the gas engine same car. Look at the difference between the 2.5 liter Golf (base model) and the diesel version. It is greater than 30%. Diesels are more likely than gas burners to better their EPA estimates, once broken in.
Furthermore, additives on these newer vehicles are NOT necessary. My 2003 Golf starts when it is 20 below, and I never put any anti-gell additives in. Bottom line, diesels are a compromise, like anything else. But no matter how you cut it, they get better mileage and cost less to fuel.
Oh, and the new clean diesels coming from VW in 2008/2009, are more powerful, quieter, and get much better mileage than before. The cleanest, most smog-free cars in Europe are now diesels. It is no wonder that they have captured so much of the market there. Develop anything in great numbers, and it tends to get better.
I couldn't agree more. The Europeans always seem to be years ahead of the US when it comes to automotive technology. In part the governments in western Europe often promote technologies that are good for the public. Here Washington seems to be more interested in what's good for big oil.
In my case, I switched from a Subaru B9 SUV (which recommended Premium) that was getting 13 to 14 mpg in the city to my Bug that is getting even in the worst times better than 100% better milage. I now fill it up about once a month.
If we had laws requiring gas stations to have a least one diesel pump, we would see lower diesel prices due to competition and more diesels because of easy access to fuel.
I have one of those so called "poor reliability" VWs (not TDI) with 210,000 miles on it and all I can say is it's been the most reliable lowest cost of ownership car I've ever owned! Now that it needs new sneakers and exhaust I'm considering a SMART as its replacement.
Doesn't anyone have one yet that can give legitimate feedback? I just got the call that my reserved car will be in this month. Ironically the same day I got the call was the first time I saw one on the road here that wasn't a ZAP version!
Well, that's the point. There are plenty here who champion the Smart but no one can give a decent ownership report. There are a few Consumer Reviews but nothing you can hang your hat on. Heck, at this early stage, some of the reviews you read may be written by Smart-car marketers posing as owners....
I suggest you abandon your Smart plans. Wait a year for more in-depth ownership reviews. Is the vehicle practical to live with? Is it worth the real-world economy that is only 15-20 percent better than a Yaris or base Scion? Better yet, wait for some real-world crash results.
Well you can look for some european comments on the new model to see what they are saying, it won't be a perfect result due to the different expectations though. You can also try and find some comments by owners in Canada of the previous version, though it will be the deisel, it will at least let you see how north americans deal with the size issue etc. The new model is (I believe) starting to trickle into Canadian dealers too so ou should see more owner reports for north amaerican soon. All that said , just don't take delivery until you are sure the car is right for you (i.e. make sure it will suit your needs and wants) no one else can tell you wether the car is right for you or not. Scott
Well most I know with VW's do have issues with them, more so than any other brand. Plus I have heard some salesmen say that they wouldn't do deals on used ones/the dealership won't sell used ones simply because of reliability issues.
As for the Smart I did take one on a pretty decent test drive, It handled well was pretty peppy (more so than I thought). Transmission in automatic mode wasn't so great but all problems vanished in manual mode. It was a fun car to drive nimble and more responsive that I would have thought. But while it rode well over smooth roads it did let you know when you hit a pot hole.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Is the price of the SMART negotiable or is their sales model like Saturn where everyone pays the same MSRP? It's obvious that because the brand is new here in the US and demand may be greater than supply initially that it might be difficult to negotiate the purchase price. I haven't heard anything about their retail sales model... After all, even a Prius can be had at invoice now and they had a rebate on them this past summer.
Has anyone who keeps comparing the SMART to a Yaris actually seriously looked at one or purchased it over a SMART? I tried a Yaris and I would take my previous 1995 Tercel over it any day. For just slightly more than a G you’re into a Corolla that is more car than the Yaris and nearly the same fuel economy. Unfortunately both are nasty looking. I’m more apt to buy a used low mileage car like a Civic than a Yaris or Fit.
Both my VW and Audi have been trouble-free. The TDIs have a loyal following, so retail and resale prices are higher than comparable cars. However, you can keep it for years and years.
Good points on the smart. No long term data yet. But I suspect it will be pretty bullet-proof.
I test drove a Passion Coupe at Knauz Smart in Lake Bluff IL. The two demo Smarts were parked amongst new Chrysler 300s from the adjacent Chrysler dealership. The showroom reminded me a bit of Scion dealers, small with the few models on display. The handed me a key and let me take the car out on my own. Here are my impressions.
The inside is airy and feels large, as described in the pro reviews. There are two gauges for the clock and rev counter in the Passion trim that sit on top in the middle of the dash, and don't look integrated, seems like an afterthought. Otherwise the cabin plastics and seat cloth seemed pleasant enough in a Hyundai sort of way. The radio / CD player was truly dreadful, only 2 speakers and the sound was popping and distorted even at lower volumes. But a trip to Best Buy can fix that. The ignition key is between the seats, Saab style. Firing up the car, I took off and tried some hard cornering. The car feels SUV tippy in hard cornering, which was a surprise, I thought the small size would translate into flatter cornering. The automated manual transmission was truly strange, there is a short delay between shifts, but its not that distracting, and I soon stopped noticing the shift delay. Acceleration was um, leisurely but also acceptable for a cheap car. Now with all that negativity out of the way, a few nice things. The optional clear carbonite roof was pleasant, full view overhead. The back clamshell seemed sturdy enough. The interior controls were intuitive and were you would expect them to be. The problem here is value. I could get a Hyundai Accent for alot less, with 4 seats, nearly the same mileage, a better warranty, and transmission choices...
Thanks for the review. The clock and rev counter are purposely not "integrated." That placement is a smart trademark interior look and one of the things that a lot of people like about it. It is creative and quirky at the same time...like the car.
As for comparing it with an Accent, that's apples and oranges. With an Accent, you cannot get things like automatic air conditioning, stability control, panoramic roof, auto shifting manual transmission, steering wheel paddle shifters (which by the way speed up the shifts), electronic brake force distribution, traction control heated seats, etc. Plus, even the Accent 2 door is over four feet longer than the smart, several hundred lbs heavier, and consequently gets less mpg.
The Accent is a good car for what it is. But it is not a tiny urban runabout that is as easy to park as the smart, and it does not have a high level of equipment. The other factor, which could either be a plus or a minus depending on what you are looking for, is that no one sees an Accent, whereas the smart is fun to look at for both the owner and the traffic around it.
Another thing about value, beyond the expensive stuff smart includes or provides optionally: the Accent's resale value will drop like a stone, whereas the smart will retain more value over time. Little cars with panache and relatively low overall sales (like the Mini Cooper) do tend to command more on resale.
I’ve been a SMART enthusiast since I saw them while working a consulting gig in the UK years ago. We are a three car, two driver family due to my commute which is nearly 500 miles a week. I’ve had the $99 reservation with SMART for a year and as mentioned here before, I received a call two weeks ago from my local dealer that my car would be built this month and arrive in April. I visited the road show back in July and drove the cars around a big parking lot – whoopee, what would I ever get out of that experience? Well I did get one thing out of that drive: the car feels much bigger than it is inside and driving. I think there is real value in SMART. SMART is standard with ABS, multi air bags and vehicle stability control. I can’t think of a car under $17K has stability control as an option yet alone standard.
Last night I took a SMART Passion out for an extended test drive up on the highway where I spend most of my time. Like my drive around the parking lot, I felt again that the car feels bigger than it is and very confident on the highway. I read somewhere where someone described the inside of the SMART to be like the inside of Dr. Who’s telephone booth which is a great analogy. It’s not “scary” passing a dozen 18 wheelers or massive SUVs like the Suburban or Hummer, I wasn’t sweating being squished by those enormous gas guzzling tanks! The car is very capable of meeting my requirements as a utility commuter car. The only thing you will notice more with a SMART is rough roads, it just doesn’t have the wheel base to smooth them out!
Here comes the “but”: But, #1 I don’t like the transmission. I’m 40, lazy and I want a real automatic. You drive the SMART like it’s a stick that you don’t change the gears but you have to back off the gas when the gears change else your in for a rough ride. Maybe it’s something I could get use to but I can see me getting in our other two cars and start driving them like the SMART! #2 there is more road noise than our ’99 VW Cabrio soft top! I don’t think many people consider interior sound levels at speed but I do and I can do without many creature comforts easily for a quiet ride. #3 Super Unleaded! That’s right folks; SMART requires the most expensive petro! You could probably run regular unleaded, but I’ll bet your MPG goes down and the engine runs rougher (than it already does). I ran some quick real world numbers and a car that doesn’t require super could get 3 or more miles less per gallon and the annual fuel cost would be the same. I won't give this a number but I found there to be a lot of travel in the break peddle before it kicked in.
Makes it sound like I don't like the SMART but I really do. The transmission took some of the fun out of driving the car but it's a really fun car to drive! The car I drove had the preimum stereo and it rocked the car. I didn't include this with my reserved car and that might have been a big mistake and I should have included the alarm system in my order. I like the glass roof, found the seats to be comfortable and large and the control layout to be "normal" for this unusual car.
I will soon have to decide if the SMART is right for me. Honestly, the two things keeping my interest is the novelty of being an early US SMART owner and the SPM (Smiles Per Mile). My reservation car has a MSRP of $15.5K before tax and fees where a Prius at a little more than $5K (don’t have to pay sales tax on it in my state) might be a smart purchase for me (sorry for the pun) but it ranks very VERY low on SPM!
Here is what everyone is waiting for, feedback from an owner of a USA delivered, 2008 Smart Passion. Like many, I have been impressed with the Smart Car after seeing it in Europe on business trips. But my reasons are different then a lot of the arguments that are made in so many postings. I am not looking to validate any ones position just provide some information.
First and for most I am 6’-4” tall. Every car dealer says, “That is no problem you will fit.” Yet the problem is my legs are short and my body is long. For instance most people that are 6’-4” have a pant inseam of 34-36” I have 32”. So for me head room is always a problem. While in Europe on multiple occasions, I always sat in a Smart Car at the dealer across the street from my hotel, and always head room, and this is true in our new Passion. With this personal requirement here is a short list of cars I can never own due to head clearance, BMW (all), Porsche (all), Mini, Toyoda (Yarus, Prius), Honda (Civic, Fit), Subaru, and Suzuki. The other factor is that my wife works nights and I work days. So 90% of our trips require no more than one passenger. Now, when you declare you can get another car with a back seat I have to agree. The question I have is how valuable is that back seat. In my case, with the seat fully back and reclined to even get in there is no value of the back seat since no one could ever sit there, don’t want it.
Now for my personnel impressions of the car after the first week of ownership:
1. The car has more performance then I expected. With my first ride at the dealer I was a little worried about overall performance. But the real definition of how to drive it is, “Drive it like a motorcycle.” I did not order the tachometer option, but have ordered the kit and will install next week. When you drive a motorcycle you rev the engine up let off the gas and shift, accelerating again. Do this in the Smart car and you will have a blast, still not a Ferrari, but enough. In reality it is still over powered. 2. So far fuel mileage has been around 38mpg, probably due to the fact I am having fun driving it like a motorcycle. I am sure my wife is getting the advertised 40+. 3. The ride is better than expected although windy conditions will buffet the car heavily. From inside you think you’re all over the road. But, while viewing from behind when my wife was driving the car appears stable. This was experienced on my trip home from Omaha, NE. Cruised home at 70-75mph, with a short dash at 80 without problem. 4. Stereo system is below average and will require some additions to overcome the road noise and all the music pointed at my legs. Road noise is louder than expected. 5. The see through roof is spectacular. 6. The headlights are excellent are the best I have ever experienced. 7. The key is as big as the car, still haven’t figured out how I am going to get on a key ring. 8. Warranty is to short, but I fit in the car, extended warranty. Since, they were coming to a US market they should have meet customer expectations. This is typical German, overly proud and missing the key points. To back up this point, “Mercedes says they are the best built car, but Chrysler has the life time power train warranty.” 9. They will need to establish more dealers. 10. I order the comfort package upgrade and the leather seat. Wanted the heated seats for cold Iowa winters. Will be interested on what it handles like on snow. 11. Controls are located well. 12. 10k between service. 13. Things I will be looking for on aftermarket. a. Arm rest b. Addition stereo speakers c. Snow tires d. A Ipod mount
Finally, I am glad I have waited for this car. Is it a good decision? Only time will tell! Will it be like my Chrysler Town & Country, 167,000 miles with no problems and after a fresh detailing feels and runs like new; or like my worst car ever a Mercedes S420 that dropped a transmission at 67,000 miles and long with a long list of repairs? With that I conclude my review; I am not a critic, just hopeful new car owner that expects fuel price to exceed $4/gal and believes there is no reason to have a commuter car that is 4WD, V8, V6, seats four theoretically, and get 20 mpg.
10. I order the comfort package upgrade and the leather seat. Wanted the heated seats for cold Iowa winters. Will be interested on what it handles like on snow.
It handles terrible in the snow! Our neighbors to the North have had the Smart car for a while and did a test of it in the snow along with many other cars. Here is the link. The Smart Car is in there and there is a video on the page as well I think. http://www.canadiandriver.com/winter/traction2006.htm
Here is the quote.
Our smart fortwo had all the bells and whistles: traction control, stability control, ABS, and winter tires. But none of it helped much. The smart's rear wheel drive configuration (even though the engine is over the driven wheels) coupled with its super-short wheelbase made this vehicle a major challenge on the slippery surfaces used for our exercises. smart fortwo. Acceleration from a standstill or occasionally when moving was difficult. When cornering on icy surfaces, the smart wanted to rotate on its axis. Even when stopping the smart wanted to rotate, although it did stop, ah-hem, smartly. Although everybody wanted to drive the smart, the experience didn't meet expectations.
Canadian winters can be pretty brutal. But they do love small cars and the Smart wasn't one of them. I will be test driving a Smart next week.
Congrats. I too am thinking about the Smart. Not for use as others but as a replacement for my Goldwing I sold last summer. This is how I would use the Smart. Also someday maybe they will have clubs like GW and Harleys have for those Sunday afternoon runs. As far as noise there are some very good quality sound deading mats available. My guess a good sterio shop would be the first place to ask plus also on the radio.
Yet I saw them all the time on the roads in the snow and the drivers weren't having a problem that I could see, there are also reports from owners (on forums in Canada) that say the car is good in snow so I guess it may be that familiarity with the car makes it at least drivable in the winter. (also it may be that snow tires used in the test weren't very good). Scott
Yet I saw them all the time on the roads in the snow and the drivers weren't having a problem that I could see, there are also reports from owners (on forums in Canada) that say the car is good in snow so I guess it may be that familiarity with the car makes it at least drivable in the winter. (also it may be that snow tires used in the test weren't very good).
I have no idea, I posted the link after I read that article. That site is very reliable and realistic. They don't drive their cars in sunny california and Florida. They drive them in the snow and ice and slush. No idea how good a smart would be in snow until i drive it myself. I'm 4 hours drive from Montreal. We get awful weather here as well. I love seeing the pics of the cars as they truly are in the winter covered with salt and road grime and reviewing the cars based on real world for the snow belt versus 75 degrees and sunny with occasional rain. :P
Here comes the “but”: But, #1 I don’t like the transmission. I’m 40, lazy and I want a real automatic. You drive the SMART like it’s a stick that you don’t change the gears but you have to back off the gas when the gears change else your in for a rough ride. Maybe it’s something I could get use to but I can see me getting in our other two cars and start driving them like the SMART!
I drove the car a few weeks ago, and the transmission is what caused me to cancel my reservation. I'm not sure that I can describe it that well, but basically it is like having a manual transmission (without the clutch) as you still have to still take your foot off the gas when the transmission is upshifting. So, it is easier to work than a manual transmission, but it seemed odd to take your foot off the gas without needing to depress a clutch. I also drove the car in the paddle shifter mode, and you still have to take your foot off the gas when shifting. The salesman said "shift and lift", it sounded like they made up that catchy phrase to make it sound a little more fun.
Bottom line was that it was not bad to drive, it was roomy, but I didn't see myself in the car. I think a lot of potential owners will be surprised by the feel of the transmission.
I have yet to drive one either (even in non snow conditions) I need to be able to go in with the funds for one before I do (I know I don't have to be buying one to drive one but if I really liked I I would want one) but they have been up here for a few years now and I have seen them in the snow, so I don't think they are completely undrivable in it, that said they may be among the worst cars available in the snow, but I am sure that as with any car once you learn its limitations you can drive it sqafely (if not swiftly) on the snow. I think I might try to find better snow tires than the ones offered by the dealers as well (I think that may have been part of the probelm in the test, but who knows for sure) I am certainly not saying the test is invalid in anyway. Scott
I have seen them in the snow, so I don't think they are completely undriveable in it, that said they may be among the worst cars available in the snow, but I am sure that as with any car once you learn its limitations you can drive it safely (if not swiftly) on the snow. I think I might try to find better snow tires than the ones offered by the dealers as well (I think that may have been part of the problem in the test, but who knows for sure) I am certainly not saying the test is invalid in anyway.
I think the comment made does sum it all up. The problem is lack of weight and there is a limit to what snow tires can do. Imagine driving a motorcycle in the snow. Yes it can be done with super studded tires or spikes but not what you'd want for your daily commute. The Smart would need really good studded tires for starters and how well it would be, i can't say but if the Canadians don't think much of it in the snow (and they have the diesel version) then how good can it really be? I thought their test was very fairly done. If you do get one and drive it in the snow I would be very interested to see how you make out with it.
Well I am a Canadian, and as I said I have heard different opinions than this one, found another link from a real world test in Ottawa conditions, so as I said opionions seem to vary, I think I wopuld just need to see for myself. Just FYI here is the link ( and again I don't means to say the first story is wrong at all just want to put up a different perspective), again I think I would have to try it for myself to say wether I would be comfortable with it or not (though unlike many people I have lots of expeerience driving RWD cars in the winter (old Volvos) so I am not as intimidated as some others. (BTW the link worked for me, but not until I hit the back button on the browser, don't know why just letting you know) link title Scott
Well I am a Canadian, and as I said I have heard different opinions than this one, found another link from a real world test in Ottawa conditions, so as I said opinions seem to vary, I think I would just need to see for myself.
Good link, They did in fact mention the 2006 Traction test that I linked to and I believe it's the same one. I was unaware that it failed the Moose test, so much for autocross. Also they didn't spend much time discussing how good it was in the snow, not considering the articles title. I figure it this way, if it was good in the snow they'd be very happy to discuss it at length and not just a few lines. Overall they panned the car and while it might actually be a good little car. I think until owners are posting about their own experiences in the snow there isn't any way to be certain if it's good or not. I hope if you get one it's good in the snow.
Well to be fair to the smart it doesn't look like the one in the first video had snows on, and I know my current mazda 3 would not be much better in that ind of snow with it's all seasons on (from experience this year). But it does look like deep snow wouldn't be great for the smart (and I would not be surprised by that either). Thankfully the major roads are kept much cleaner than this so it would noly be a problem getting down the side street to my house (which doesn't normally get plowed unitl at least a day after the storm (if alt all). But of course someone with an SUV almost aways puts ruts into the piles of snow. In any case thanks for the well wishes about the smart if I get one (if I do it will be a used diesel model instead of the new gas model, I like many don't see enough advantage in fuel milage with the gas model). I will also probably keep either my mazda or the old ford ranger pick-up I have for days when I know there is going to be a storm anyway (provided I can afford to keep the Mazda too it will be that choice for the extra seating and utility for when I need them too) so hopefully I won't need to worry about the snow capabilities too much. I hope all the curent owners will be happy with them in the snow (though I hope they don't need to find out this year, we've had enough already ). Scott
Well to be fair to the smart it doesn't look like the one in the first video had snows on, and I know my current mazda 3 would not be much better in that kind of snow with it's all seasons on (from experience this year).
Hey Youtube had only so many videos of Smarts in the snow. It's just for fun anyway. If someone would decide on buying a car based on stuff like that alone they're crazy. :P Also my Civic has gone up hills like the first video with no snows but it wasn't fun or quick. With snows, no drama. You are so lucky to be able to buy a diesel version, not here in the US tho. :mad: I think as a good weather car it would be ok. Nasty weather is a problem for most cars.
I agree, nasty weather if I can I will stay home, I just think my life is worth more than one days pay. And even if I think I am a good driver in the snow (or at least above average) it doesn't stop one of the other thousands of drivers out there from smashing into me at high speed in their SUV. I know I am lucky to be able to choose a diesel (even if it is used and not new, no new diesels up here either). I still think that smart should have sped up the introduction of other power plants for the US, so they would be available at launch, I am afraid that people will buy them because they think they are great on gas, and after they find out they aren't as efficient as they look like they should be will give up on the cars altogether, I think smart may not be so smart in this case (I think people would have rather bought a smart with 60 mpg capabilities than 40 is what I mean). They only have one chance to make a first impression after all. Scott
I know I am lucky to be able to choose a diesel (even if it is used and not new, no new diesels up here either). I still think that smart should have sped up the introduction of other power plants for the US, so they would be available at launch, I am afraid that people will buy them because they think they are great on gas, and after they find out they aren't as efficient as they look like they should be will give up on the cars altogether,
I think the car will be a hit just like the Plymouth Prowler was. Once everyone has a cut and cheap convertible that wants one sales will plummet. Now if you really want to see something cool, that gets 100mpg and makes more sense than a Smart this is it! http://www.flytheroad.com/ They have some cool videos on there and to be honest if this thing is available this summer i will most likely buy one. The Smart is like $16K and gets mediocre economy the Venture gets 100mpg and is just as practical and looks way more fun! Plus 0-60mph is 7 seconds. hard to beat that. I hope the smart succeeds, but I think it will need some changes/updates to the tranny and maybe the diesel option.
That is an interesting concecpt, lets see if they actually get into production, and if the safety and handling are really there (and the cost is as low as sugested) also I would want to see if they managed to stay in business for more than two years before I even considered one. I'd also have to see some crash tests that are performed to car standards (I have a feeling this will be marketed and registered as a motorcycle somehow, so it doesn't have to meet crash protection standards for cars, not that it might not be safe, I'd just want to see actual cras test data first). As for the smart I agree with the current gas engine that it could be like the prowler, that is why I said they should have had a different power package available at launch, they apparently have prototypes of hybrid, and all electric version as well as the diesel, at least one of these should hav been offered at launch in addition to the gas engine, I think it would have made a better long term bussiness case that way. Scott
Comments
Oh, and it is not the worst warranty in business, but it is one of the shortest. BTW, it is warrantied for 4 years in Canada. I suspect it is a trade-off, if the warranty is shorter here, and allows the initial purchase price to be much lower here in the US than it has been set anywhere else. Once again, trade offs.
I really don't see the Smart as a primary car or only car for to many people. I see it mostly as a second commuter car which would mean that there would be another car for the city dweller to take out on jaunts to the country.
It only seats 2, has minimal storage space, no spare, it is decidely un-peppy, and the fuel economy isn't great for its size.
As a commuter car do you really need more than two seats or tons of storage space? As for being peppy well its not the fastest thing out there by far but it has enough pep to keep up with traffic and then some. As for the fuel economy its gets much better than any other non hybrid, almost as good mileage in the city as most compacts get on the highway.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
When you're behind a 1984 Buick Regal, well, your 300hp in your IS350 is nearly useless. Add in trucks and pedestrians and so on and well, 0-30 in ten seconds is more common.
Plus, 13-14 second 0-60 times were common a decade ago and there's a lot of Civics and the like still running around.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
When the Japanese and Germans first entered the U.S. market with small cars, they knew they were at a disadvantage. Their frugal cars were much slower than the American behemoths of the time. To mitigate this, marketers created the term "peppy" to describe the new econoboxes. It didn't make the cars any faster, it merely offered a new definition for the visceral pleasures of a fast car.
Smart should've sent the fortwo here as stick-only, and with turbocharged diesel engine of 90 hp or so. Smart buyers are pioneers of a sort anyway; it's logical that they all would know how to drive sticks. Smart should've copied each and every marketing idea from the original VW Bug. Back in the day, the Bug was a car for a renegade.
The Smart cannot claim that renegade status. Why? Because its performance does not set it apart from any other subcompact. It gets 37.2 mpg combined? (InsideLine recent test). Big deal. So does a Fit or Yaris.
The Smart has plenty of electronic doodads and advanced safety features. But the true "renegade" nowadays is the dude (or dude-ette) who drives a stripped Yaris hatchback with crank windows and stick-shift. :P
On the first part - sticks represent less than 5% of all North American sales and city dwellers want nothing to do with rowing their own gears.
On the second part - the diesel isn't CARB compliant AFAIK and when you can't sell the vehicle in CA, MA, CT, and NY - arguably a good portion of the potential market for a Smart - then why bother??
And have you DRIVEN a smart with the paddle shifters? It feels peppy and feels faster than it is. If it is not for you, that is fine. But why all the mud slinging? The company should have no problem selling 20,000 units a year here. That's not a big market, but it is nice to have the choice to buy something the rest of the world has been able to get for nearly a decade.
Have you driven one? I have, I will say that it is peppy, much more than I thought it would have.
Back in the day, the Bug was a car for a renegade.
Nope, back in the day the Bug was a car for hippies.
Big deal. So does a Fit or Yaris.
Sorry the Smart gets 36 combined per EPA estiments the Fit only gets 30 and the Yaris 32. So the Smart gets up to 20% better mileage.
But the true "renegade" nowadays is the dude (or dude-ette) who drives a stripped Yaris hatchback with crank windows and stick-shift.
Thanks for the laugh.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
The hippies came later. From my perspective (I'm 58) it was more the college professors and young trendy professionals that drove the Bug.
I found a 2006 Beetle TDI (diesel) with 19K miles on it, which for a diesel is equal to the engine just getting broken in.
My TDI is getting about 30 to 32 mpg in the bitter cold and snow of Chicago in the six weeks that I have had it. With dry roads and warmer temps I would expect to get in the upper 30s in the city and mid 40s on the highway.
More brands will be bringing turbo-diesels here due to high gas prices.
Almost any small car with a diesel will equal or beat the Smart in both MPG & performance. Yes they will cost more but you will get a lot more car with engines that will outlast any gasser. My TDI is great for squeezing through the city streets and with the diesel torque can beat almost anything pulling out from a light.
So true, mate...plus one group that you forgot to mention: at least in New York City, of the many that were into the original VW Beetle and drove them around were the Bohemians (poets, musicians, writers, etc) who favored them and snubbed what Detroit had to offer...BIG time! I suspect the same was happening in the West Coast, especially San Francisco and L.A. at that time before the 60's.
Peace!<-AladdinSane- :shades: <-
Scott
I cancelled my smart order, but not without regret. Fun little car that sure gets the attention.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
My point was that a VW TDI Beetle gets better mpg than the US smart, accelerates better and is an all around car. Four passenger, much better for highway driving and does well in the city, it's a better choice for a person or family with just one car.
As a pure short haul commuter and as a second car Smart is just fine.
Secondly with VW's current reliability records I will stay away from them like the plague.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Furthermore, additives on these newer vehicles are NOT necessary. My 2003 Golf starts when it is 20 below, and I never put any anti-gell additives in. Bottom line, diesels are a compromise, like anything else. But no matter how you cut it, they get better mileage and cost less to fuel.
Oh, and the new clean diesels coming from VW in 2008/2009, are more powerful, quieter, and get much better mileage than before. The cleanest, most smog-free cars in Europe are now diesels. It is no wonder that they have captured so much of the market there. Develop anything in great numbers, and it tends to get better.
In my case, I switched from a Subaru B9 SUV (which recommended Premium) that was getting 13 to 14 mpg in the city to my Bug that is getting even in the worst times better than 100% better milage. I now fill it up about once a month.
If we had laws requiring gas stations to have a least one diesel pump, we would see lower diesel prices due to competition and more diesels because of easy access to fuel.
Doesn't anyone have one yet that can give legitimate feedback? I just got the call that my reserved car will be in this month. Ironically the same day I got the call was the first time I saw one on the road here that wasn't a ZAP version!
I suggest you abandon your Smart plans. Wait a year for more in-depth ownership reviews. Is the vehicle practical to live with? Is it worth the real-world economy that is only 15-20 percent better than a Yaris or base Scion? Better yet, wait for some real-world crash results.
Scott
As for the Smart I did take one on a pretty decent test drive, It handled well was pretty peppy (more so than I thought). Transmission in automatic mode wasn't so great but all problems vanished in manual mode. It was a fun car to drive nimble and more responsive that I would have thought. But while it rode well over smooth roads it did let you know when you hit a pot hole.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Has anyone who keeps comparing the SMART to a Yaris actually seriously looked at one or purchased it over a SMART? I tried a Yaris and I would take my previous 1995 Tercel over it any day. For just slightly more than a G you’re into a Corolla that is more car than the Yaris and nearly the same fuel economy. Unfortunately both are nasty looking. I’m more apt to buy a used low mileage car like a Civic than a Yaris or Fit.
Good points on the smart. No long term data yet. But I suspect it will be pretty bullet-proof.
Right now I would say no because the sales forecast is for 20K units and they currently have 30K reservations.
The two demo Smarts were parked amongst new Chrysler 300s from the adjacent Chrysler dealership.
The showroom reminded me a bit of Scion dealers, small with the few models on display.
The handed me a key and let me take the car out on my own. Here are my impressions.
The inside is airy and feels large, as described in the pro reviews. There are two gauges for the clock and rev counter in the Passion trim that sit on top in the middle of the dash, and don't look integrated, seems like an afterthought. Otherwise the cabin plastics and seat cloth seemed pleasant enough in a Hyundai sort of way. The radio / CD player was truly dreadful, only 2 speakers and the sound was popping and distorted even at lower volumes. But a trip to Best Buy can fix that.
The ignition key is between the seats, Saab style. Firing up the car, I took off and tried some hard cornering. The car feels SUV tippy in hard cornering, which was a surprise, I thought the small size would translate into flatter cornering. The automated manual transmission was truly strange, there is a short delay between shifts, but its not that distracting, and I soon stopped noticing the shift delay. Acceleration was um, leisurely but also acceptable for a cheap car.
Now with all that negativity out of the way, a few nice things.
The optional clear carbonite roof was pleasant, full view overhead. The back clamshell seemed sturdy enough. The interior controls were intuitive and were you would expect them to be.
The problem here is value. I could get a Hyundai Accent for alot less, with 4 seats, nearly the same mileage, a better warranty, and transmission choices...
As for comparing it with an Accent, that's apples and oranges. With an Accent, you cannot get things like automatic air conditioning, stability control, panoramic roof, auto shifting manual transmission, steering wheel paddle shifters (which by the way speed up the shifts), electronic brake force distribution, traction control heated seats, etc. Plus, even the Accent 2 door is over four feet longer than the smart, several hundred lbs heavier, and consequently gets less mpg.
The Accent is a good car for what it is. But it is not a tiny urban runabout that is as easy to park as the smart, and it does not have a high level of equipment. The other factor, which could either be a plus or a minus depending on what you are looking for, is that no one sees an Accent, whereas the smart is fun to look at for both the owner and the traffic around it.
Another thing about value, beyond the expensive stuff smart includes or provides optionally: the Accent's resale value will drop like a stone, whereas the smart will retain more value over time. Little cars with panache and relatively low overall sales (like the Mini Cooper) do tend to command more on resale.
Last night I took a SMART Passion out for an extended test drive up on the highway where I spend most of my time. Like my drive around the parking lot, I felt again that the car feels bigger than it is and very confident on the highway. I read somewhere where someone described the inside of the SMART to be like the inside of Dr. Who’s telephone booth which is a great analogy. It’s not “scary” passing a dozen 18 wheelers or massive SUVs like the Suburban or Hummer, I wasn’t sweating being squished by those enormous gas guzzling tanks! The car is very capable of meeting my requirements as a utility commuter car. The only thing you will notice more with a SMART is rough roads, it just doesn’t have the wheel base to smooth them out!
Here comes the “but”: But, #1 I don’t like the transmission. I’m 40, lazy and I want a real automatic. You drive the SMART like it’s a stick that you don’t change the gears but you have to back off the gas when the gears change else your in for a rough ride. Maybe it’s something I could get use to but I can see me getting in our other two cars and start driving them like the SMART! #2 there is more road noise than our ’99 VW Cabrio soft top! I don’t think many people consider interior sound levels at speed but I do and I can do without many creature comforts easily for a quiet ride. #3 Super Unleaded! That’s right folks; SMART requires the most expensive petro! You could probably run regular unleaded, but I’ll bet your MPG goes down and the engine runs rougher (than it already does). I ran some quick real world numbers and a car that doesn’t require super could get 3 or more miles less per gallon and the annual fuel cost would be the same. I won't give this a number but I found there to be a lot of travel in the break peddle before it kicked in.
Makes it sound like I don't like the SMART but I really do. The transmission took some of the fun out of driving the car but it's a really fun car to drive! The car I drove had the preimum stereo and it rocked the car. I didn't include this with my reserved car and that might have been a big mistake and I should have included the alarm system in my order. I like the glass roof, found the seats to be comfortable and large and the control layout to be "normal" for this unusual car.
I will soon have to decide if the SMART is right for me. Honestly, the two things keeping my interest is the novelty of being an early US SMART owner and the SPM (Smiles Per Mile). My reservation car has a MSRP of $15.5K before tax and fees where a Prius at a little more than $5K (don’t have to pay sales tax on it in my state) might be a smart purchase for me (sorry for the pun) but it ranks very VERY low on SPM!
First and for most I am 6’-4” tall. Every car dealer says, “That is no problem you will fit.” Yet the problem is my legs are short and my body is long. For instance most people that are 6’-4” have a pant inseam of 34-36” I have 32”. So for me head room is always a problem. While in Europe on multiple occasions, I always sat in a Smart Car at the dealer across the street from my hotel, and always head room, and this is true in our new Passion. With this personal requirement here is a short list of cars I can never own due to head clearance, BMW (all), Porsche (all), Mini, Toyoda (Yarus, Prius), Honda (Civic, Fit), Subaru, and Suzuki. The other factor is that my wife works nights and I work days. So 90% of our trips require no more than one passenger. Now, when you declare you can get another car with a back seat I have to agree. The question I have is how valuable is that back seat. In my case, with the seat fully back and reclined to even get in there is no value of the back seat since no one could ever sit there, don’t want it.
Now for my personnel impressions of the car after the first week of ownership:
1. The car has more performance then I expected. With my first ride at the dealer I was a little worried about overall performance. But the real definition of how to drive it is, “Drive it like a motorcycle.” I did not order the tachometer option, but have ordered the kit and will install next week. When you drive a motorcycle you rev the engine up let off the gas and shift, accelerating again. Do this in the Smart car and you will have a blast, still not a Ferrari, but enough. In reality it is still over powered.
2. So far fuel mileage has been around 38mpg, probably due to the fact I am having fun driving it like a motorcycle. I am sure my wife is getting the advertised 40+.
3. The ride is better than expected although windy conditions will buffet the car heavily. From inside you think you’re all over the road. But, while viewing from behind when my wife was driving the car appears stable. This was experienced on my trip home from Omaha, NE. Cruised home at 70-75mph, with a short dash at 80 without problem.
4. Stereo system is below average and will require some additions to overcome the road noise and all the music pointed at my legs. Road noise is louder than expected.
5. The see through roof is spectacular.
6. The headlights are excellent are the best I have ever experienced.
7. The key is as big as the car, still haven’t figured out how I am going to get on a key ring.
8. Warranty is to short, but I fit in the car, extended warranty. Since, they were coming to a US market they should have meet customer expectations. This is typical German, overly proud and missing the key points. To back up this point, “Mercedes says they are the best built car, but Chrysler has the life time power train warranty.”
9. They will need to establish more dealers.
10. I order the comfort package upgrade and the leather seat. Wanted the heated seats for cold Iowa winters. Will be interested on what it handles like on snow.
11. Controls are located well.
12. 10k between service.
13. Things I will be looking for on aftermarket.
a. Arm rest
b. Addition stereo speakers
c. Snow tires
d. A Ipod mount
Finally, I am glad I have waited for this car. Is it a good decision? Only time will tell! Will it be like my Chrysler Town & Country, 167,000 miles with no problems and after a fresh detailing feels and runs like new; or like my worst car ever a Mercedes S420 that dropped a transmission at 67,000 miles and long with a long list of repairs? With that I conclude my review; I am not a critic, just hopeful new car owner that expects fuel price to exceed $4/gal and believes there is no reason to have a commuter car that is 4WD, V8, V6, seats four theoretically, and get 20 mpg.
It handles terrible in the snow! Our neighbors to the North have had the Smart car for a while and did a test of it in the snow along with many other cars. Here is the link. The Smart Car is in there and there is a video on the page as well I think.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/winter/traction2006.htm
Here is the quote.
Our smart fortwo had all the bells and whistles: traction control, stability control, ABS, and winter tires. But none of it helped much. The smart's rear wheel drive configuration (even though the engine is over the driven wheels) coupled with its super-short wheelbase made this vehicle a major challenge on the slippery surfaces used for our exercises.
smart fortwo. Acceleration from a standstill or occasionally when moving was difficult. When cornering on icy surfaces, the smart wanted to rotate on its axis. Even when stopping the smart wanted to rotate, although it did stop, ah-hem, smartly. Although everybody wanted to drive the smart, the experience didn't meet expectations.
Canadian winters can be pretty brutal. But they do love small cars and the Smart wasn't one of them.
I will be test driving a Smart next week.
Scott
I have no idea, I posted the link after I read that article. That site is very reliable and realistic. They don't drive their cars in sunny california and Florida. They drive them in the snow and ice and slush.
No idea how good a smart would be in snow until i drive it myself. I'm 4 hours drive from Montreal. We get awful weather here as well.
I love seeing the pics of the cars as they truly are in the winter covered with salt and road grime and reviewing the cars based on real world for the snow belt versus 75 degrees and sunny with occasional rain. :P
I drove the car a few weeks ago, and the transmission is what caused me to cancel my reservation. I'm not sure that I can describe it that well, but basically it is like having a manual transmission (without the clutch) as you still have to still take your foot off the gas when the transmission is upshifting. So, it is easier to work than a manual transmission, but it seemed odd to take your foot off the gas without needing to depress a clutch. I also drove the car in the paddle shifter mode, and you still have to take your foot off the gas when shifting. The salesman said "shift and lift", it sounded like they made up that catchy phrase to make it sound a little more fun.
Bottom line was that it was not bad to drive, it was roomy, but I didn't see myself in the car. I think a lot of potential owners will be surprised by the feel of the transmission.
Scott
I think the comment made does sum it all up. The problem is lack of weight and there is a limit to what snow tires can do. Imagine driving a motorcycle in the snow. Yes it can be done with super studded tires or spikes but not what you'd want for your daily commute. The Smart would need really good studded tires for starters and how well it would be, i can't say but if the Canadians don't think much of it in the snow (and they have the diesel version) then how good can it really be?
I thought their test was very fairly done.
If you do get one and drive it in the snow I would be very interested to see how you make out with it.
(BTW the link worked for me, but not until I hit the back button on the browser, don't know why just letting you know)
link title
Scott
Good link, They did in fact mention the 2006 Traction test that I linked to and I believe it's the same one.
I was unaware that it failed the Moose test, so much for autocross.
Also they didn't spend much time discussing how good it was in the snow, not considering the articles title.
I figure it this way, if it was good in the snow they'd be very happy to discuss it at length and not just a few lines. Overall they panned the car and while it might actually be a good little car. I think until owners are posting about their own experiences in the snow there isn't any way to be certain if it's good or not.
I hope if you get one it's good in the snow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ87pJpz4Ik&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HMmixk35kg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8POixMxNVdU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCiSSuqSgb8&feature=related
Oh and whatever you do, don't try a J-Turn in a SmartQ!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uOoMVlTd1g&feature=related
I hope all the curent owners will be happy with them in the snow (though I hope they don't need to find out this year, we've had enough already
Scott
Hey Youtube had only so many videos of Smarts in the snow. It's just for fun anyway. If someone would decide on buying a car based on stuff like that alone they're crazy. :P
Also my Civic has gone up hills like the first video with no snows but it wasn't fun or quick. With snows, no drama.
You are so lucky to be able to buy a diesel version, not here in the US tho. :mad:
I think as a good weather car it would be ok. Nasty weather is a problem for most cars.
I know I am lucky to be able to choose a diesel (even if it is used and not new, no new diesels up here either).
I still think that smart should have sped up the introduction of other power plants for the US, so they would be available at launch, I am afraid that people will buy them because they think they are great on gas, and after they find out they aren't as efficient as they look like they should be will give up on the cars altogether, I think smart may not be so smart in this case (I think people would have rather bought a smart with 60 mpg capabilities than 40 is what I mean). They only have one chance to make a first impression after all.
Scott
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I still think that smart should have sped up the introduction of other power plants for the US, so they would be available at launch, I am afraid that people will buy them because they think they are great on gas, and after they find out they aren't as efficient as they look like they should be will give up on the cars altogether,
I think the car will be a hit just like the Plymouth Prowler was.
Once everyone has a cut and cheap convertible that wants one sales will plummet.
Now if you really want to see something cool, that gets 100mpg and makes more sense than a Smart this is it!
http://www.flytheroad.com/
They have some cool videos on there and to be honest if this thing is available this summer i will most likely buy one. The Smart is like $16K and gets mediocre economy the Venture gets 100mpg and is just as practical and looks way more fun!
Plus 0-60mph is 7 seconds. hard to beat that.
I hope the smart succeeds, but I think it will need some changes/updates to the tranny and maybe the diesel option.
As for the smart I agree with the current gas engine that it could be like the prowler, that is why I said they should have had a different power package available at launch, they apparently have prototypes of hybrid, and all electric version as well as the diesel, at least one of these should hav been offered at launch in addition to the gas engine, I think it would have made a better long term bussiness case that way.
Scott