I drove one of these this past weekend...
05-31-2007, 09:35 PM
#1
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I drove one of these this past weekend...
I was strolling around LA and they had promo test drives for new Smart, so I jumped in as there was no line at all.
1st impression is that there is so much more room inside than it seems. Its height really helps I guess. I drove buddy's Mini and I felt a bit claustrophobic in it. Not in this thing.
Materials used, at least in the model I drove, were cheap plastic and overall felt pretty poor. Of course I am spoiled by the best interiors in the world but still.
Steering was super light, especially for not having any power assist. Seats are a bit small but I am pretty big.
Transmission was kind of weird, automatic but acting as manual. You put it in D and it won't drive until you step on the gas. Once you take off its recommended you lift for gears to shift otherwise shifts are a bit abrupt, like dropping the clutch mid-shift. Of course you can use steering wheel pedals too and then its all fine. Brakes felt ok, pedal felt super hard but I had Kia rental for few days so maybe that's why. I couldn't take any sharp turns but it acceleration was so so.
Overall, not enough of car for ~$12K base. It will come with 1.0L 3cyl first and possibly a Tdi in 2-3 years, depending on initaial sales I'm guessing.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/37962/dsc00985.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/37962/dsc00987.jpg">
1st impression is that there is so much more room inside than it seems. Its height really helps I guess. I drove buddy's Mini and I felt a bit claustrophobic in it. Not in this thing.
Materials used, at least in the model I drove, were cheap plastic and overall felt pretty poor. Of course I am spoiled by the best interiors in the world but still.
Steering was super light, especially for not having any power assist. Seats are a bit small but I am pretty big.
Transmission was kind of weird, automatic but acting as manual. You put it in D and it won't drive until you step on the gas. Once you take off its recommended you lift for gears to shift otherwise shifts are a bit abrupt, like dropping the clutch mid-shift. Of course you can use steering wheel pedals too and then its all fine. Brakes felt ok, pedal felt super hard but I had Kia rental for few days so maybe that's why. I couldn't take any sharp turns but it acceleration was so so.
Overall, not enough of car for ~$12K base. It will come with 1.0L 3cyl first and possibly a Tdi in 2-3 years, depending on initaial sales I'm guessing.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/37962/dsc00985.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/37962/dsc00987.jpg">
06-01-2007, 03:00 AM
#2
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June 23-27 they will be in Chicago
<ul><li><a href="http://http;//www.smartusa.com">http://http;//www.smartusa.com</a</li></ul>
06-01-2007, 06:40 AM
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I have the Auxilary Guages package.
<center><img src="http://web.mac.com/raudi77/iWeb/Site/2005%20Mini%20Cooper%20S%20for%20sale_files/IMG_0986.jpg"></center><p>Ain't no reason to have the passengers staring at a giant speedo there in the middle.
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06-01-2007, 07:08 AM
#8
I drove one in Italy, and loved it, great for the city........
I wish the smart roadster were coming over, or the the 4-door, but I could see the 2 as the DD for the city, no problem.
