3 window hatch - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

**jwight** · 07-14-2008, 05:30 PM

Somebody posted a few days ago about the differences between the 450 and 451 models, and they mentioned the 3 window hatch. Here's a photo by OH08 from the recent Columbus, OH meet showing goldseekur's car with the side windows at the rear:

jmartinsmart · 07-14-2008, 05:35 PM

That's very interesting. Even the Tridion Cell is a different shape. I like the 3 window look though. I wonder if it does anything (in reality) to the blind spot.

Jim

**jwight** · 07-14-2008, 06:37 PM

Don't see how it could be any worse than the 451, and probably better. Any 450 owners care to comment?

Dave Van · 07-14-2008, 07:52 PM

You can really see how different a 450 & 451 are in that shot!

Evilution · 07-15-2008, 12:10 PM

The rear 450 plastic quarters are unusable as windows.

sunnyokanagan · 08-12-2008, 12:33 AM

I find the right rear quarter window to be indispensable when reversing out of a parking stall, to check parking lot traffic coming along from the right.

As long as I position the passenger seat enough forward that I have a clear view, or with the pass. seat folded down.

Evilution · 08-12-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunnyokanagan

I find the right rear quarter window to be indispensable when reversing out of a parking stall, to check parking lot traffic coming along from the right.

Are you not taught to reverse park into parking stalls so you can drive forwards out of them? You can see why it would be safer that way and it is actively taught in UK.

Old smart · 08-12-2008, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evilution

Are you not taught to reverse park into parking stalls so you can drive forwards out of them? You can see why it would be safer that way and it is actively taught in UK.

Front-in is the norm here, though it is usually optional. I once was ticketed in San Diego (NAB Coronado) for being bow out!

CruisingAZ · 08-12-2008, 12:01 PM

A lot of our parking lots have lanes that flow one direction you cannot turn around in them to back into a spot or you wold be going against traffic.

**jediknight36** · 08-12-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CruisingAZ

A lot of our parking lots have lanes that flow one direction you cannot turn around in them to back into a spot or you wold be going against traffic.

But backing into the spot would also be going against traffic, but coming out would be much safer.