Actual Experience Driving the New Models?

[sandyncorgi]

Can someone explain to me about the shifting? I have only driven automatics all my life ...you're makin me nervous ...I figured I could just order mine in automatic, no problem??

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by sandyncorgi

Can someone explain to me about the shifting? I have only driven automatics all my life ...you're makin me nervous ...I figured I could just order mine in automatic, no problem??

Still no problems Sandy.....the fortwo does shift just like any automatic. Only it has the extra ability to also be driven in a manual mode where the driver can select the shift points. Either way, it has no clutch, so you will be fine!

[pghjake]

Regarding octane rating:

European RON of 95 is equal to US PON (pump octane number) of 91.
See below for complete comparison chart.

http://www.btinternet.com/~madmole/R...RONMONPON.html

[jcm2989]

Back in 1971 there was a small car that got about 40 mpg, had a 1169cc engine. It was the original Honda Civic. How far has the Smart car really come? Bring the Euro Hybrid diesel and their might be a significant not just noticeable difference in 36 years.

[RLove]

Originally Posted by jcm2989

Back in 1971 there was a small car that got about 40 mpg, had a 1169cc engine. It was the original Honda Civic. How far has the Smart car really come? Bring the Euro Hybrid diesel and their might be a significant not just noticeable difference in 36 years.

Having driven cars 36 years ago I think you'd see a marked difference in performance, comfort, and safety. The Smart is getting better fuel efficiency while running cleaner and (I'm guessing here 'cause I can't find the tech data right now) accelerating more quickly.

It's true that given the length of time between the two there should have been more to show for it, but the public didn't support tiny fuel efficient cars then - why should they when gas was so cheap. The automobile companies are to blame, but so is the public - if we had all embraced the buy just enough car to do the job mentality back then, just think of what 36 years of R&D could've done.

I didn't dawn on me until years later that my Father was so forward thinking for the period. We had a '65 SS Impala in the garage right next to our '67 Toyota - at the time, if you saw another Toyota on the road it was cause for a big wave and a honk since they were so few and far between. I need to ask him what possessed him to buy one then. Of course, VW Beetles were everywhere then too.

I would welcome the turbo diesel, and would buy it if it was available. If the Smart introduction kicks off a new way of thinking maybe we'll see more and more of the great small cars from Europe making their way across the pond. I've been ready for quite a while.

[SmartCard]

I agree, when I was growing up we had a 70ish Datsun - Boy was it a cracker box! It was rusting out already and cheaply made. And boy, the perception of foreign cars back then (esp from Japan) were definitely negative. Times have changed huh?

[teapots]

Originally Posted by sandyncorgi

Can someone explain to me about the shifting? I have only driven automatics all my life ...you're makin me nervous ...I figured I could just order mine in automatic, no problem??

Hi Sandy

I too am an automatic person...there is a little switch near the center console that you can switch to automatic. When in automatic an "A" shows on the dash. Easy

Teapots

[robin850]

Drove a Cabrio model in Milwaukee a few weeks ago.

I'm 6' 2" and fit no problem! Seats are comfortable. Instruments very visible.

Suspension was smooth, steering very responsive.

Acceleration a bit sluggish with the A/C on, acceptable with it turned off.

Exterior and interior appeared to be good quality. All parts fit well and did not vibrate.

Good visibility in all directions.

I wish we could get the diesel or hybrid models right away. 40+ mpg is just not that impressive, but 60-70 mpg would be fantastic!

Cheers,

robin850

[smartcar]

Originally Posted by robin850

Drove a Cabrio model in Milwaukee a few weeks ago.

I'm 6' 2" and fit no problem! Seats are comfortable. Instruments very visible.

Suspension was smooth, steering very responsive.

Acceleration a bit sluggish with the A/C on, acceptable with it turned off.

Exterior and interior appeared to be good quality. All parts fit well and did not vibrate.

Good visibility in all directions.

I wish we could get the diesel or hybrid models right away. 40+ mpg is just not that impressive, but 60-70 mpg would be fantastic!

Cheers,

robin850

Very good news to hear considering your height!

[duanedude1]

So height is not a problem... how about width?...

Any thought about how the Smart can handle those of us "blessed" with a wide girth? If both the driver and passenger are a bit large, are they squeezed in like sardines, or is there plenty of room?

Thanks!