Quote:
Originally Posted by kmeinhold
"endure minimalistic motoring, the Smart Fortwo will be a hard sell..."
"is a big step down from, the similarly priced Toyota Yaris..."
"The Smart Fortwo asks a lot of its driver..."
"Critics say the fuel economy is disappointing"
"provided your luggage is not much bigger than a couple of backpacks"
I was genuinely surprised he didn't bring out "you cant repeal the laws of physics - safety issues"
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And even with all the above (most of which is true, btw) over 47,000 (per Roger Penske) have signed up to at least be contacted by a dealer next year to complete a purchase.
A Yaris is bigger. The smart's transmission takes some getting used to. We've seen the fuel economy critics here on this forum. And just how much more luggage can you get in a Kia?
The smart is
different. It requires a different attitude, a kind of style that may be lacking in the vast majority of Americans.
If I wanted to be totally practical, I'd take my $15,000 and get something with a rear seat and a torque converter. I really don't have problems finding a parking space, even here in L.A. And that is the #1 purpose for being for a smart.
We who are going to be on the bleeding edge in this car are doing it not just for the practical reasons. I'm getting it most of all for being different, driving something different, and making a fun statement (not sure what it is yet).
But at least a lot of people will be talking to me, for once!
Quote:
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Ideally, a "Car of the Year" should stimulate our auto emotions and mark our place in time.
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I'm marking my place in 2008.
>> open your mind.