MAJOR BUG ENCOUNTERED during test drive

[stevenvillatoro]

No, not a bug, as in defect... but an INSECT bug.

The smart center in San Diego got its first cars, and I went during lunch to drive one. WOWWWWWWW!!! I drove it for almost half an hour, on the back streets, on the freeways at 80 MPH (where the humongous bug met its fate, being no match for the mighty smart) with strong winds.

My driving Impressions:

1. The car is SOLID. All of my doubts about build quality are gone. There was not a rattle, strange sound, misalignment... nothing.
2. The car is FUN to drive. I could tell the transmission in auto-mode was improved, and yet delightfully quirky. In paddle-shifter-mode, it was a blast. Good steering, good road feel, good visibility. You will want to fling this car right and left, and drive like a teenager on steroids. (This is not your father's smart.)
3. The car is COMFORTABLE. Seats seem superb. I drove the leather model and was surprised that the back insert is still fabric. Leather has nice, nice stitching. Couldn't help but miss the cruise control.
4. The materials and finishes are EXCELLENT. Every switch felt right, the panels, dashboard, hatch, etc. looked and felt upgraded and operated smoothly.
5. The car was surprisingly QUIET.
6. The upgraded radio makes some good quality sounds.
7. The gas filler locks when the car is locked.
8. The sliding roof panel is COOL.
9. The A/C works very well.
10. Every color I saw (all but red) looked excellent.
11. The ingenuity of the smart is apparent with every nuance and feature. It's tickle-value is endless.
12. Get used to EVERYONE staring at you.
13. Sorry they didn't include sunvisors that swing to the side.
14. The thick leather-wrapped steering wheel feels right.
15. Location of the iPod connection is in the glovebox... nice, but the power plug is centered under the dash.
16. I hope there's a center armrest option.
17. If you don't want your dealer to install a front license plate bracket (in most states), make sure you let them know BEFORE your car arrives so that no holes are drilled.
18. I can see myself being VERY happy with this car. I had not been so impressed on my road-show test drive, but this drive brought a BIG smile to my face, and removed all doubts. It's a winner.

[kmeinhold]

#12 - damn, that means I will have to stop picking my nose while driving

Thanks for the great review!

[SmartAzz]

Great, thanks for the impressions, it helps to hear them firsthand after having lingering concerns about the transmission and the over all driving experience (i've never had a car with 70hp and I'm a tad worried about passing and such).

So, how's the horn? :

[SmartAzz]

Oh yeah, if you (or someone else with the car) doesn't mind, I'd love to hear how the headlights/overall lighting is.

And if anyone knows what the bulb types/wattage is for the headlights, fogs and turn signals I might order some bulbs I've like and used on other cars.

[ARichte23]

Great information, did you happen to notice where the subwoofer is located?

Don't think I'll go with the upgraded radio, since anything is better than my current stock speaker setup (with one blown front speaker)

[propes]

Evil, very evil subject line - but good review. ;)

[Carnut]

Are you sure about #13? I have read that the visors DO swivel, perhaps on the Canadian site.

[stevenvillatoro]

Grrrrrrr... tried to delete a comment but can't find the 'delete' feature. Nevermind.

[stevenvillatoro]

Originally Posted by SmartAzz

... (i've never had a car with 70hp and I'm a tad worried about passing and such).

I used to have BMW Isettas that had a 13-HP one-cylinder motor, which could eventually get me to 55 MPH on San Diego freeways. My conclusion was that the thrill of underpowered cars far exceeds the mindless stupor induced by excess 'pushbutton' horsepower. I'll take the challenge of keeping up with the crowd in my 70-HP smartmobile anyday!

[jose3030]

Question on #10. Does that mean you DIDNT see a RED one or does that mean that the RED you DID see looked horrible? Please expound. I'm worried.