Test Drive - Slow to accelerate?

[jdrtina]

I just test drove a smart passion, and I have a question regarding the way in which the car takes off from a stop in automatic mode. It seemed like there was a lag of a couple of seconds after I stepped on the gas before the car would rev up and take off from a stop. Is this just the computer controlled clutch engaging? Is it any better when using the paddle shifters. If this is normal, do you get used to it? During my test drive I found it rather disconcerting to have the car pause after I stepped on the gas. Once it got going, the pickup was good, but I was concerned about the time it took to get it moving. Thanks.

[stlsmartguy]

yeah, that is normal. i can't say whether or not you get used to it as i do not have my smart yet but that is probably the #1 complaint. did you test drive one at the creve couer dealership? they are extremely backed up there, my wait time right now is 19 months (possibly more).

[Springlering]

The Smart has a computer that will "learn" your driving habits. After about 4-500 miles, it gradually adjusts to your driving style.

I would imagine that a demo model is kind of schizo in this regard.

Mine has adjusted quite well to my style, I drive in both auto and manual modes, about 50/50.

[anthony94114]

I only drive in automatic mode.. and never notice a take-off lag (and my other car is a SAAB Turbo, so I know a little about launch-lag). I'd say, for one thing, the longer the has been broken in the smoother it drives. I've never noticed a car to enjoy the benefits of the break-in period as much as the smart.

The only lag I usually notice is when I slow for a turn, so the car shifts down to 2nd, when I'm really going so slowly that it needs to be in 1st.. then I get a shudder, as the car attempts in 2nd to drive till it downshifts into 1st. That's some lag. Otherwise, I think it takes off smoothly.

[yuckmoon]

I don't have my SMART yet either. But I have test driven. I didn't so much notice a lag in the start as I was more worried/nervous it was going to be more like your standard manual. I haven't driven a manual in years and I was so scared I would grind the gears. But to my surprise it was much easier to drive. Any Lagging I experienced I just wrote off as I need to learn how to drive it. Well, not drive it so much as get used to it.

[curtis]

My main hesitation when buying my Smart was the way it shifted, but after driving it for a month you kind of get the hang of it, it really is a car you need to get to know and the computer needs to get to know you, now that I have had mine for over a month I love it and love the way it drives except for a few stretched of bumpy hwy near me.

[bull8042]

A lag on takeoff is pretty much nonexistent for mine.

[angel]

I don't notice a lag. But take I take it slow and easy. Maybe a little practice and patience will help? ;)

[jdrtina]

Yes, I did test drive the silver passion at Plaza Motors, the Creve Couer dealership. I live in Columbia, MO, just over 100 miles west of the dealer, and was thinking about trying another test drive the next time I am in St. Louis.

[randyzimmer]

I push the gas down more than I used to at startup and the car moves away more smartly.
It does what your foot tells it so you need to get out of the Creep mode and into Go mode by using more gas at start from rest - then you can release it a bit to continue along.