Why doesn't smart have a real manual transmission?

**jwight** · 10-26-2009, 11:33 AM

And room for four, etc... because it would probably look like this if it did.

Citroen C2, 61bhp 1.1 liter engine, 5 speed (with a clutch pedal!) and room for four (2 people and 2 gnomes.) Decent mileage (note the 8 bar gas gauge) but it lacked power - couldn't hold speed (110 km/h) on moderate grades in 5th gear (sounds familiar, eh?) Took awhile to figure out that display in photo #5 but as the fuel level dropped it began to show km remaining until empty - very handy. Not a bad little car but not up to the smart in quality IMHO.

Big Panda · 10-26-2009, 11:50 AM

Again, due to "Websense", I can't freakin' view it here at work. Guess I'll Google it and see if it comes up.

But by the title of this thread and the author, I thought I was going to get some great revelation from jwight as to WHY the smart doesn't have a 'real' manual, etc...after he returned from EU. Figured he had THE answer to these and other questions we've had.

Guess I was wrong.

Hey, there's a first time for everything!

Big Panda · 10-26-2009, 11:54 AM

OK, here's a pic I can see. Looks like this one is a 2dr or a 3dr hatch. Either way, kind of cool. But when I Googled the Citroen C2, this came up as the "Chinese Citroen".

**jwight** · 10-26-2009, 11:55 AM

I think the answer is smart decided on the "auto stick" so the computer could control the shifts (mileage) and to eliminate the clutch pedal assembly and linkage for weight saving (and fewer parts.) But then I could be wrong also.

Big Panda · 10-26-2009, 11:59 AM

....and another pic. I'm actually starting to LIKE the Chinese, especially when they make a "Jeep" that looks like THIS:

Big Panda · 10-26-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwight

I think the answer is smart decided on the "auto stick" so the computer could control the shifts (mileage) and to eliminate the clutch pedal assembly and linkage for weight saving (and fewer parts.) But then I could be wrong also.

I'm sure you're right. After all, the premise for the smart was for it to be a 'city car' and having to use a manual trans in town would not only be a burden but also be added wear and tear on a conventional clutch. Adding a true automatic would have added too much weight. The 'automated manual' trans is a perfect fit for the smarts intended use.

Those that complain about it are those that, for the most part, are either entirely unfamilar with the carl OR are not using it as it was intended.

I'm perfectly happy with my 'auto stick' so far......

Big Panda.....paddle-shifting into galaxies far, far away.

smarticus · 10-26-2009, 01:14 PM

Wonder what market the Jeep is for, the wheel is on our side.
Hopefully if they end up making our Jeeps they will make some with the turbo diesel everyone else gets.

dlomshek · 10-26-2009, 04:49 PM

I believe that sales would suffer greatly. Many people will not/can not drive standard manual transmissions. It would cost smart a lot to have to offer a regular automatic in addition to a standard manual.

My BMW salesman has told me that the SMG and newer Dual Clutch auto manuals have made many sales that they would otherwise lose. He says that many couples come in to look at and drive an M3 and without the auto mode of the tranny the girlfriend/wife wouldn't go for the deal.

As for me there is no way that I would ever go back to a standard manual transmission with a clutch pedal and the old gated shift mechanism. My BMW and my smart are both manual auto transmissions and I LOVE them.

David Lomshek
Pittsburg, Kansas

jetfuel · 10-26-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Panda

I'm actually starting to LIKE the Chinese,

..please go outside and poke yourself in the eye with a chop stick..

jetfuel...safety goggles on

Terry Stibal · 10-26-2009, 07:01 PM

While I prefer manual transmissions, my friends with the NVA ensured that I would not be happy driving one any longer. My current (and last) wife owned a manual transmission car when we married, but my leg injury made it difficult to drive as the "compression point" of the clutch pedal hit my leg at just the wrong point.

While we have used the shift paddles on an experimental basis, or when dealing with a particularly nasty entry on to the Interstate system, more and more we have been leaving the little bugger in "D" mode. We're past the point where driving anywhere is "fun", and the less grief and procedure we have to go through, the better. (The transmission does seem to be shifting smoother as we start on our third thousand of miles.)

But, that's just me (and us). It doesn't invalidate anyone else's reasons for liking the shift system.

(As an aside, I recall some snotty comments to people who would prefer to have a cruise control on these cars; comments to the effect that "you don't need one." Just how someone else is able to determine my (or anyone else's) need for something is beyond my ken. While you may not like something to be a certain way, that's doesn't mean that everyone else has to hew to your line.)