It's Smart
People keep laughing at me when I tell them I may make my next car a Smart car.
But I test drove one a few months back for the paper and actually liked it. GQ gave it a spin this month and came away impressed as well.
The fact that they get an estimated 40/city and 45/highway is a huge draw -- but they're also attractive (and attractively priced -- the convertible model is $16K), comfortable (believe it or not) and fun to drive.
I got mine up to 60 mph on the test drive -- but the GQ writer got on the highway and went up to 80 for over an hour. I don't remember the last time I needed to go faster than 90 mph, which is the Smart's top speed -- so I'm not sure what the downside of owning one of these would be.
Comments (1)
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While, I don't doubt 45 MPG is good, I find it appalling that the touted "savior" of the gas crunch is "only" 45 MPG. VW produced a 60 MPG Diesel Bug a few years ago, and I could only imagine if you coupled a diesel motor with hybrid technology how EMPG would easily break 80 to 100 MPG.
Personally I think we should be pursuing electric cars, but since the most people wouldn't accept them as sole sources of transportation, then a Diesel Hybrid would be the best alternative. Unfortunately there isn't one (I know of.)
Miles Automotive however is producing a 200 Mile, 90 MPH sedan for under $30,000 made with lithium Ion batteries which can recharge in about 4 hours from a 220 volt charge.
But... Joe, if you ever want to test-drive something fun, find someone with a T-rex. I know of at least one in the area (don't know who)... Google it... you'll be impressed.
On a lighter note... ever see the Knight Rider version smart car?
Posted on December 31, 2007 5:33 PM