Last Friday I did the unthinkable. I drove the car I was assigned to, the Hyundai Veracruz, out of our office complex, turned immediately around and went back into the building to get the keys to the Smart. Now it's not that I don't like the Veracruz (save for the steering, I dislike that greatly) it's just that for my needs this weekend the Smart was the better option.
My needs you ask? Driving home Friday while listening to an audiobook on my iPod and then driving into work Monday while listening to the same tale. I planned on doing a lot of walking this weekend, I doubted I'd put 50 miles on whatever I took home.
Concealed conveniently in the glove box (where it should be to prevent wires snaking throughout the cockpit) of the Smart is an aux input. The Hyundai doesn't have one. Chalk one-- and just one-- win for the little red shoe.
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant @ 8,802 miles
dougtheeng says:
11:12 AM, 09/ 8/08
This design forces you to have the glove box open in order to change the song. I prefer a design where I can place the iPod in the center console, where it is protected but more accessible.
Mike Magrath says:
11:15 AM, 09/ 8/08
Dougtheeng,
I usually use random or I'm listening to a playlist so that's not much of an issue for me. However, in this car, even with a 6' aux cord, the glove box doesn't really like having the cord in its seams, it closes too tightly on the cord.
-mike
dg0472 says:
01:05 PM, 09/ 8/08
Wow big win for Smart. Or maybe not. Anyway, before anyone starts griping about the Veracruz, a USB/iPod input is standard for 2009.
altimadude00 says:
01:18 PM, 09/ 8/08
"Last Friday I did the unthinkable."
You drove the Smart!
"Last Friday I did the unthinkable."
You almost left your iPod at home!
"Last Friday I did the unthinkable."
You turned your cell phone completely off!
Totally unthinkable.
Mike Magrath says:
01:23 PM, 09/ 8/08
"Last Friday I did the unthinkable."
You turned your cell phone completely off!"
Wait, my blackberry can be turned off?
-mike
ahightower says:
01:45 PM, 09/ 8/08
Unless you can fully control the iPod through the stereo, it would be really really annoying to have the aux jack in the glovebox.
opfreak says:
02:00 PM, 09/ 8/08
so wait, if the ipod or anything is plugged in, the box cannot be closed?
if so, stupid.
moocow1 says:
02:05 PM, 09/ 8/08
Yep, all the new model hyundais now have USB and Ipod integration. Very awesome stuff and logically placed.
jahfakin says:
04:16 AM, 09/ 9/08
"Yep, all the new model hyundais now have USB and Ipod integration. Very awesome stuff and logically placed."
So does my Scion xB.....iPhone syncs right into the factory head unit....it's a common standard feature these days on lots of cars.....save the Smart two.