Figuring that traffic wasn't going to be bad last night (Monday's are often free and easy), I opted for the Smart. Good move, because the Smart really is an excellent little city car when you're not herking and jerking around in gridlock. Like all small cars (and moreso), the Smart cuts through cars with ease and can fit through gaps like nothing else can. I once even hyphothetically dodged a stopped bus at an intersection by briefly buzzing up onto a sidewalk and through a gas station. Couldn't hypothetically do that in a Fit.
I also like that I fit comfortably in the thing. I wish the driver seat went as far back as the passenger seat does, but even without the extra inches of travel, I'm more comfortable in this itzy bitzy carlet than most other compact and subcompact cars.
Finally, I like the bins on either side of the steering column. It's a perfect place for leaving an iPod while driving, especially given the glovebox-mounted jack location that's useful when parking. It was also the perfect place to store a full-size walkie talkie during our Fuel Sipper Smackdown.
So there, it's not all bad. If they just fixed the damn brake pedal and transmission, I'd really like this little thing.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 9,861 miles
dragonflight says:
11:52 AM, 09/16/08
I love how a previous post said the glovebox was perfect for the ipod (to reduce clutter) and this post shows additional clutter due to that design
dougtheeng says:
12:13 PM, 09/16/08
Do i see two door lock buttons - one for lock, one for unlock?
I wish my MINI had those. I always flip the toggle switch the wrong way.
sabastian says:
12:56 PM, 09/16/08
"I love how a previous post said the glovebox was perfect for the ipod (to reduce clutter) and this post shows additional clutter due to that design"
Yeah the problem with keeping your iPod in the glove box is that it makes changing the song pretty tough. That's one thing I like about my semi-ghetto radio adapter. My iPod is always in front of me. No fiddling required!
autoboy16 says:
02:26 PM, 09/16/08
Doug do you like your mini? Recently, your posts were it being too small for it to be useful, and now the toggle switch! LOL.
Smart isn't that dumb. A new tranny, diesel engine, and brake pedal and you're set!
billt9 says:
04:30 PM, 09/16/08
Ya this car would totally rock with a 382 horsepower 5.5-liter V8, and a 7-speed transmission. I hope they build it for next model year.
Where to put the engine? How about on the roof Ikea style?
slickersdrip says:
06:43 PM, 09/16/08
How about one of the MB A class diesel engines? 109hp and 180lb/ft would be fantastic in a car like this.
dougtheeng says:
05:58 AM, 09/17/08
"Doug do you like your mini? Recently, your posts were it being too small for it to be useful, and now the toggle switch! LOL."
I love it, but as with any cars, there are compromises. Its too small to move a bachelor apartment, but for my currently single-20s-male lifestyle, its the percet size.