Yes, it's true, this uh...vehicle is capable of returning nearly 170 mpg. That's the kind of number you can achieve when you're only putting out 27 horsepower in a body that weighs 838 pounds.
Impressive on paper maybe, but stand next to the thing and the idea of the L1 as a car seems a bit of a stretch. Only two, shall we say, smaller adults could fit in the thing and their luggage would be limited to a small handbag.
And then there's the whole enclosed canopy issue, not exactly the most comfortable way to travel.
So nice concept, maybe. But a "car" the L1 is not.
cruiserhead1 says:
01:48 PM, 09/16/09
reminds me of the old Isetta refridgerator door car or the GM Lean Machine
mheikka says:
07:38 PM, 09/16/09
It isn't a "car" , and that's the point. Millions of people commute by motorcycle, bicycle and scooter every day. The L1 is closer to an "all weather motorcycle" with improved safety, limited enclosed cargo carrying capacity and superb fuel economy.
I could get along with an L1 just fine as my daily, solo commuter "transportation device" provided it afforded the same basic performance as my new Insight, or a Fit, Versa, etc., and if they added a flip-down "bottom door" to ease egress to the cockpit.
If they could sell these for $12K or less (non-hybrid, non-electric, fiberglass) I think they'd tap a large, unexplored market.
dkgsx says:
08:54 PM, 09/16/09
This is more of a car than smart fortwo ever was ;-)