The SMART Car
12 July 2001, 11:27 AM
#1
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Unless you have driven one don't knock it. "Boring" ?? You must be joking. For the average journey my WRX is far more boring!
I have just ordered one to sit alongside the Impreza and the Elise.
It's a great car, it IS smart, it's great fun, has almost as many upgrade options as the Scoob and can go a great deal faster than "10mph"!
£400 gets an upgrade up to 75bhp and a top speed over 100mph.
Sure if it was to be my only car I wouldn't even consider it, but alongside the Elise and the Scoob I reckon I now have all bases covered.
[Edited by BT52b - 12/7/2001 11:30:02 AM]
I have just ordered one to sit alongside the Impreza and the Elise.
It's a great car, it IS smart, it's great fun, has almost as many upgrade options as the Scoob and can go a great deal faster than "10mph"!
£400 gets an upgrade up to 75bhp and a top speed over 100mph.
Sure if it was to be my only car I wouldn't even consider it, but alongside the Elise and the Scoob I reckon I now have all bases covered.
[Edited by BT52b - 12/7/2001 11:30:02 AM]
07 December 2001, 10:05 AM
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Why do they call it the SMART car?
Is it because it looks good?
.... ah... NO
Is it because it's clever?
... if that were true then the one in front of me today would have been going faster than the 10 mph it's driver was doing
Is it because it's a MERC?
... if I were their MD I'd be blaming that one on my predecessor
Is it because it's small and compact?
.... thing looks like it just drove out a cornflake packet
So why do they call it SMART?
A bemused
Pen
Is it because it looks good?
.... ah... NO
Is it because it's clever?
... if that were true then the one in front of me today would have been going faster than the 10 mph it's driver was doing
Is it because it's a MERC?
... if I were their MD I'd be blaming that one on my predecessor
Is it because it's small and compact?
.... thing looks like it just drove out a cornflake packet
So why do they call it SMART?
A bemused
Pen
07 December 2001, 10:16 AM
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Good question! I have no answer.
I have observed though that the prices of these plastic tubs seem to be going up large chunks at a time. Now £10000 almost. The RHD is nothing but a licence to print money - what difference does it make especially on a milk carton like the SMART.
I think they are called SMART because they are making big profits selling people recycled bathtubs at high prices. The people who buy them are not so SMART.
For cheap inner transport buy a scooter, a bicycle or walk. Blow the £10000 on a decent car.
I have observed though that the prices of these plastic tubs seem to be going up large chunks at a time. Now £10000 almost. The RHD is nothing but a licence to print money - what difference does it make especially on a milk carton like the SMART.
I think they are called SMART because they are making big profits selling people recycled bathtubs at high prices. The people who buy them are not so SMART.
For cheap inner transport buy a scooter, a bicycle or walk. Blow the £10000 on a decent car.
07 December 2001, 10:44 AM
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The only reason I can think of is if you only drive in a city, and you happen to be a company car driver you will save a fortune in tax. Apparently loads of company directors dahn sarf in that there Lainden are switching to SMART and saving a fortune.
To be honest, switching to a SMART from my Scoob would put about £160 a month in my pocket, but they'd have to pay me a lot more than that, even if I could make it look like a frog by swapping the panels every week! Maybe SMART but BORING would be a better moniker?
Cheers,
Dean
To be honest, switching to a SMART from my Scoob would put about £160 a month in my pocket, but they'd have to pay me a lot more than that, even if I could make it look like a frog by swapping the panels every week! Maybe SMART but BORING would be a better moniker?
Cheers,
Dean
07 December 2001, 11:03 AM
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Sorry chaps...I feel that I have to stand up for SMARTS....as its a bit unfair to criticise them unchallenged, on a performance car bbs
1. A friend of mine owns one...I have driven it, and its really good fun, and perfect around town...try one and see
2. Interior is WAY better than any Impreza
3. The package is remarkable for the price....by the way £7500 is the highest price for every model apart from the cabrio.
ie 600cc turbo motor / chippable / aircon / wonderful seating comfort for 2 / acres of head and legroom / top safety levels / change body colour when you want / deformable panels /funky interior design / auto / semi auto standard
4. 55mpg plus...85mpg for the diesel
5. You wouldn't want to do a Traffic Light Grand Prix against a Brabus Smart.....and yes..they do exist
6. 61 brake in a tiny car (standard on the Pulse model) gives a pretty respectable pwr/wt ratio. More power than a standard 1.4 Polo with half the weight.
7. Face it...its the future
What's totally crap is the dealer backup. There are only 5 official SMART outlets in the country. My buddy recently needed a new engine (warranty fix) and his car was off the road for a month, while they ordered it from Germany and then figured out how to put it in the car. Mercedes Benz produce the engine by the way.
You just have to concede that the people who buy SMARTS are after something different, from those who buy performance cars...and agree to differ. What's the point in slagging them off?
IMHO.
Richie
1. A friend of mine owns one...I have driven it, and its really good fun, and perfect around town...try one and see
2. Interior is WAY better than any Impreza
3. The package is remarkable for the price....by the way £7500 is the highest price for every model apart from the cabrio.
ie 600cc turbo motor / chippable / aircon / wonderful seating comfort for 2 / acres of head and legroom / top safety levels / change body colour when you want / deformable panels /funky interior design / auto / semi auto standard
4. 55mpg plus...85mpg for the diesel
5. You wouldn't want to do a Traffic Light Grand Prix against a Brabus Smart.....and yes..they do exist
6. 61 brake in a tiny car (standard on the Pulse model) gives a pretty respectable pwr/wt ratio. More power than a standard 1.4 Polo with half the weight.
7. Face it...its the future
What's totally crap is the dealer backup. There are only 5 official SMART outlets in the country. My buddy recently needed a new engine (warranty fix) and his car was off the road for a month, while they ordered it from Germany and then figured out how to put it in the car. Mercedes Benz produce the engine by the way.
You just have to concede that the people who buy SMARTS are after something different, from those who buy performance cars...and agree to differ. What's the point in slagging them off?
IMHO.
Richie
07 December 2001, 11:07 AM
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Agree with Richie
I test drove one on the same day as I tested the scoob. I choose the scoob as it was what I really wanted.
The Smart was quite a convincing package and was always going to be purchased in the future as a 2nd car for the commute short trips etc. Ended up with a MINI but for a long time the Smart was the only car to offer what I wanted in a small car
I test drove one on the same day as I tested the scoob. I choose the scoob as it was what I really wanted.
The Smart was quite a convincing package and was always going to be purchased in the future as a 2nd car for the commute short trips etc. Ended up with a MINI but for a long time the Smart was the only car to offer what I wanted in a small car
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07 December 2001, 11:22 AM
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They were developed by the Swatch group. (S)wiss (Watch) geddit???
They could hardly call it the Scar now could they ???
Swatch sold a majority share in the business to Mercedes just when the hype was at it's peak and before the 'Elk tests' on the A-Class and similar early stability problems with the original narrow-track Smart design started to emerge.
Now that's what I call smart! ;-)
They could hardly call it the Scar now could they ???
Swatch sold a majority share in the business to Mercedes just when the hype was at it's peak and before the 'Elk tests' on the A-Class and similar early stability problems with the original narrow-track Smart design started to emerge.
Now that's what I call smart! ;-)
07 December 2001, 11:31 AM
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Clearly SMART has pulled the wool over your eyes.
IMHO, they are missing the point. OK, so you can possibly park one between a couple of cars (and probably **** people off) but for traffic busting they're still useless. My commute used to take in some of the nastiest traffic spots in London. The only thing getting anywhere was on 2 wheels. I rode a motorbike but noticed more and more people turning to scooters. The BMW C1 scooter is a more useful town tool than the SMART for getting down the gaps of those gridlocked streets.
IMHO, they are missing the point. OK, so you can possibly park one between a couple of cars (and probably **** people off) but for traffic busting they're still useless. My commute used to take in some of the nastiest traffic spots in London. The only thing getting anywhere was on 2 wheels. I rode a motorbike but noticed more and more people turning to scooters. The BMW C1 scooter is a more useful town tool than the SMART for getting down the gaps of those gridlocked streets.
07 December 2001, 11:35 AM
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Penny,
If you haven't had the use of one for a couple of days or more you wouldn't necessarily understand why they are such good cars. I had the chance to drive the Litchfield Imports demo car for a while and I was very impressed... ideal second car for around town runabout/commuter.
Moray
If you haven't had the use of one for a couple of days or more you wouldn't necessarily understand why they are such good cars. I had the chance to drive the Litchfield Imports demo car for a while and I was very impressed... ideal second car for around town runabout/commuter.
Moray
07 December 2001, 11:36 AM
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its not about beating traffic.
Bikes are not as safe, and not enclosed from the rain.
the smart has bags of room, air con an auto box, elevated driving position, parkability insurance group 1 and does 250 miles on £14 of fuel (full tank).
They are great to drive and anyone knocking one has not driven one.
PS. handling issues not relevant, all been sorted and even then it was the A class that suffered the most as it has a higher c of m and also a greater mass.
I **** one but cant justify 5k on a second car at my age with no family. Only reason to buy would be to keep 22B special and not put work milage on it, but then I dont care about milage as it stays with me forever.
Bikes are not as safe, and not enclosed from the rain.
the smart has bags of room, air con an auto box, elevated driving position, parkability insurance group 1 and does 250 miles on £14 of fuel (full tank).
They are great to drive and anyone knocking one has not driven one.
PS. handling issues not relevant, all been sorted and even then it was the A class that suffered the most as it has a higher c of m and also a greater mass.
I **** one but cant justify 5k on a second car at my age with no family. Only reason to buy would be to keep 22B special and not put work milage on it, but then I dont care about milage as it stays with me forever.
07 December 2001, 11:37 AM
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They're not missing the point.
How often do we have people on the back seat? Me? Hardly ever.
Also rarely have anything in the boot.
So why bother having back seat and a big boot. Get rid of them. Make it a 2 seater and you can give the driver and passenger loads of room.
Then why not stick a small engine in the back and drive the rear wheels which will allow you to have a more space efficient car.
Before asking why they bothered to make it so small ask yourself why other cars have to be so big. It feels like a kart to drive, more similar to the Elise than a Scoob.
How often do we have people on the back seat? Me? Hardly ever.
Also rarely have anything in the boot.
So why bother having back seat and a big boot. Get rid of them. Make it a 2 seater and you can give the driver and passenger loads of room.
Then why not stick a small engine in the back and drive the rear wheels which will allow you to have a more space efficient car.
Before asking why they bothered to make it so small ask yourself why other cars have to be so big. It feels like a kart to drive, more similar to the Elise than a Scoob.
07 December 2001, 11:42 AM
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BT52b, clearly you have sack loads of money so you probably found the money to buy the SMART in your back pocket 
Hope you like it. However for most people 8 grand is a lot of money to find so this has to be taken into account. If they cost between 3 and 4 grand then I think it would look like an attractive package for most folk. Possibly. But at over 8000, c'mon, I could buy a Yaris for that money.
Just one more thing. When you're going round corners remember you're not in the WRX or Elise!
Hope you like it. However for most people 8 grand is a lot of money to find so this has to be taken into account. If they cost between 3 and 4 grand then I think it would look like an attractive package for most folk. Possibly. But at over 8000, c'mon, I could buy a Yaris for that money.Just one more thing. When you're going round corners remember you're not in the WRX or Elise!
07 December 2001, 11:49 AM
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second hand you can get them for less than 5.
They are 6 and a bit new, so something is up if you think they are 8 to 10.
bt52s money is nothing to do with this.
You get more equipment on a smart than a yaris, you get a 6 speed clutchless manual which is more energy efficient and faster yet just as convenient. Plus it is so much smaller than the yaris again you arent comparing like with like.
Coupled to that the plastic body panels can be lifted and repaced for £500 or even painted by you so you can periodically get a fresher looking car.
Plus the panels flex completely, meaning parking dents are non existent.
It is badged the town car, but is more than comfortable on the motorway, and on top of this it has merecedes build quality.
dont judge before you have tried it, they really are great little safer drier alternatives to motorbike commuting.
They are 6 and a bit new, so something is up if you think they are 8 to 10.
bt52s money is nothing to do with this.
You get more equipment on a smart than a yaris, you get a 6 speed clutchless manual which is more energy efficient and faster yet just as convenient. Plus it is so much smaller than the yaris again you arent comparing like with like.
Coupled to that the plastic body panels can be lifted and repaced for £500 or even painted by you so you can periodically get a fresher looking car.
Plus the panels flex completely, meaning parking dents are non existent.
It is badged the town car, but is more than comfortable on the motorway, and on top of this it has merecedes build quality.
dont judge before you have tried it, they really are great little safer drier alternatives to motorbike commuting.
07 December 2001, 11:51 AM
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I've driven one, and aim to get one as a 2nd car in 2002 for commuting / Tesco etc... for this purpose they're fantastic, and I won't need to worry about door dings on the Scoob etc, etc.
Don't slate them until you've tried them, lots of understeer but an entertaining drive - does exactly what it says on the box.
Simon.
Don't slate them until you've tried them, lots of understeer but an entertaining drive - does exactly what it says on the box.
Simon.
07 December 2001, 11:56 AM
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Must admit that I'm getting a special deal by getting a new RHD Passion for 6k.
I totally agree that it's got to be a 2nd car. But since I have a Subaru a Yaris would seem an incredibly dull stablemate. A smart isn't comparable because it's more extreme, more compromised than a Yaris.
If I just had the Scoob, without the Elise and MGB then it would still be my first choice of 2nd car.
(PS I haven't got any cash, well not now... Anyone want to buy my Peugeot 306 XSi for £4000)?
I totally agree that it's got to be a 2nd car. But since I have a Subaru a Yaris would seem an incredibly dull stablemate. A smart isn't comparable because it's more extreme, more compromised than a Yaris.
If I just had the Scoob, without the Elise and MGB then it would still be my first choice of 2nd car.
(PS I haven't got any cash, well not now... Anyone want to buy my Peugeot 306 XSi for £4000)?
07 December 2001, 11:58 AM
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Adam M, which part of London do you live in then? Wish my commute had been through there. Seems the traffic must have missed you.
Do you use your SMART for commuting?
The new RHD models are over 8 grand.
Do you use your SMART for commuting?
The new RHD models are over 8 grand.
07 December 2001, 12:04 PM
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Left hand drive models are :
Smart & Pure = £5700
Smart & Pulse = £6600
Smart & Passion = £7200
Smart & Passion Cabrio = £9360
Right hand drive models are :
Smart & Pure = £6295
Smart & Pulse = £7295
Smart & Passion = £7995
Smart & Passion Cabrio = £9995
I do think it is a bit off that the Right hand drive models are around 10% more expensive than left hand drive models.
Smart & Pure = £5700
Smart & Pulse = £6600
Smart & Passion = £7200
Smart & Passion Cabrio = £9360
Right hand drive models are :
Smart & Pure = £6295
Smart & Pulse = £7295
Smart & Passion = £7995
Smart & Passion Cabrio = £9995
I do think it is a bit off that the Right hand drive models are around 10% more expensive than left hand drive models.
07 December 2001, 12:14 PM
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Adam M,
By the way I wasn't denying BT52b his money. He's very welcome to it. Better in his hands than the Inland Revenue. It's just that BT52b isn't, let's say, er.. your typical car owner.
Can you see Joe Average shelling out his wonga on a SMART. No, he'll probably buy an Astra, Vectra, Escort, Fiesta, or even a Focus. Not all people can afford the luxury of a second car. The SMART is aimed at the reasonably affluent consumer as a second car - it certainly isn't cheap motoring for all.
I'm glad you like your SMART but regards to my former commute somebody suggested I might have done it as quick in a car. I strongly disagreed. For starters the Blackwall tunnel is backed up several miles every morning then I had to do North London! Even with the time spent putting my body armour on the bike trip was way quicker.
I guess we can carry on arguing but in summary the SMART seems to fill your needs nicely but it would have been unsuitable for mine.
Let's just not tout it as the universal transport solution.
.z75.
By the way I wasn't denying BT52b his money. He's very welcome to it. Better in his hands than the Inland Revenue. It's just that BT52b isn't, let's say, er.. your typical car owner.
Can you see Joe Average shelling out his wonga on a SMART. No, he'll probably buy an Astra, Vectra, Escort, Fiesta, or even a Focus. Not all people can afford the luxury of a second car. The SMART is aimed at the reasonably affluent consumer as a second car - it certainly isn't cheap motoring for all.
I'm glad you like your SMART but regards to my former commute somebody suggested I might have done it as quick in a car. I strongly disagreed. For starters the Blackwall tunnel is backed up several miles every morning then I had to do North London! Even with the time spent putting my body armour on the bike trip was way quicker.
I guess we can carry on arguing but in summary the SMART seems to fill your needs nicely but it would have been unsuitable for mine.
Let's just not tout it as the universal transport solution.
.z75.
07 December 2001, 12:15 PM
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RichieB wrote = "You wouldn't want to do a Traffic Light Grand Prix against a Brabus Smart.....and yes..they do exist"
If you get beat by a bloody brabus smart then you must have a slooooow scooby
If you get beat by a bloody brabus smart then you must have a slooooow scooby
07 December 2001, 12:25 PM
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Got to stick up for the SMART here too guys.
We traded our LHD Smart for a RHD (picked it up yesterday) and have now had one in the family for two years. Fantastic car around London and suits my commute perfectly as I am almost always 2 up (so a scooter would be no good).
Thee 600cc motor sounds pretty good (and will sound even better when I get round to fitting the Brabus exhaust) and around town the performance is more than adequate.
It drives better than you think too, the new one is a definite improvement over the old with the updated suspension and there is plenty of grip with the big Brabus wheels transferred from old car to new. It is even useable on longer journeys I drove the last one on all sorts of long journeys such as Tunbridge Wells to Norwich and its better than you can imagine and huge fun watching peoples reaction as you pass them!
LHD was a pain! Using the Smart where it is intended - in town - car park barriers, pay kiosks and the button to open the door where I park at work were all a pain in the neck and hence the decision to swap to the RHD more or less as soon as it became available.
To sum up don't knock it until you have experienced it and you have to live with it a few days to truly appreciate what a clever car it is.
Of course I would never have it instead of my Impreza, but as a car for around town it takes some beating.
Cheers
Robin
We traded our LHD Smart for a RHD (picked it up yesterday) and have now had one in the family for two years. Fantastic car around London and suits my commute perfectly as I am almost always 2 up (so a scooter would be no good).
Thee 600cc motor sounds pretty good (and will sound even better when I get round to fitting the Brabus exhaust) and around town the performance is more than adequate.
It drives better than you think too, the new one is a definite improvement over the old with the updated suspension and there is plenty of grip with the big Brabus wheels transferred from old car to new. It is even useable on longer journeys I drove the last one on all sorts of long journeys such as Tunbridge Wells to Norwich and its better than you can imagine and huge fun watching peoples reaction as you pass them!
LHD was a pain! Using the Smart where it is intended - in town - car park barriers, pay kiosks and the button to open the door where I park at work were all a pain in the neck and hence the decision to swap to the RHD more or less as soon as it became available.
To sum up don't knock it until you have experienced it and you have to live with it a few days to truly appreciate what a clever car it is.
Of course I would never have it instead of my Impreza, but as a car for around town it takes some beating.
Cheers
Robin
07 December 2001, 12:28 PM
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I might have been a touch flippant in my initial post - and do agree that rating the SMART against performance cars is like comparing a good push bike to a Ferrrari. It's a niche car for people who can't (or daren't) make the leap to a scooter. I can see the practicality and that they are fun in a novelty sort of way and if you're sat in a traffic jam then it doesn't matter if you're in a Justy or a Maranello. For ideal recreational driving (ahh, those sunny days, clear roads etc), I would never pick a SMART can anyone honestly say they would?
When I said boring, it was because any fun for me came from being in it, not driving it (if you know what I mean) and that had worn off in the short time I had it.
Having driven on a motorway though, your a braver man than me if you can do that every day - it's just too small. Plus at those speeds any refinement the engine might show running round town just disappears and the road noise is deafening.
Taking on a Brabus SMART at the lights? If I remember correctly the Brabus tuning still only gives it 0-60 in about 14 seconds? I don't think it's going to scare many people here, but it's not a racing car after all.
Anyhoo, bit of a pointless discussion I guess, but it did liven up a dull Friday morning for me
All the best,
Deano
When I said boring, it was because any fun for me came from being in it, not driving it (if you know what I mean) and that had worn off in the short time I had it.
Having driven on a motorway though, your a braver man than me if you can do that every day - it's just too small. Plus at those speeds any refinement the engine might show running round town just disappears and the road noise is deafening.
Taking on a Brabus SMART at the lights? If I remember correctly the Brabus tuning still only gives it 0-60 in about 14 seconds? I don't think it's going to scare many people here, but it's not a racing car after all.
Anyhoo, bit of a pointless discussion I guess, but it did liven up a dull Friday morning for me
All the best,
Deano
07 December 2001, 12:30 PM
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Great little motor, drove one at Millbrook recently and at 70 mph it handled great, would'nt mine one for work either, as the saying goes don't knock it till you have tried it.
Cheers
Colin
Cheers
Colin
07 December 2001, 01:15 PM
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Deano
You'd be surprised how well a Passion cruises at 80mph pulling a little over 3000 rpm in 6th gear. I wouldn't take it instead of the Scooby by choice but on the occasions when I have had too it is much less of a chore than say my tuned (old shape) Mini Cooper. Also I expect the new RHD to be even better in this respect though having only had it 24 hours can't comment yet.
To be hones the 0-60 is a bit misleading as away from the line it holds it own in normal occasions again sure a Scoob would blow it away but it is far from frustrating to drive around town.
Yes this has been a nice wat to liven up Friday morning
Robin
You'd be surprised how well a Passion cruises at 80mph pulling a little over 3000 rpm in 6th gear. I wouldn't take it instead of the Scooby by choice but on the occasions when I have had too it is much less of a chore than say my tuned (old shape) Mini Cooper. Also I expect the new RHD to be even better in this respect though having only had it 24 hours can't comment yet.
To be hones the 0-60 is a bit misleading as away from the line it holds it own in normal occasions again sure a Scoob would blow it away but it is far from frustrating to drive around town.
Yes this has been a nice wat to liven up Friday morning
Robin