We don't often venture into the realm of micro cars, but out test car this week was a 2017 Smart ForTwo Cabrio. It's made for urban living, but you see them all the time in not-so-urban habitats. It looks like it should have some moxie with a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and twin-clutch transmission.
wait, they're still in business?
ultraclyde wrote: wait, they're still in business?
My exact thought too. I read it and was like "Wait, they still make those?"
I thought I read somewhere that 2017 Smarts were finally going to be available with a real manual transmission. Didn't they widen the front track as well, to match the rear track?
When are they coming out with a 7-passenger SUV?
1988RedT2 wrote: When are they coming out with a 7-passenger SUV?
AWD with a V8. Bonus points for supercharger.
Can you see anything in that rear view mirror besides the folded up top?
Renault Twingo platform right?
To me, it has all been a fail since they were never successful with the Smart Roadster and its optional hatch ala Pulsar.
They are a Daimler brand and are very much alive and well.
JohnRW1621 wrote: To me, it has all been a fail since they were never successful with the Smart Roadster and its optional hatch ala Pulsar.
it always seemed to me that killing the roadster JUST before coming to the US was a bad idea
mad_machine wrote:JohnRW1621 wrote: To me, it has all been a fail since they were never successful with the Smart Roadster and its optional hatch ala Pulsar.it always seemed to me that killing the roadster JUST before coming to the US was a bad idea
Yep, the Smart doesn't really work that well here due to our larger roads and parking lots. Not too mention the diesel motor isn't legal here and the electric just doesn't have the range.
The roadster could have given the Miata and others a run for their money.
i've been tempted to sign up for car2go and use them as mobile parking spots in the city. 
The NYPD has a bunch of Smarts to replace those goofy 3 wheeled scooters. They're not much bigger but hold two officers and are a little harder for school kids to tip over.
JohnRW1621 wrote:
The Roadster/Coupes are now cheap as chips in Europe. They have a rear mounted bike engine--I wonder if anyone has given one a sportbike engine heart transplant? That seems like an easy button for massive entertainment.
I think it could work very nicely in the right application such as in the RV lifestyle. Towing that behind your RV would work. Or a retirement community scenario..........sort of a upscale alternative to a golf cart. Or a pure urban environment where parking and grid lock are an issue. My two biggest complaints about the Smart at that size are it should either be exceptionally fuel efficient like 50 mpg-60 mpg or exceptionally inexpensive like $12-$15 or preferably both. Neither of which it is. Also I don't think I have ever read a really positive test review of it. I still sort of like it though. I am conflicted.
I don't get the hate. I like my wife's and it's fun to chuck around on Vermont's mountain roads. I've discovered the key to smooth shifting it. Only complaint are the anti spin and stability control nannies are a little too aggressive.
Small, light car. Momentum is your friend.
The first gear is pretty short. It pulls the first 20 feet at stop lights. Plus, nobody expects a smart to try and pull a hole shot on you.
Let's see...1800 lbs, 70 hp. Hmmm, VW Rabbit anyone?
Did I mention the Dedion rear suspension?
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