Topic: First Drive: 2011 Smart Fortwo

[Autos_Editor]

Changes to the 2011 Smart aren't quite as "next generation" as the company claims, but there's an improved interior, several new options, and an upcoming electric version that Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh enjoyed driving in Germany.

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[SJP]

Fuel efficient, stylish European compact, make mine a Ford Fiesta please.

[dkaz]

With the electric version... finally! This should've been here years ago. I hope they get rid of the useless 1.0L for the Canadian market too... what's the point of getting a Smart if the fuel economy is no better than a Yaris? Bring back the 600cc (turbo??) diesel!

[CanuckS2K]

Fuel efficient, stylish European compact, make mine a Ford Fiesta please.

For here in Atlantic Canada, I completely agree.  Where parking space is at a premium in European cities, I can see why they are so popular there.  I'd look at owning one if I lived in Europe, however wouldn't consider one here in NA. 

[johngenx]

Ford Fiesta diesel X10 > Smart with any fossil fuel engine.


I reserve judgment on the kW version until it's tested.

[bikenut]

johnnyx the b king is the closest the hayabusa gets to a naked bike
 your 650 suzuki is much more nimble and much lighter than the 600 lb b king ,to top it off yours is better looking especially compared to the tank extrusions and funny styled pipes on the b king , having a great engine is one thing , but i miss the nimbleness of my smaller bikes

they have a smart42 roadster that might be coming out that might be fun

[CanuckS2K]

^ They have had the Smart Roadster available in Europe for a few years now.  I have never driven one but they are sharp looking little car!

[5 Wheel Drive]

Disappointing to hear they haven't fixed the transmission in the new one.  They've got to do something...anything...with the transmission in those things.  We have a couple of diesel Smarts in the car pool at work.  The first time I took one out, I thought the parking brake was still on when I tried to pull out of the parking space.  It's like being in a car with a manual gearbox, and the driver can't drive one very well.

It was neat to drive.  But, after about 10 minutes I started to wish there was a company logo on the side of the car...

[Mike]

Until the forfour comes to Canada, I do not think this car will ever be more then a novelty or status symbol.  Golf TDI isn't much worse on gas nd 100 timesmore practical.

[priggly]

Is M-B for real??!

This "car" is a total joke:  crude, overpriced, has relatively poor gas mileage considering the minimal displacement of the engine, dangerous (can you imagine getting run into by ANY other vehicle in this diminutive contraption??!), mechanically primitive with a farcical transmission, etc., etc., etc.

Apart from the novelty factor and a certain fringe appeal to the dimwitted radical envirofreaks, it has no place on North American roads.  Not only is it totally uncompetitive with larger, safer vehicles which offer equal or better gas mileage but it is mechanically and dynamically inferior.

Don't be sucked in by emotional appeals to "greener" driving.  The "Smart Car" is a loser from every angle.

[kirm]

Come on now! This car is FAAAABULOUUUUSSS!!!!!

Smart drivers of Canada...Keep reaching for that rainbow.

[johngenx]

johnnyx the b king is the closest the hayabusa gets to a naked bike
 your 650 suzuki is much more nimble and much lighter than the 600 lb b king ,to top it off yours is better looking especially compared to the tank extrusions and funny styled pipes on the b king , having a great engine is one thing , but i miss the nimbleness of my smaller bikes

WTF does any of that have to do with the Smart car?  I think you misread the title of the thread...  (oh, and I don't have a 650 Suzuki, not sure what made you think that.  My bike is a Hayabusa modded to lose the bodywork and has a turbocharged engine...)