xcel
11-03-2007, 04:17 PM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg The third best Fuel Economy for one-half the price … (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/reviews/t-cleanmpg-previews-the-2008-smart-fortwo-7133.html)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_-_Front.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (www.CleanMPG.com) - Nov. 3, 2007
It’s small, it’s cute and it’s safe. Here is a sneak peek at yet another transportation solution giving us a glimpse today of where we may be headed tomorrow.
How many of us have driven back and forth to work with just ourselves in the car? A little known statistic reveals that 90% do just that on a day to day basis. How many times have you and your spouse gone out for the evening and ordered 4, 5 or even 7 full meals? I think we all know the answer to that question too. When was the last time you asked the owner of a 7-Series BMW or a Hummer H2 owner how he or she liked their car while sitting at the gas station? I do not think that one takes much imagination either? Let me introduce you to the SMART Fortwo.
From the SMART’s small yet attention grabbing exterior to the playful feel of the interior, this automobile is every bit as good at taking one to and from work, to the store, or to the local cinema as anything else currently available… but without the guilt.
The 2008 SMART Fortwo pricing and basic specifications can be found in the CleanMPG New Automobile spec forums (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/f-new-automobile-specs-27.html/) , in the following article: 2008 SMART Fortwo (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/new-automobile-specs/t-2008-smart-fortwo-7095.html).
2008 SMART Fortwo – First Impressions
When you first see the SMART, you will ask yourself how in the world am I going to comfortably fit into that? The next question you will ponder is how safe can it be? After that, the hypermiler in all of us will wonder what a lightweight Mini with a 1.0L ICE is worth in terms of FE ;) Let us take it for a drive and find out!
Given the exterior size, front seat comfort is what I call nicely achieved including good leg, hip, shoulder, and head room. It is surprisingly roomy considering the initial impression created by the car's small size.
Then we have the transmission … this is a manual that shifts automatically so you have to understand that it will perform similar to a MT with the standard accel and decel cycles between shifts. I wish the SMART people had stressed this point to the other journalists because I believe they were expecting to experience something similar to the seamless auto most are used to?
Rear view visibility via the rear view mirror is limited due to the tall and wide, integrated headrests.
Side and rear corner views are especially tight due to the very large C-pillar. You have to be careful with lane changes in this car as the sight lines to the sides and rear are extremely limited.
Acceleration from 0 mph begins with a slight shudder while the auto-manual transmission transitions from brake to launch. A shudder is also experienced when shutting the ICE down. This feels very similar to the Insight when it shuts down -- possibly due to the normally unbalanced nature of most 3-cyl engines.
Wind noise around the A and C-pillars in the Cabriolet is pronounced. Of course around town it would not be a problem but there is a higher dB to deal with at highway speeds.
P&G is not nearly as effective as a straight stick combined with a more powerful ICE, but there were no good opportunities to optimize her yet to be discovered efficiencies during the test drives.
The transmission is geared for very high RPM at 60 mph. Calculations predicted 2,857 RPM which matched the real world measurement dead on.
She climbs at 36 to 38 MPG while between 45 and 55 mph -- this is really surprising. These numbers were observed while driving into and out of the canyons between San Francisco and San Jose, which are pretty steep by comparison to anything we drive in the Midwest.
Because the SMART has the ability to be flat towed, the automatic-manual transmission can be FAS’ed but it does not allow the selection of gear for a given condition as fast as you could choose it with a standard stick. The fact that there is no clutch that the driver can engage means you must bring her up off the 12V. Due to the small 1.0L ICE, the smallish OEM 12V held 12.3 – 12.5V through any Fas during daylight hours. All in all, you won’t be FAS’ing this one like you would a stick. Unfortunately or not, this is the way it was designed.
If you want attention, drive a SMART Fortwo. People were coming out of the woodwork to take a look and ask questions about this car. I could have sold at least 3 while driving around the downtown sections of San Jose and San Francisco, CA.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_next_to_a_dual_trailered_semi_Medium.jpg2008 SMART Fortwo – Safety
This one is a relatively easy discussion. Late last week, the European NCAP crash test results for the new Smart Fortwo were released and surprisingly, the vehicle displayed performance comparable to that of an everyday Honda Civic. Although we will not see a US based IIHS result for some time, the SMART should achieve 4 Stars in both the front and side impact tests. After viewing crash vid’s, crash test data, third party write-ups and tests, I would not hesitate to give the keys to anyone in my immediate family. For a vehicle to intrude into the interior of the SMART Fortwo, it would somehow have to drive through the wheels and axles or the tightly wrapped and protected passenger cell from any direction. With the standard side air-bags acting as both side and head curtains, it creates a safety package far beyond what most vehicles in its price class can be equipped with. Added to the excellent structural engineering, the SMART Fortwo is equipped with seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters. This is all designed to protect you in a crash but the SMART also offers both ABS and ESP (electronic stability program) to keep you out of harm's way to begin with.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Ride
Ride quality is busy at higher speeds because of the short wheelbase. In heavy and fast moving traffic while on the Interstates, even large 18-wheelers do not bother the SMART Fortwo’s track but you have to pay attention. She does not offer a Lexus comfortable ride at speed but it is comfortable enough given the somewhat soft sprung suspension. I would rather ride in a SMART Fortwo than a VW New Beetle for example. For short trips around town, there would be no issues whatsoever.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Handling
Around town at speeds lower than her natural adhesion limits, this is a wonderfully maneuverable vehicle. U-Turns can be performed at will on just about any street given the 28'7" turning diameter.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/SMART_Fortwo_-_5_side_by_side_in_San_Jose_Medium.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/SMART_Fortwo_-_side_by_side_in_San_Jose_Medium.jpg
Although not a handling attribute per se, the ability to park face out two or three abreast in a spot meant for one makes the SMART Fortwo the ultimate inner city vehicle.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Short term FE results
Although I did not drive the SMART Fortwo the entire distance over the routes we were directed to travel, I was behind the wheel for ~ 2/3 of the total distance traveled including two long highway bouts between San Francisco and San Jose (one to the other and back). On day 1 in a completely non-setup SMART over a route including ~ 20% city and 80% highway, she retuned 52.7 mpg over 37 miles per the SG-II. My non-hypermile trained journalist partner, Kelly Thomas from the Pioneer Press pulled a 35.9 mpg run over 9.6 miles of 35% highway and 65% city. On day 2, the Smart allowed a 54.6 mpg run with a 4 mile – 40 minute stop and crawl out of San Jose and an all-highway and unmolested run back into downtown San Francisco. I was learning ;) Kelly took over for 22.5 miles pulling a 35.6 mpg segment in and amongst the outskirts and into the inner portions of San Francisco. I took the opportunity to drive a nightmarish segment taking the SMART through everything downtown San Francisco had to offer including our final destination, Fisherman’s Wharf. That short segment yielded 43.8 mpg in strictly stop light to stop light, hill climb to descent to climb and repeat “Streets of San Francisco” nightmare while I threw the book at it. The SMART offered up a respectable 45.5 mpg average over ~ 120 miles with 1/3 of the driving performed by Kelly and 2/3 by me. This included ~ 1/3 harsh inner city and 2/3 somewhat open Interstate. Between 48 and 58 mph, she would allow 50 – 70 MPG and this is indeed a nice little spot to hold thus making me believe 60 MPG should be achievable by a trained hypermiler with an unmolested suburb/highway commute.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Possibilities
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_-_EV_version_in_San_Jose_Medium.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_-_EV_version_plugged_in_while_in_San_Jose_Medium.jpg
150 EV’s are being introduced into London as a research project. The batteries are sodium-nickel chloride w/ an AER of 70 miles. There is a possibility of a SMART EV in 2010 or 2011 but definitely no promises for that one.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Near Future
MHD (Micro-hybrid drive) is being seriously considered. MHD allows an approximate 10% drop in CO2 emissions on the European FE test results. Currently, there is the MHD’s basic 12V Start-Stop system upgrade costing only 250 Euros. It is run off a larger 12V w/ Voltage being monitored for SoC. If there is too low a voltage, the SMART MHD will not allow a Stop-Start cycle. Expect the MHD to make it over to the US with a $500 premium or thereabouts.
MS SYNC is definitely a possibility in 2009 given the rave reviews the US press has given that option in various Fords, Lincolns, and Mercurys as of late.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Short term Conclusions
The SMART Fortwo will not attract the 0 to 60 set, the ultimate luxury car owner, or larger families but it may attract inner city dwellers with limited parking spaces, empty nesters, lower and lower middle income new car buyers, college students and those looking for a much more fuel efficient second or third automobile. What it offers is a very attention grabbing and fuel efficient automobile to individuals who may never before have had the opportunity to own a vehicle with its capabilities. Let me put it another way. If you think Cameron Diaz driving a Prius up to the Red carpet attracts attention, you have never experienced the scene surrounding a SMART Fortwo when driving to work, to the store, to dinner or even the rare times you do have to visit the gas station ;)
Why a SMART Fortwo vs. a Yaris, Fit or even a Prius? When you pull a Yaris, Fit or Prius into your drive, you neighbor may come over say “nice color”. When you pull a SMART Fortwo into your drive, all the neighbors will come over and ask about “the car”.
It all comes down to this: Can you justify a compromise on the SMART Fortwo’s size, handling and the quirky automatic-manual transmission for near Hybrid levels of FE, a very inexpensive price, ease of parking and attention grabbing style?
We are very much looking forward to spending a little longer period with the SMART Fortwo in the near future. Stay tuned.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_-_in_front_of_the_Pacific_Ocean_in_San_Francisco_Medium.jpg
2008 SMART Fortwo overlooking the Pacific – San Francisco, CA.
I would like to thank Daimler, SMART and Penske for supplying enough SMART’s for a good feel of what the vehicle was worth through any number of local conditions and also for putting up with the horde of journalists including myself for a fast and furious 24-hour SMART Fortwo press launch. I would also like to thank my driving partner, Kelly Thomas of the Pioneer Press here in Illinois for taking notes during my driving segments, Sean Welch (Right Lane Cruiser) for editing a large portion of the above and Mark Clifford of Markclifford.com (www.markclifford.com) for many of the professional photos taken throughout the event.
An update for 2009...
One of the Smart Fortwo’s Achilles heels has been the manumatic automated transmissions long pauses and lurches between gear changes.
Smart’s USA CEO, Dave Schrembi said a fix is coming within weeks for purchasers of any of the 25,000 plus Fortwo’s that were purchased in the last year.
Some say the way the car shifts adds to its unique character,” Mr. Schrembi said. “For those that do not want the novelty, Smart will offer a free update to the car’s software system to make for smoother shifting.”
The update will take about an hour.
Wayne
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_-_Front.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (www.CleanMPG.com) - Nov. 3, 2007
It’s small, it’s cute and it’s safe. Here is a sneak peek at yet another transportation solution giving us a glimpse today of where we may be headed tomorrow.
How many of us have driven back and forth to work with just ourselves in the car? A little known statistic reveals that 90% do just that on a day to day basis. How many times have you and your spouse gone out for the evening and ordered 4, 5 or even 7 full meals? I think we all know the answer to that question too. When was the last time you asked the owner of a 7-Series BMW or a Hummer H2 owner how he or she liked their car while sitting at the gas station? I do not think that one takes much imagination either? Let me introduce you to the SMART Fortwo.
From the SMART’s small yet attention grabbing exterior to the playful feel of the interior, this automobile is every bit as good at taking one to and from work, to the store, or to the local cinema as anything else currently available… but without the guilt.
The 2008 SMART Fortwo pricing and basic specifications can be found in the CleanMPG New Automobile spec forums (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/f-new-automobile-specs-27.html/) , in the following article: 2008 SMART Fortwo (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/new-automobile-specs/t-2008-smart-fortwo-7095.html).
2008 SMART Fortwo – First Impressions
When you first see the SMART, you will ask yourself how in the world am I going to comfortably fit into that? The next question you will ponder is how safe can it be? After that, the hypermiler in all of us will wonder what a lightweight Mini with a 1.0L ICE is worth in terms of FE ;) Let us take it for a drive and find out!
Given the exterior size, front seat comfort is what I call nicely achieved including good leg, hip, shoulder, and head room. It is surprisingly roomy considering the initial impression created by the car's small size.
Then we have the transmission … this is a manual that shifts automatically so you have to understand that it will perform similar to a MT with the standard accel and decel cycles between shifts. I wish the SMART people had stressed this point to the other journalists because I believe they were expecting to experience something similar to the seamless auto most are used to?
Rear view visibility via the rear view mirror is limited due to the tall and wide, integrated headrests.
Side and rear corner views are especially tight due to the very large C-pillar. You have to be careful with lane changes in this car as the sight lines to the sides and rear are extremely limited.
Acceleration from 0 mph begins with a slight shudder while the auto-manual transmission transitions from brake to launch. A shudder is also experienced when shutting the ICE down. This feels very similar to the Insight when it shuts down -- possibly due to the normally unbalanced nature of most 3-cyl engines.
Wind noise around the A and C-pillars in the Cabriolet is pronounced. Of course around town it would not be a problem but there is a higher dB to deal with at highway speeds.
P&G is not nearly as effective as a straight stick combined with a more powerful ICE, but there were no good opportunities to optimize her yet to be discovered efficiencies during the test drives.
The transmission is geared for very high RPM at 60 mph. Calculations predicted 2,857 RPM which matched the real world measurement dead on.
She climbs at 36 to 38 MPG while between 45 and 55 mph -- this is really surprising. These numbers were observed while driving into and out of the canyons between San Francisco and San Jose, which are pretty steep by comparison to anything we drive in the Midwest.
Because the SMART has the ability to be flat towed, the automatic-manual transmission can be FAS’ed but it does not allow the selection of gear for a given condition as fast as you could choose it with a standard stick. The fact that there is no clutch that the driver can engage means you must bring her up off the 12V. Due to the small 1.0L ICE, the smallish OEM 12V held 12.3 – 12.5V through any Fas during daylight hours. All in all, you won’t be FAS’ing this one like you would a stick. Unfortunately or not, this is the way it was designed.
If you want attention, drive a SMART Fortwo. People were coming out of the woodwork to take a look and ask questions about this car. I could have sold at least 3 while driving around the downtown sections of San Jose and San Francisco, CA.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_next_to_a_dual_trailered_semi_Medium.jpg2008 SMART Fortwo – Safety
This one is a relatively easy discussion. Late last week, the European NCAP crash test results for the new Smart Fortwo were released and surprisingly, the vehicle displayed performance comparable to that of an everyday Honda Civic. Although we will not see a US based IIHS result for some time, the SMART should achieve 4 Stars in both the front and side impact tests. After viewing crash vid’s, crash test data, third party write-ups and tests, I would not hesitate to give the keys to anyone in my immediate family. For a vehicle to intrude into the interior of the SMART Fortwo, it would somehow have to drive through the wheels and axles or the tightly wrapped and protected passenger cell from any direction. With the standard side air-bags acting as both side and head curtains, it creates a safety package far beyond what most vehicles in its price class can be equipped with. Added to the excellent structural engineering, the SMART Fortwo is equipped with seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters. This is all designed to protect you in a crash but the SMART also offers both ABS and ESP (electronic stability program) to keep you out of harm's way to begin with.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Ride
Ride quality is busy at higher speeds because of the short wheelbase. In heavy and fast moving traffic while on the Interstates, even large 18-wheelers do not bother the SMART Fortwo’s track but you have to pay attention. She does not offer a Lexus comfortable ride at speed but it is comfortable enough given the somewhat soft sprung suspension. I would rather ride in a SMART Fortwo than a VW New Beetle for example. For short trips around town, there would be no issues whatsoever.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Handling
Around town at speeds lower than her natural adhesion limits, this is a wonderfully maneuverable vehicle. U-Turns can be performed at will on just about any street given the 28'7" turning diameter.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/SMART_Fortwo_-_5_side_by_side_in_San_Jose_Medium.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/SMART_Fortwo_-_side_by_side_in_San_Jose_Medium.jpg
Although not a handling attribute per se, the ability to park face out two or three abreast in a spot meant for one makes the SMART Fortwo the ultimate inner city vehicle.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Short term FE results
Although I did not drive the SMART Fortwo the entire distance over the routes we were directed to travel, I was behind the wheel for ~ 2/3 of the total distance traveled including two long highway bouts between San Francisco and San Jose (one to the other and back). On day 1 in a completely non-setup SMART over a route including ~ 20% city and 80% highway, she retuned 52.7 mpg over 37 miles per the SG-II. My non-hypermile trained journalist partner, Kelly Thomas from the Pioneer Press pulled a 35.9 mpg run over 9.6 miles of 35% highway and 65% city. On day 2, the Smart allowed a 54.6 mpg run with a 4 mile – 40 minute stop and crawl out of San Jose and an all-highway and unmolested run back into downtown San Francisco. I was learning ;) Kelly took over for 22.5 miles pulling a 35.6 mpg segment in and amongst the outskirts and into the inner portions of San Francisco. I took the opportunity to drive a nightmarish segment taking the SMART through everything downtown San Francisco had to offer including our final destination, Fisherman’s Wharf. That short segment yielded 43.8 mpg in strictly stop light to stop light, hill climb to descent to climb and repeat “Streets of San Francisco” nightmare while I threw the book at it. The SMART offered up a respectable 45.5 mpg average over ~ 120 miles with 1/3 of the driving performed by Kelly and 2/3 by me. This included ~ 1/3 harsh inner city and 2/3 somewhat open Interstate. Between 48 and 58 mph, she would allow 50 – 70 MPG and this is indeed a nice little spot to hold thus making me believe 60 MPG should be achievable by a trained hypermiler with an unmolested suburb/highway commute.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Possibilities
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_-_EV_version_in_San_Jose_Medium.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_-_EV_version_plugged_in_while_in_San_Jose_Medium.jpg
150 EV’s are being introduced into London as a research project. The batteries are sodium-nickel chloride w/ an AER of 70 miles. There is a possibility of a SMART EV in 2010 or 2011 but definitely no promises for that one.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Near Future
MHD (Micro-hybrid drive) is being seriously considered. MHD allows an approximate 10% drop in CO2 emissions on the European FE test results. Currently, there is the MHD’s basic 12V Start-Stop system upgrade costing only 250 Euros. It is run off a larger 12V w/ Voltage being monitored for SoC. If there is too low a voltage, the SMART MHD will not allow a Stop-Start cycle. Expect the MHD to make it over to the US with a $500 premium or thereabouts.
MS SYNC is definitely a possibility in 2009 given the rave reviews the US press has given that option in various Fords, Lincolns, and Mercurys as of late.
2008 SMART Fortwo – Short term Conclusions
The SMART Fortwo will not attract the 0 to 60 set, the ultimate luxury car owner, or larger families but it may attract inner city dwellers with limited parking spaces, empty nesters, lower and lower middle income new car buyers, college students and those looking for a much more fuel efficient second or third automobile. What it offers is a very attention grabbing and fuel efficient automobile to individuals who may never before have had the opportunity to own a vehicle with its capabilities. Let me put it another way. If you think Cameron Diaz driving a Prius up to the Red carpet attracts attention, you have never experienced the scene surrounding a SMART Fortwo when driving to work, to the store, to dinner or even the rare times you do have to visit the gas station ;)
Why a SMART Fortwo vs. a Yaris, Fit or even a Prius? When you pull a Yaris, Fit or Prius into your drive, you neighbor may come over say “nice color”. When you pull a SMART Fortwo into your drive, all the neighbors will come over and ask about “the car”.
It all comes down to this: Can you justify a compromise on the SMART Fortwo’s size, handling and the quirky automatic-manual transmission for near Hybrid levels of FE, a very inexpensive price, ease of parking and attention grabbing style?
We are very much looking forward to spending a little longer period with the SMART Fortwo in the near future. Stay tuned.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/523/Driving_SMART_-_in_front_of_the_Pacific_Ocean_in_San_Francisco_Medium.jpg
2008 SMART Fortwo overlooking the Pacific – San Francisco, CA.
I would like to thank Daimler, SMART and Penske for supplying enough SMART’s for a good feel of what the vehicle was worth through any number of local conditions and also for putting up with the horde of journalists including myself for a fast and furious 24-hour SMART Fortwo press launch. I would also like to thank my driving partner, Kelly Thomas of the Pioneer Press here in Illinois for taking notes during my driving segments, Sean Welch (Right Lane Cruiser) for editing a large portion of the above and Mark Clifford of Markclifford.com (www.markclifford.com) for many of the professional photos taken throughout the event.
An update for 2009...
One of the Smart Fortwo’s Achilles heels has been the manumatic automated transmissions long pauses and lurches between gear changes.
Smart’s USA CEO, Dave Schrembi said a fix is coming within weeks for purchasers of any of the 25,000 plus Fortwo’s that were purchased in the last year.
Some say the way the car shifts adds to its unique character,” Mr. Schrembi said. “For those that do not want the novelty, Smart will offer a free update to the car’s software system to make for smoother shifting.”
The update will take about an hour.
Wayne