Smart diesel test drive - the very darkest side?
Discussion
A new business venture has me looking into small, economical and much as I hate to say it, eco-friendly cars. Masses of mileage around a big city and the need to be able to scoot about easily and park on a pin head pointed me at a Smart.
Having spotted some reasonable deals on the web I wandered along to Smart Bristol with my notepad and tape measure.
The sales chap greeted me and asked what I was looking for. I discussed my needs and he happily let me pull poke and prod my way around the showroom car.
Now, people think these things are tiny, but the boot will allow a package of 90cm x 60cm x 70cm (up to the roof) or up to 40cm to the base of the rear window. I liked the split tailgate.
If you have a long item then the passenger seat folds flat giving roughly 150cm x 50cm x 70cm.
All pretty versatile and with decent chunky levers there's a hint of longevity.
Having established the vehicle size is suitable the next item was a test drive. Petrol or diesel? I thought it'd be a hoot to try the 45bhp diesel and its 80mpg urban cycle. A quick handing over of the licence and away we went.
I declined the flappy paddles and just stuck it in Auto mode to begin with. Many have slated the bumpy ride and the gear change in reviews so what would the reality be?
The ride - Helping this are the seats which are superbly comfortable and well padded. The headrest is built into the high back design a bit like an 80s Renault with "petal" seats. As we bounced down a road I know well for being utterly awful (moreso in my mother's Ka) I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. No clunks, rattling or anything undue and it wasn't anything like as hard as my Mazda 6 but obviously not as sublime as my E34 540.
Once we headed further out along a favourite country road of mine I played with the tiptronic box, but with the lever as I don't plan ordering flappy paddles. Press a button on the side of the selector and it switches from auto to tip. When pressing on the changes were perfectly smooth if not split second. It's like a manual change being carried out carefully. It's worth noting that you will need a fair bit of planning to overtake anything!
I also had the chance to try the handling along an NSL stretch with some delightful bends. The line of cars which had followed me closely in the 30mph limit soon disappeared backwards as the Smart hustled its way round smoothly. The non-PAS is spot on in town (engine in the back and all that) and gives excellent if rather firm feedback out and about. After the very light Mazda it took a bit of getting used to but rewarded correct lines with some well held cornering speed. Up to the speed limit it was more than happy.
From traffic lights up to 30-40mph it is brisk enough and once on the open road it'll beetle up to the speed limit quite happily. Joining the M48 and matching the speed of other traffic was another feather in the cap. I think the sales chap was happy we were onto a straight bit after flying round the roundabout.
Uphill on the M4 heading back it found things a little tougher, but was by no means the slowest vehicle out there. An elderly driver moving at the speed of evolution itself kept things very slow around the M4/M5 interchange.
Turning off the highly effective air-con revealed very little road and no wind noise. The gentle thrum of the 3cyl engine was a happy little sound too!
Back in traffic around Cribbs Causeway I noted the high diving position afforded great visibility and meant planning those momentum maintaining entrances to roundabouts was quite easy. Nipping out with pace into traffic is not overly difficult although at times the box did seem to want to change up suicidally early. After a while I got used to the fact that all you do is not panic, keep the throttle open and the wave of torque pings you out of the way in plenty of time. Another point to recall is that as this is a short car you are out of the way quickly anyway!
The brakes will stop it on it's nose and all the controls fall very readily to hand. It's a real no-brainer to drive and left me smiling, especially being able to see the back of the car when reversing
For what it is meant to do it does it very well and yes I'd have one over the old shape Ka in a flash. I'm working out the figures for my business venture as this car makes it a distinct possibility. Huge mpg and no road tax help. Could I spend all day in it? Around town yes as it's so easy going. Out of town for quick trips it'll be fine too. Any great distance will see the 540 come out to play and do 50mpg less.
A number of other people in the dealership were keen to test drive too. We chatted while the coffee was brought out. Some wanted their golf clubs to fit - they do. Others wanted a car for every day use. None would have been seen dead in one previously, but having got there and started playing, views seemed to change. Mine did.
Oh yes, the diesel does clatter at cold but as soon as you move it makes a fabulous noise - but I do like triples anyway
The Passion model has plenty of standard kit - air-con, electric windows etc. The options list is plentiful so you can pick and choose to your wallet's content.
There are new models out with MHD - stop start to you and me. Thus using even less fuel.
So how have I left things? I have quotes for my various choices and finance options and enjoyed a great experience with the young enthusiastic staff who all spoke with genuine excitement about these fun little cars.
Decisions to be made within 2 weeks...
Having spotted some reasonable deals on the web I wandered along to Smart Bristol with my notepad and tape measure.
The sales chap greeted me and asked what I was looking for. I discussed my needs and he happily let me pull poke and prod my way around the showroom car.
Now, people think these things are tiny, but the boot will allow a package of 90cm x 60cm x 70cm (up to the roof) or up to 40cm to the base of the rear window. I liked the split tailgate.
If you have a long item then the passenger seat folds flat giving roughly 150cm x 50cm x 70cm.
All pretty versatile and with decent chunky levers there's a hint of longevity.
Having established the vehicle size is suitable the next item was a test drive. Petrol or diesel? I thought it'd be a hoot to try the 45bhp diesel and its 80mpg urban cycle. A quick handing over of the licence and away we went.
I declined the flappy paddles and just stuck it in Auto mode to begin with. Many have slated the bumpy ride and the gear change in reviews so what would the reality be?
The ride - Helping this are the seats which are superbly comfortable and well padded. The headrest is built into the high back design a bit like an 80s Renault with "petal" seats. As we bounced down a road I know well for being utterly awful (moreso in my mother's Ka) I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. No clunks, rattling or anything undue and it wasn't anything like as hard as my Mazda 6 but obviously not as sublime as my E34 540.
Once we headed further out along a favourite country road of mine I played with the tiptronic box, but with the lever as I don't plan ordering flappy paddles. Press a button on the side of the selector and it switches from auto to tip. When pressing on the changes were perfectly smooth if not split second. It's like a manual change being carried out carefully. It's worth noting that you will need a fair bit of planning to overtake anything!
I also had the chance to try the handling along an NSL stretch with some delightful bends. The line of cars which had followed me closely in the 30mph limit soon disappeared backwards as the Smart hustled its way round smoothly. The non-PAS is spot on in town (engine in the back and all that) and gives excellent if rather firm feedback out and about. After the very light Mazda it took a bit of getting used to but rewarded correct lines with some well held cornering speed. Up to the speed limit it was more than happy.
From traffic lights up to 30-40mph it is brisk enough and once on the open road it'll beetle up to the speed limit quite happily. Joining the M48 and matching the speed of other traffic was another feather in the cap. I think the sales chap was happy we were onto a straight bit after flying round the roundabout.
Uphill on the M4 heading back it found things a little tougher, but was by no means the slowest vehicle out there. An elderly driver moving at the speed of evolution itself kept things very slow around the M4/M5 interchange.
Turning off the highly effective air-con revealed very little road and no wind noise. The gentle thrum of the 3cyl engine was a happy little sound too!
Back in traffic around Cribbs Causeway I noted the high diving position afforded great visibility and meant planning those momentum maintaining entrances to roundabouts was quite easy. Nipping out with pace into traffic is not overly difficult although at times the box did seem to want to change up suicidally early. After a while I got used to the fact that all you do is not panic, keep the throttle open and the wave of torque pings you out of the way in plenty of time. Another point to recall is that as this is a short car you are out of the way quickly anyway!
The brakes will stop it on it's nose and all the controls fall very readily to hand. It's a real no-brainer to drive and left me smiling, especially being able to see the back of the car when reversing
For what it is meant to do it does it very well and yes I'd have one over the old shape Ka in a flash. I'm working out the figures for my business venture as this car makes it a distinct possibility. Huge mpg and no road tax help. Could I spend all day in it? Around town yes as it's so easy going. Out of town for quick trips it'll be fine too. Any great distance will see the 540 come out to play and do 50mpg less.
A number of other people in the dealership were keen to test drive too. We chatted while the coffee was brought out. Some wanted their golf clubs to fit - they do. Others wanted a car for every day use. None would have been seen dead in one previously, but having got there and started playing, views seemed to change. Mine did.
Oh yes, the diesel does clatter at cold but as soon as you move it makes a fabulous noise - but I do like triples anyway
The Passion model has plenty of standard kit - air-con, electric windows etc. The options list is plentiful so you can pick and choose to your wallet's content.
There are new models out with MHD - stop start to you and me. Thus using even less fuel.
So how have I left things? I have quotes for my various choices and finance options and enjoyed a great experience with the young enthusiastic staff who all spoke with genuine excitement about these fun little cars.
Decisions to be made within 2 weeks...
Edited by Six Fiend on Sunday 3rd May 20:57
rallycross said:
not been in a new smart but have had the 700cc for two.
if you can afford it buy a real car, like a ka or fiesta, forget about buying a smart.
But you says this on your profile...if you can afford it buy a real car, like a ka or fiesta, forget about buying a smart.
"SMart cars are brilliant little city cars and can be fun to hussle along, they even cruise along at 80 on the motorway, road tax is £35 year, they park in the smallest of spaces and have loads of room for 2 people, what are you waiting for?"
Smart would be for business and marketing purposes due to Eco side of things. I may choose petrol as it is currently the greenest whole life new vehicle on the market.
Even if it wasn't I'd still consider one as a town car - it made me smile most of the time, which is part of motoring for me
Edited by Six Fiend on Sunday 3rd May 20:59
va1o said:
Good review 
Very very economical cars, shame they dont get as much pres coverage as the likes of VW Polo Bluemotion etc
Thanks Very very economical cars, shame they dont get as much pres coverage as the likes of VW Polo Bluemotion etc
I do enjoy my scribblings.Nobody You Know said:
When did Troy Queef join PH?
I'll take that as a compliment 
Edited by Six Fiend on Sunday 3rd May 20:51
Nobody You Know said:
When did Troy Queef join PH?
But he didn't say things like "the threnody of the 3 pot engine" or dabs of "oppo" Good review though. I love Smarts - rented one from Easy Rent a Car for two weeks quite a few weeks ago in Barcelona. Managed to choose my own - got a black one with a spangly tridium with the blue and burnt orange interior, aircon, glass roof etc. Fantastic car.
I too am in Bristol, however I bought my smart fortwo cdi from smart of Wolverhampton, where they really worked for my business and managed to get me a car to my spec 4wks ahead of the date Bristol could get - I collected my car exactly 4wks from ordering it. You seemed to get a longer test drive out of Bristol than I did (Avonmouth and back)
I'm really pleased with the car. OK its a bit slow compared to the old car (now in the classifieds
) but its more than acceptable. I've only done 340 miles in it so far and its not asking me to feed it yet. Reports from other owners on www.thesmartclub.com show that 60+mpg is feasible on a day to day basis, with one owner reporting 69mpg on her first tankful.
Mine is a coupe, white panels, silver tridion, design red interior with pods, paddles, glovebox.
I've now swapped my wide wheels from the old car, which means this one now handles rather nicely. I'm looking forward to taking it back to its birthplace in 2 weeks time. thesmartclub has an annual "pilgrimage" to smartville to see the fortwo being assembled, then we're off to Bottrop to visit BRABUS, home of the mad smarts and even madder Mercs.
I'm really pleased with the car. OK its a bit slow compared to the old car (now in the classifieds
) but its more than acceptable. I've only done 340 miles in it so far and its not asking me to feed it yet. Reports from other owners on www.thesmartclub.com show that 60+mpg is feasible on a day to day basis, with one owner reporting 69mpg on her first tankful. Mine is a coupe, white panels, silver tridion, design red interior with pods, paddles, glovebox.
I've now swapped my wide wheels from the old car, which means this one now handles rather nicely. I'm looking forward to taking it back to its birthplace in 2 weeks time. thesmartclub has an annual "pilgrimage" to smartville to see the fortwo being assembled, then we're off to Bottrop to visit BRABUS, home of the mad smarts and even madder Mercs.
Edited by J500ANT on Sunday 3rd May 22:55
J500ANT said:
I too am in Bristol, however I bought my smart fortwo cdi from smart of Wolverhampton, where they really worked for my business and managed to get me a car to my spec 4wks ahead of the date Bristol could get - I collected my car exactly 4wks from ordering it. You seemed to get a longer test drive out of Bristol than I did (Avonmouth and back)
I'm really pleased with the car. OK its a bit slow compared to the old car (now in the classifieds ) but its more than acceptable. I've only done 340 miles in it so far and its not asking me to feed it yet. Reports from other owners on www.thesmartclub.com show that 60+mpg is feasible on a day to day basis, with one owner reporting 69mpg on her first tankful.
Mine is a coupe, white panels, silver tridion, design red interior with pods, paddles, glovebox.
I've now swapped my wide wheels from the old car, which means this one now handles rather nicely. I'm looking forward to taking it back to its birthplace in 2 weeks time. thesmartclub has an annual "pilgrimage" to smartville to see the fortwo being assembled, then we're off to Bottrop to visit BRABUS, home of the mad smarts and even madder Mercs.
Lovely looking Smart chap, I love these cars. I'm looking into the possibility of purchasing one in the next couple of months and the diesel is certainly on my shortlist. What sort of MPG return have you personally had from it? I imagine as the engine loosens up the MPG will only get better?I'm really pleased with the car. OK its a bit slow compared to the old car (now in the classifieds
) but its more than acceptable. I've only done 340 miles in it so far and its not asking me to feed it yet. Reports from other owners on www.thesmartclub.com show that 60+mpg is feasible on a day to day basis, with one owner reporting 69mpg on her first tankful. Mine is a coupe, white panels, silver tridion, design red interior with pods, paddles, glovebox.
I've now swapped my wide wheels from the old car, which means this one now handles rather nicely. I'm looking forward to taking it back to its birthplace in 2 weeks time. thesmartclub has an annual "pilgrimage" to smartville to see the fortwo being assembled, then we're off to Bottrop to visit BRABUS, home of the mad smarts and even madder Mercs.
Edited by J500ANT on Sunday 3rd May 22:55
czzzzpzzzz said:
Lovely looking Smart chap, I love these cars. I'm looking into the possibility of purchasing one in the next couple of months and the diesel is certainly on my shortlist. What sort of MPG return have you personally had from it? I imagine as the engine loosens up the MPG will only get better?
I havent had to fill it yet, so cant say what mpg i've got from it. Once I do, i'll report back. jamoor said:
Why would someone buy this over a polo etc?
Its hard to say.A smart is packed with character, there's a perverse pleasure in driving one, enjoying its size and pace, the thrum of the little engine a few inches behind you, the satisfaction in getting the gearbox to work with you not against you. If you come to one with an open mind, you might find you'd like it. I love it, i've had lots of them and have loved every one.
I love Smart cars But I really couldn't live with the ponderous diesel option. 80mpg or not. I don't have anything against diesels, its just.. 44bhp?? I thought the 61bhp petrol barely qualified as 'adequate' and was verging on the pedestrian..
When you factor in cheap road tax and insurance etc, the petrol models are still very cheap to run, yet they can still pull the skin off a well seasoned rice pudding too!
P,
But I really couldn't live with the ponderous diesel option. 80mpg or not. I don't have anything against diesels, its just.. 44bhp?? I thought the 61bhp petrol barely qualified as 'adequate' and was verging on the pedestrian..When you factor in cheap road tax and insurance etc, the petrol models are still very cheap to run, yet they can still pull the skin off a well seasoned rice pudding too!
P,
Six Fiend said:
For what it is meant to do it does it very well and yes I'd have one over the old shape Ka in a flash. I'm working out the figures for my business venture as this car makes it a distinct possibility. Huge mpg and no road tax help. Could I spend all day in it? Around town yes as it's so easy going. Out of town for quick trips it'll be fine too. Any great distance will see the 540 come out to play and do 50mpg less.
MsT bought an 08 Federal Smart in October, and its really a very good car. She uses it round town, but occasionally we go further afield.In March (or whenever it was) we took Smarty (yes, I named it) up to Tennessee, Pensacola to Newport, in a single hit. About 550 miles in all on a single day. It was the bit we weren't really looking forward to as its a long run in a very small car, but it was done in short time, and wasn't bad at all. Not as comfortable as the SUV, but not uncomfortable by a long stretch of the imagination.
Drove it round Tennessee, North Carolina, and northern Georgia for a few days. Got stuck in mud in Georgia, went up a mountain track by accident, and had a great time in the little thing.
That was the petrol version obviously. But my point is that for longer distances, its not so bad. Its only out of its comfort zone in bad windy weather, and then the fuel consumption drops, and you do fight your way along.
It was the torque which surprised me too. No it won't win a 0-62 race but off the lights and out of junctions it's smart enough
My test route was showroom at Cribbs, down to Easter Compton, Pilning, A4 to Aust, M48, M4, M5, pootle round Cribbs and back to showroom. A bit of every sort of road and a route well known to me
They are about to order for June / July deliveries which ties in well for me.
Glad other people like the cheeky chappies
My test route was showroom at Cribbs, down to Easter Compton, Pilning, A4 to Aust, M48, M4, M5, pootle round Cribbs and back to showroom. A bit of every sort of road and a route well known to me
They are about to order for June / July deliveries which ties in well for me.
Glad other people like the cheeky chappies
V-spec said:
Out of interest, how about test driving a Toyota IQ as well? Very similar size, but 4 (well... 3 and a half) seats. I'd be interested to see the review (save me doing it!)
The trouble with the IQ is the price, about £1000 more than a Smart I think.ETA, Smart 1.0 70bhp Passion £8500,
IQ 1.0 67bhp £9500.
So it`s roughly a grand difference on the petrol. Of course, Toyota don`t do a diesel IQ but, the Smart Passion cdi is £8900.
Edited by Deerfoot on Monday 4th May 09:43
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