I have been feeling like I am learning how to drive all over again. So many options, so different, so exciting…
I have been driving the new smart fortwo mhd for the last few days and what fun it has been – and what a test! There are so many options for propulsion that it really does take some trialling and time to sort out what suits you. And I could imagine that if you were driving it in different conditions you would have to trial other options.
Firstly you have to decide whether you want to use the Eco button – which means that the car switches its engine off when you come to a stop with your foot on the brake. And it takes great faith to believe that it will start again when you take your foot off the brake, especially when you are trying to time that entry out into busy traffic. But it does start each time and after two days I have learnt to take my foot off the brake pedal a fraction before I normally would to allow time for the engine to start.
And of course, if you have bought this car, the Eco button isn’t really a decision because that is one of the major reasons you bought it!
Secondly you have to decide whether you want auto or manual (no clutch). This is fabulous because even though I love manual there are times when auto is the way to go, eg: hill starts, heavy traffic, etc. So having the choice is great and you can change mid drive by simply pushing a button. Lovely. I did actually find the auto transmission a little rough but the manual was fun. If you decide to go manual be warned – all the changes up through the gears are just forward movements. There are no backward movements.
So after all the decision making is done you are driving along in a car that seems to polarise people with its looks – half the people I know thought it was very cute (mostly women) and the other half thought it was ugly (mostly men). I had an interesting discussion with some women work colleagues about this car. They were very interested in it and mostly because of its ecological qualities, which were very important to them. Most of the girls had seen lots of smart cars in Europe, especially Italy, and they thought it would be perfect for the Gold Coast.
I was very surprised by the spaciousness inside and adored the tinted glass roof with sunshade. Just what you need for the Gold Coast winter. I was also surprised by the height at which you sit. It is higher than most cars, actually similar to some smaller SUVs. So there's great vision for driving and in fact great vision all around. The boot is generous too.
The seats are good but the seat adjustments, and even the side rear-view mirror adjustments, are manual. The sound system is good though. And access in and out of this car is very easy.
If you are a city driver, like the fact you are helping the environment, like a bit “zip” in your car and enjoy something different, the smart is definitely for you.
So after starting off two days ago wondering if I would survive the four days of road testing, I am now quite attached to Humphrey. Yes, so attached I have named him. I have to give him back tomorrow so I am thinking of where I will take him for a spin this afternoon.
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