I’m taking a break from my Europe posts for a bit but actually complimenting them, in a way. This time, it’ll be a sort of European auto edition one.
Because I did it. I reserved a Smart Car.
They’re coming to The States in the first quarter of 2008. And, if I go through with the reservation (pending an actual test drive), I’ll be literally halving the curb weight of my Judy Jettason. I’ll be going less than half my current horsepower but there may be some solutions to that in the future–what with people inserting Mitsu engines in the current models in Europe. Somebody’s got to program a chip, no? Less than 1500 lbs. and stocked with a 3-cylinder, 1-litre engine capable of 71 hp and a top speed of 90 mph, the Smart fortwo is perfect for an urbanite like me. That’s what they call us, anyway–their “target market.”
I must say, I’m excited about practically being able to pay for the car in cash. And that’s even before considering my gas budget. With my tank holding only 8.7 gallons and my mileage per gallon averaging 40, I think of the fun I’ll have boasting that I budget about $30 towards gas per month.
I love the environment, but even more than that I’m at a point in my life where I want to be content with having “just enough” and trusting that He will always provide if I need more. Options are good, but I’m trying to find even more freedom through sacrificing conveniences in order to contribute to the greater good. It’s the freeing of the mind and being the change that I want to see (credit for that phrase goes to my yoga teacher Hillary).
But the efficiency. I get the shivers just thinking of it. Spending $30 per month on gas in Los Angeles is like a long-delayed realization of the horribly idealized goal of the foundations of this city, a city built upon the concept of modernity. “Modernity,” at the time, meant the owning of one’s own automobile in a city built to facilitate that–since the Ford Model T was a new invention at the time. As we’re all aware, now, with the resulting city being quite vast and spread out, there can never be streets nor highways wide enough to handle that sort of capacity. Population growth happens exponentially and when a city simply adds lanes, more people drive–again adding to vicious cycle of congestion. And so, what do you do in a metropolis built to resist the efficiencies of public transportation?
You make the driving experience as pleasurable, spirited and efficient as you can. (Well. I do. But I have never really desired owning an SUV–and there are plenty, here.)
I’m looking forward to lots of benefits, actually.
- Being able to park perpendicular practically anywhere I wish
- Having more options as far as parking spaces, period
- Continued, spirited driving around and despite L.A. traffic
- Paddle shifters
- Panoramic roof
- Not being asked to help anyone move
As for the disadvantages, with the obvious exception of cargo and extra passenger space, the issue of safety inevitably comes up. Okay. And if I move, I won’t be able to move myself. 
Despite the laws of physics, I’m really impressed with the results of the tridion steel cell that makes up the rigidity of the car. It seems to hold up–even when the vehicle is crashed at 70 mph into a concrete wall. But that’s just it. The natural laws of physics can’t be defied, and there’s only so much the cell can do to dissipate the G forces to be felt by the passengers without mass backing that up. I embedded a video of a crash test demonstration (enjoy the British accent–or the absence of an American one–whichever you prefer):
Yeah, so I’m fully accepting the dangers of freeway driving. And as someone who mostly drives in the city I’m equipped to do that. Pending the test drive, of course. If driving this American Smart Car is not as fun and spirited as it’s chalked up to be, I get my deposit back and lose a few month’s of interest.
I’m willing to accept that. 
Love,
*e
Other articles:
Daimler-Chrysler to sell Smart Car in U.S. on Motortrend
First Look: Smart fortwo on Edmunds
24 Comments
Europe has creeped into you. I applaud the choice for the smart car. But I fear the macho car culture of LA may give their launch a not so warm welcome.
Incidentally, I’m totally digging the mini-van/crossover SUV car scene out here in HK. Now they have some truly practical vehicles out here!
Just how are you going to fit a snowboard in there?! Or wil it have pride of place on the passenger seat?
I want one too! And I have no idea how to put a surfboard on top though. Can you up the horsepower without losing gas mileage?
I would *love* to have a Smart Car, but here in San José, the potholes are bigger than the car itself, so I’ve unfortunately had to give up that dream.
For now, I’m content with the bus system, but eventually I’ll have to get a car… for then, I’m thinking the Daihatsu Terios. Although it’s an SUV, it can get an incredible 35mpg!
OK, you are a brave, brave woman. The thought of driving a tiny Smart car in UK traffic scares me a little. In US traffic?! As I said, brave.
Enjoy though. And at least you’ll always be able to spot it in the car park. Unless you hid it behind a trash can or something…
@soulst0p: I’m prepared to defend my auto choice no matter the cost. Stay the course. (Pending the test drive is to my liking, of course.) How perfect that efficient SUV car scene is for you in HK.
@Kat: Good question. They say it’s 12 cubic feet of room in the back, and indeed the passenger seat folds down. Might be a squeeze but I’d be curious if me and a passenger could do it, even if it means unmounting the bindings.
They said it can be driven on snow, too. Hmm…
@Daniel: Ooh get one–it’d be perfect for New York! Good question on the gas mileage though. I know there are models with a turbo in it in Europe and get even better gas mileage. We’ll see what happens Stateside.
Aftermarket and the models to come. The Brabus model will come if this one goes well, I’m sure.
@Erin: I have to look your Daihatsu up! I’m curious as to the models you have in Costa Rica–you must have a much wider selection than us.
35 mpg is pretty awesome. And we should compare potholes, sometime. They get kind of nasty here, too. I guess it’s all relative and depends on the criteria, doesn’t it?
@Cas: I had to fish your comment out of spam! Wonder why it did that. Thank you for calling me a “brave woman”–you are much too kind.
I don’t really consider myself brave…just desiring fuel efficiency in this crazy city. If I lived out in the suburbs somewhere where I would have to go on the freeway much more often, I wouldn’t consider it because I would need more speed and safety! But the city is in fact my little pod. 
I figure it’s all about carpooling, isn’t it?
Oh, I’m completely jealous! I wish the Smart Cars were coming to Madison. I saw that there were dealerships bringing them to Chicago, though.
Unfortunately, the size of my family isn’t getting smaller anytime soon. However, my husband could use something like this for commuting! It would be especially great to have an electric Smart Car. Good for you!
This car was another reason why I loved Europe: I saw so many of these around. I hope to ride around in one.
Sweet!!! I’d love to get one just for the comedy factor of trying to get my lanky 6′4″ body into one!
i thought the SmartCar was dope when i went to Europe. 7 years ago. i’m surprised it’s taken this long for it to make it’s way over here. i hope you like it and get it….
@Anna: I say get the hubby one–cuz you can steal it too!
I’m thinking it is really the perfect commuter car.
@Capell: Indeed…I loved that about Europe. I have to say that being able to drive around a Fiat Panda (we don’t have Fiats here but you can just infer what a car named a “panda” might be like) in Naples gave me lots of confidence. Perhaps undue confidence, but confidence just the same.
You can come ride in mine anytime!
@Cappuccino: I’d love to see that, too. I hear that tall individuals still have plenty of headroom in these!!
@big league: That long ago, huh? Yeah we are a bit behind on quite a few things, while totally overblown on other things.
Hi! So glad to see that you are ”turning smart”!
To find out more about this brilliant machine I would suggest that you see what the smart enthusiasts have to say. Google clubsmartcar! Enjoy!
Cool. I’ve seen some on an import lot here. Down with the SUV!
i hear you can put a w12 in it, but it can’t really turn. j/k. Awesome car.
@Glenn: Thank you for the lead! Unfortunately I am way behind you Canadians since you’ve had the car available to you for years, already! I was able to find the Smartcar of America forums, though, fortunately.
@jimmiwin: Hoo! Hoo! You know you wanna trade your Bimmer in.
@codemunky: I’m still floored they fit one into a GTI, actually. Nose-heavy, much?
Hmm…you know what will happen? Every time you park in a parking lot, people are going to think that it’s an empty space and *almost* hit it!
The car itself reminds me of something out of “The Jetsons”. It’s so futuristic looking.
@Charles: Haha, I agree. And to prevent that, perhaps I’ll just park halfway into the parking spot instead of all the way.
@cristina: I’ll consider that a compliment! Thanks for stopping by!
Dude… I kinda want one of those. You rock!
Wow I’d be afraid to drive a Smart Car, imagine lining up next to a truck or trailer. I wouldn’t be able to get rid of the morbid thought of getting smashed by one of them :s
@Tiffany: No, you rock!! I’d say it’s time to visit the Smart Car USA website and put your money where your mouth is and reserve one now!
@weisheng: Indeed, so I’ve thought of that scenario many a time.
And I’m telling ya I’m willing to go toe-to-toe. Okay, maybe more guerilla militia than toe-to-toe. If all else fails, I’m entering into a parking contest w/the Hummers and trucks/trailers.
that’s an awesome roll-cage, which isn’t really a roll-cage.
Cool, but I’d take a Tesla Roadster first… if, er, I had a spare $100k. Good to see LA drivers taking a turn for the more economical though, and as for safety, it looks safer than a motorcycle; plenty of those in LA.
@lexybeast: If I had a spare $100k I’d have other plans, and they might not include a Smart Car, either.