SMART Straightline Blog on Edmunds' Inside Line

September 3, 2008

Toyota may be working on iQ plug-in hybrid

Toyota iQ 555 2.jpg

AutoExpress is reporting that Toyota's Smart-fighter, the iQ, may get a plug-in hybrid version. The car would use a 500c gas engine. It would be able to travel 15 miles in pure electric mode. It could be in production by 2010. No word yet as to whether it will be sold here.

Speaking of "smart" and "iQ," what's with this naming of vehicles based on one's brain capabilities? Do they actually "think" (another brain function) that the buyers are smart and have high IQs? I always "thought" (past tense brain function) that puns (like these) were mainly for those (like me) of less capable intellect?

Full story here.

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Posted by: Bob Holland September 3, 2008, 7:55 AM
Categories: Green Tech, Hybrids, SMART, Toyota

August 25, 2008

Smart ForTwo may be built in USA

The once struggling Smart car now can't keep up with production. The factory in Hambach, France is running at nearly full tilt, and the need for extra production capacity is looming. As such Daimler is considering building another factory, either in the USA or Asia.

In addition Smart is considering adding a model with more seats. Does that mean they're going to bring back the earlier-offered and ill-fated ForFour model? Or will it be something entirely different?

Full story here.

Other Smart news

Smart is "smartin'" as a result of a recall, in which the roof and/or windshield could fly off. Yikes!

Smart Recalls 2008 Fortwo

Finally, a Smart turns up in--of all places--Anchorage, AK. I wasn't aware that this city in our northernmost state had traffic problem in which the tiny Smart car would be needed? One thing is for certain: It's getting a lot of attention from Alaskans who are far more used to seeing full-size trucks and SUVs on their roads.

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Posted by: Bob Holland August 25, 2008, 4:00 AM
Categories: SMART

August 1, 2008

Smart raises sales forecast for 2008

To say the Smart car is off to a smart start here in the USA would an understatement. In fact the Penske Automotive Group, which imports the car, has upped their sales projections for 2008. Originally Penske had hoped to sell 20,000 units this year. Now they're expecting to sell between 24,000 and 27,000 Smart ForTwos. ...And, if Daimler could deliver more cars, they would likely sell between 30,000 to 32,000 units.

Full story here.

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Posted by: Bob Holland August 1, 2008, 4:00 AM
Categories: SMART, Trends

July 23, 2008

The Premium Micro Car's time has arrived

mini & Smart convertibles 555.jpg

It looks like the once unthinkable is now upon us. Sales of premium mico cars such as the Mini and Smart are soaring. If you go to buy a Smart tomorrow, you'll likely have to wait a year before you can drive away in one; and Mini sales are showing a 34-percent increase over this time last year.

Makes you wonder how long before we see other luxury brands such as Lexus, Acura, etc. offer micro cars here?

Here's AutoObserver's take: Mini Is Feeling Mighty As U.S. Market Motors Its Way

Here's Karl on Cars' take: Small Cars Don't Require Small Expectations or Small Spending Power

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Posted by: Bob Holland July 23, 2008, 6:59 AM
Categories: MINI, SMART, Trends

July 22, 2008

Smart test drive an eye-opener

Had an opportunity recently to spend about 20 minutes driving a loaded (if that word can used) Smart Passion Cabriolet. A few comments:

• It was the worst accelerating car that I've driven in 30+ years. From a dead stop, when giving gas, the 3-cylinder, 999cc engine felt like it was going to stall, rather than move the car forward. I can't imagine what it would be like with a passenger onboard.

• The only way to drive this car is with the auto-manual transmission in "manual mode," using the paddle shifters. Driven in that mode it was actually fun. Still sssslllloooowwww--but fun. In the "auto mode" it will put you to sleep--not a good thing when driving. Also in "auto mode," it's very reluctant to downshift on hills, etc. Frankly, I can't think of a more miserable driving experience. Like I said, "manual mode" is the ONLY way to go with this car--and that is fun! This is the only tranny available; there is no pure manual to be had.

• It requires premium fuel. Are they kidding? In an eco-friendly, save-our-planet car like this?

• Handling? As you might expect, it felt like a micro-mini SUV. It wasn't confidence-inspiring, but that may change with more familiarity.

• Steering seemed a bit slow for a car this tiny.

• While it's capable of 40+ mpg, for a car this size I would expect 70+ mpg.

• $18K or so as equipped--OUCH!

• This car has more "cult" potential than any other car on the market. No question about it, this car is a real conversation starter--a sure plus for shy people (Garrison Keillor would be pleased).

The Smart sort of reminded me of my first car, a '62 VW sunroof. I have fond memories of that car, even though it was as primitive as an anvil. Like that old VW, and despite all the Smart's real-world shortcomings, it's still a hoot to drive. Yes, slow can be fun! I was pleasantly surprised at how good (and stable) it felt at speed, if you can call 40 or 50 mph speed. I would have no problems driving it on back country roads like where I live. Certainly the risk of getting speeding tickets drops to about zero.

Now, if and when they bring over the turbo-powered Brabus Smart--give me a call--ASAP! That should be an ubër hoot to drive.

There currently two Smart dealers here in Maryland, one in Germantown (where I went), the other in Annapolis. Both are paired with Mercedes dealers. Interesting to note that you purchase the car via the Internet, and not the dealer. You merely go to the dealer to pick the car up and have it serviced.

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Posted by: Bob Holland July 22, 2008, 4:00 AM
Categories: Mercedes-Benz, SMART

July 4, 2008

Chevrolet may bring tiny Beat to U.S.

The South Korean-designed Chevy Beat may be coming Stateside. Originally intended for Asia and Latin America, the soaring fuel prices that have sparked the rapidly changing Americans' vehicle tastes have GM rethinking their plans.

"Everything is under review," said GM spokesman Dee Allen. While the automaker's executives continually review their lineup, this examination might lead to bigger changes, he said. "Obviously, the market has been changing rather rapidly."

The Beat is smaller than the current Chevy Aveo, and is roughly the size of a Smart.

Full story here.

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Posted by: Bob Holland July 4, 2008, 5:06 AM
Categories: All Auto Shows, Chevrolet, General Motors, Green Tech, New York Auto Show, SMART

May 14, 2008

Tiny Smart is safe; less so for huge 15-passenger vans

As might have been expected, the tiny Smart car did quite well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash testing.

"The big question from consumers is, 'How safe is it?' " said Adrian Lund, the institute's president. "Among the smallest cars, the engineers of the Smart did their homework and designed a high level of safety into a very small package."

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: Smart ForTwo Scores High Marks in New Safety Testing

On the flip side, those huge 15-passenger vans fared quite a bit worse in safety studies, as the fatality rating is pretty bad when these behemoths flip in accidents when fully loaded...

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