Overcoming Stereotypes

It wasn't until seven years ago that I actually owned anything larger than a wagon. And then for those seven years, I drove only trucks. I used to think that all economy cars were just one step up from riding a bus, because that's exactly what they did for me.

My first car ever, I got in High School and it was a 1983 Subaru GL.  My brother and I said that the GL stood for "glorified lawnmower", because the vehicle was so under-powered. The car did not help quell the stereotypes that small cars can be slow to accelerate, have poor handling, and barely keep up on the freeway. But as with most stereotypes, they're borne out of some semblance of consistent observation.

When you see a small car or after having seen many small cars, and observed each one's performance, it's reasonable to form an opinion about them.  However, as the old adage goes, you should not judge a book by its cover.

Weight Issues

The Smart ED is exceptionally light for an electric vehicle.  It weighs in at a mere 2160 lbs, barely over a ton. Although it is sporting a motor with a maximum power rating of 74 hp, it's no slouch. The primary advantage that all electric vehicles have over every internal combustion engine (ICE) is instantaneous torque.

Get-up And Go

At a standstill, the Smart ED has 100% torque.  While it's certainly possible to spin-up an ICE and get it into gear in the power band at a standstill, several gear shifts will be necessary at increasingly higher speeds.  Most electric car motors do not have a forward gearbox and thus there is no shifting to do.

Agility

And what about maneuverability or speed?  Okay, so I cannot say that the Smart ED has great handling at speed or that you're going to win in the Grand Prix (much less compete), but that's not what it's to be used for. If you need torque to help you pass at speed, it's got plenty, but for the short-term, the Smart ED is a great City Car.

Size Issues

The Smart ED is best used for getting around town or commuting, that is what small cars do well. The best advantage that any Smart car has is to be found in its diminutive size. Outside the use of a motorbike, there's not much of anything that compares well to the ability to "park anywhere", like the Smart car.  The combination of good torque, great mileage in stop-and-go traffic, and pocket-sizing, the Smart the top choice.

In The Mirror

Despite all the good that the Smart ED has going for it in the city, it's still considered by many to be one of the least attractive vehicles.  Mercedes has made some concessions to attempt to bolster the appeal of the smallest production car in the U.S, but including vehicle-wrap options.  When you order, one of the fun things you can do before the end of the form is pick out your colors.  The vehicle wrap will only change the exterior panels, but can be as colorful as your minds-eye can behold.  There are certainly some amazing ideas just on www.SmartUSA.com  

Conclusion

If I haven't already said so in past posts, I bought the Smart ED for its small size and the fact that it is electric.  I still own a Chevrolet Avalanche, which is great for hauling and travelling long distances.  But I now do 90% of my driving in the Smart ED, and am quite happy with it.