Smart Cargo

I'd love to have the cargo space inside my Smart ForTwo Electric Drive be equivalent to that of the TARDIS from the British television show Doctor Who.  But for now, transdimensional volumes are no part of vehicle storage spaces. Nevertheless, it is still possible to fit some large objects in the back of the Smart ED.

Car-parison

When I was first seeking a small commuter car, I tried the Scion iQ.  The storage space behind the rear seats is small (3.5 cubic feet), even by comparison to the Smart car (7.8 cubic feet). But the iQ can turn down those back seats and open up a great deal more room (16.7 cubic feet).  However, the iQ is a longer vehicle and, at least for the electric version, has a short range.

What Fits?

It's a bit tricky on occasion, attempting to fit certain items into the back of the Smart car, but with some manipulation I've managed and entire cart of groceries.  As you can see by the above image, a 32" LED television fit nicely, still in the box.  I hedge that I might have been able to fit a 37" LED television, if that had been the purchase.  The one option that came with the car was a pull-out cover for the back.  It can be used to hide whatever is in the back or as a shelf for more stuff.

A Four-wheeled motorbike

A colleague from work noted that the storage space of the Smart was akin to the storage available on a motorbike.  And that the vehicle itself is akin to a motorbike in that it is small and ideal for one person and few extra items. It's size is excellent for parking and maneuvering, and it's not too much trouble to carry along something extra. The key thing he noted however, as a contrast is that the car is much better for driver safety and as a protection against the elements.

Good things, Small Packages

No doubt, many people find the Smart car's small size and tiny storage, unreasonable when coming from a full size sedan or an SUV.  But if you own or have used either a sports car or a sub-compact, you're probably familiar with small storage spaces.

I appreciate the convenient storage of the Smart car, it feels like that familiar Jansport backpack that I used all through highschool and college. There's not a great deal of room, but it's just about all that I need.  It's amazing how much stuff you can cram into your school bag, and the same seems to go for the Smart.  The Smart, by my estimation is car designed for transporting one person.  Sure it can hold two, but it seems best for one.

What do you think about the cargo capacity of the Smart ForTwo ED?