Zippy and smart: A Review of the smart fortwo

Zippy and smart: A Review of the smart fortwo

By Megan Busch

I’m not a girl who knows a ton about cars. I’ve driven Jeeps all my life (as has my mother), and I really haven’t veered off that track—ever. So, I’ve teamed up with the group at Baker Motor Company to try new things, namely cars outside my norm. A few times each month, I’ll be driving one of Baker’s cars and letting you know what I think. This isn’t going to be a series of Car and Driver or Motor Trend reviews. It’s just a girl sharing her honest opinion about some nifty vehicles.

___________________

Since I’ve been working on these car reviews, I’ve had two requests. First, I wanted to drive a smart car. They’re just so iconic and unique that I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel of one. And I wanted to drive a car with a manual transmission. This time around, both wishes came true. Let me tell you about how much fun this smart fortwo was; driving it was a surprisingly joyful experience.

Manual Driving

Apparently, I’m one of the few people who actually likes straight drive these days. (I’ve also learned that Southerners are the only ones who use that term straight drive to refer to a manual transmission—who knew?). I currently drive a manual transmission Wrangler, and I never realized how rugged my car was until I sat behind the wheel of the smart fortwo. The clutch was smooth and the gears shifted seamlessly. I noticed that the little car picked up speed quickly (not like a Porsche, so don’t get your hopes up for a lot of power), but I hit the 3,000 RPM range in first, second, and third gears in a matter of a few seconds. Because it’s so small and light, the energy-saving engine works efficiently to power the car through traffic.

Feeling Safe

One of the main concerns with a smart car is their safety. On the road next to an 18-wheeler, the vehicle feels almost ant-like. I took the fortwo on Highway 17 and the interstate, and at first, I was nervous. The cars that stopped behind me at red lights were too close (there’s not much car behind the driver and passenger seats). Merging into oncoming traffic on 526 was intimating at first, too, but after several miles passed, I really forgot I was in a tiny car. The interior was sleek with a white dash featuring a modern, yet retro-throwback style. It wasn’t much different from driving a small Toyota or Honda, and it felt more stylish inside. The little vehicle is safer than it looks, too. The exterior consists of a Tridon Safety Cell, which is an encasement of high-tech steel. During a crash, it resists bending and breaking to keep the driver and passenger safe. I probably would have been more comfortable knowing that before I hit the road.

Specific Drivers

The smart fortwo is a car for a specific person with a specific purpose. Unlike a Porsche Macan, for example, it’s not a car for everyone. It lacks true horsepower, cannot really haul anything (so it’s not for boat owners), and cannot really store anything (there’s room for about one standard-size suitcase). It’s also a car for those without kids—there’s only space for two, so no carpooling and no car seats. I let my pup, Scout, ride for a while, but with him inside, there was no room for my husband.

So who is the right driver for the smart fortwo? The vehicle is perfect for the environmentalist willing to make sacrifices in convenience for the sake of the earth. Like living in a tiny home, the smart car provides a minimal impact on the earth, especially if you choose the electric version, but you lose some of the small luxuries we’re accustomed to.

The fortwo is also for the city dweller. You can practically park the fortwo perpendicularly in a parallel parking spot. It’s great for a short daily commute and boasts high gas mileage. Finally, it’s an awesome second car, and there’s a convertible option. It would make an excellent weekend beach car or cruiser in addition to a more practical daily vehicle. Plus, the purchase price is relatively affordable, making it a practical second-car option.

Drawing Conclusions

In the end, I’ve decided that Alan Jackson says it best: “It’s alright to be little bitty. A little hometown or a big old city.” The smart fortwo was fun. It put a smile on my face to drive it. Although it’s not quite right for my family, it would be a blast to own one as a weekend, zipping around-town car.

About this New 2016 smart fortwo passion

“Cool Silver” Exterior

Black and White Interior

15” 8-Spoke Alloy Wheels

5-Speed Smart-Shift Automated Manual Transmission

Gasoline 1.0L 3-Cylinder Engine

34 Miles per Gallon in the City

39 Miles per Gallon on the Highway

Price: $17,240

To test drive the smart fortwo, visit Baker Motor Company in West Ashley.