Smart Fortwo test drive: what do YOU want to know?

[SVOboy]

Originally Posted by cfg83

SVOboy -

Nag them for a manual transmission option. NAAAAAAAGGGGGG!!!!

See how much junk you can pack into it, i.e. the "grocery bag" test.

Can you easy-remove the passenger seat for more hauling volume?

CarloSW2

Even if I nag they won't do it

The rear bit is a good fit for about 6 single-layer bags.

Also, the front passenger seat folds flat.

[SVOboy]

Originally Posted by elhigh

I'd like a peek at:
-engine access for maintenance
-cargo area - I know it's small. See if you can show it with the tailgate down.
-seating area with two normal-sized humans in it: how tightly packed? Room enough to sneeze without hurting passenger?
-ask how long before they get smart about aero and add skirts/wheelcovers.

And also: envy. I'd love to give one a try, but I'm not ponying up for something that small/expensive that requires premium. Forget that.

Pictures are coming for you!

I've also taken two humans out for rides in it and the fit is good. Like the CRX but with less leg room.

[SVOboy]

Originally Posted by dcb

It has a neutral? So you could EOC? If you could sort some eoc compatible feedback on it, I might suggest adding 800 pounds of "stuff" and see if it helps with the "c"

Oh yah, cardboard kamback too. Better get on it though, days almost over LOL

You could do that, indeed.

Also, I'll try to get in contact with a smart tech who can tell us what happens when you key off in neutral.

[SVOboy]

Originally Posted by Electric Frenzy

how bad is the revised automatic transmission. I've heard it's crazy jerky in traffic. This is very high on my list of commuter cars but if it's not a smooth ride I'll take my money somewhere else.

Crazy jerky is right. I feel like I'm on a tooth-chipping roller coaster sometimes while driving it

[AJI]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

I actually find space to be really lacking. I had to fold down the passenger seat today to bring a box to ship and the box still blocked the full rear view.

I was referring more to people space than luggage space. The boot is obviously pretty pitiful compared to virtually anything else available. I found this pic showing the boot capacity of the current fortwo cabrio model:



Source

But it's perhaps unfair to expect the smart to hold huge loads anyway. Generally, in the environment for which they were designed (crowded European cities) you don't often need to cart huge loads about.