A 'Smart' alternative to the SUV?

Not that safe: I've rented the 2 seater and 4 seater versions of this vehicle a number of times when in Europe. For its size, the car is surprisingly roomy inside, and it's reasonably spry - though if you drive it hard the fuel mileage drops such that it's frankly often worse than a "normal" sized vehicle because you have to push the extremely small engine so hard.

However, I can also say that the vehicle would be an absolute deathtrap in a serious accident. I don't know who thinks the car has a "good safety rating" by what standard, as that's bunk.

One odd thing about the car is the transmission. It's kind of a blend of manual and automatic, but very strange feeling. Nothing like a tiptronic, etc. When it shifts in automatic mode, there's a very definite long lag between shifts. Very strange.; Posted by: wininpitt Posted on: 06/29/06 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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Safety cavj1@... | 06/29/06

Actually... Mike (not Cox) | 06/29/06

Mike (not Cox) | 06/29/06

Not that safe wininpitt | 06/29/06

All over the world .... Staywme | 06/29/06

Bumper cars on the Hwy? Reverend MacFellow | 06/29/06

Smart Car marmar_z | 06/29/06

I'd take one 3D0G | 06/29/06

what about winter conditions not of this world | 06/29/06

FORD had one Roger Ramjet | 06/29/06

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