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I attended the SMART Car Road Show Tour as it passed through Walnut Creek, California today and had some fun observations to share with you all.
First, after parking our Insight right across from their exhibits (just lucky, as it was pretty well attended by the time we got there) we walked over to talk to the SMART Public Relations 'flak' to ask some questions and get the run-down. The flak I spoke to was a well turned-out young man in his mid-20's.
My first question was 'what type of fuel does the SMART require?', his quick and chipper answer: "it uses unleaded gasoline." I rephrased the question: 'what grade of fuel does it require?', (looking around to see who was listening) he answered "premium." My next question was 'what sort of fuel mileage numbers does the SMART have?' he answered: "Oh, we're in the 40's in town and it's in the 50's when I drive it on the highway." 'Hum' I said, 'my car over there (pointing to my Insight parked 30 feet away) uses regular grade fuel, gets in the mid-50's in town and in the low 60's on the highway.' "No it doesn't" he replied. When I then retorted that in my 6 1/2 years of ownership and record keeping that it certainly does, and that it's (albeit less than realistic) EPA mileage numbers were 61 in the city and 70 on the highway he said: "No they aren't - you're confused, hybrids get better mileage in town than on the highway becuase they use their electric motors to run at low speeds." Now ain't life just grand? He certainly straightened me out on that 6 1/2 year delusion that I thought was reality! By this time, I felt his conduct more than warrented a quick technical primer on the differences between Toyota & Honda hybrid systems along with CVT and manual transmissions. I was consise, and at the end of about 50 seconds, when he looked sutably well educated (and contrite), I thanked him for the information, took a look at the SMART and left. Upon reflection, I believe I was dealing with a young salesperson, not a technical geek.
As to the car - good for Mercedes Benz for bringing it to the US and giving it a shot. It doesn't compete with our Insight too well save for more airbags & modern safety systems. It sure doesn't have the space to haul crap like our little hatchbacks do. It isn't a Honda either, I'm absolutely positive that they won't be as problem free as the bulk of our little guys have been (or Toyota either). If I was in the market for a new replacement for our Insight, I would probably start by looking at the Honda FIT or the Toyota Yarus hatchback...and if I ever got to the point where I felt the need for a small car that used premium grade fuel, I'd go for the new Mini Cooper!
First, after parking our Insight right across from their exhibits (just lucky, as it was pretty well attended by the time we got there) we walked over to talk to the SMART Public Relations 'flak' to ask some questions and get the run-down. The flak I spoke to was a well turned-out young man in his mid-20's.
My first question was 'what type of fuel does the SMART require?', his quick and chipper answer: "it uses unleaded gasoline." I rephrased the question: 'what grade of fuel does it require?', (looking around to see who was listening) he answered "premium." My next question was 'what sort of fuel mileage numbers does the SMART have?' he answered: "Oh, we're in the 40's in town and it's in the 50's when I drive it on the highway." 'Hum' I said, 'my car over there (pointing to my Insight parked 30 feet away) uses regular grade fuel, gets in the mid-50's in town and in the low 60's on the highway.' "No it doesn't" he replied. When I then retorted that in my 6 1/2 years of ownership and record keeping that it certainly does, and that it's (albeit less than realistic) EPA mileage numbers were 61 in the city and 70 on the highway he said: "No they aren't - you're confused, hybrids get better mileage in town than on the highway becuase they use their electric motors to run at low speeds." Now ain't life just grand? He certainly straightened me out on that 6 1/2 year delusion that I thought was reality! By this time, I felt his conduct more than warrented a quick technical primer on the differences between Toyota & Honda hybrid systems along with CVT and manual transmissions. I was consise, and at the end of about 50 seconds, when he looked sutably well educated (and contrite), I thanked him for the information, took a look at the SMART and left. Upon reflection, I believe I was dealing with a young salesperson, not a technical geek.
As to the car - good for Mercedes Benz for bringing it to the US and giving it a shot. It doesn't compete with our Insight too well save for more airbags & modern safety systems. It sure doesn't have the space to haul crap like our little hatchbacks do. It isn't a Honda either, I'm absolutely positive that they won't be as problem free as the bulk of our little guys have been (or Toyota either). If I was in the market for a new replacement for our Insight, I would probably start by looking at the Honda FIT or the Toyota Yarus hatchback...and if I ever got to the point where I felt the need for a small car that used premium grade fuel, I'd go for the new Mini Cooper!