Mercedes Benz Smart Car

A new class of automobile is surfacing.  We had the chance to review a 2007 Smart Car for an entire year.

Putting 9,000 miles on the Pink Smart Car known as Fluff, owner and driver Karina says, “She has been great.  I really like the gas mileage and I think it’s just so cute!”

Mercedes currently markets their smart cars as a secondary or a commuter car.  Karina, a 19 year old college student, feels the car would be better marketed towards college students as a primary vehicle.

When trying to park in the crowded lots of UCSB or any other college campus, you can’t really beat the 9 foot long body.  That’s a full 3 feet shorter than the mini-cooper and 7 feet shorter than your typical vehicle. 

“I am in the market for a new car right now.  I get nervous everytime something goes wrong on Fluff,”  states Karina.

Apparently the number of mechanics in the states, even at certified Mercedez dealers, aren’t properly trained in servicing her Smart Car.  This has been the only fear of owner, Karina with her smart car; she has yet to encounter any delays in her service.

There are an abundance of features that draw a crowd in Fluff.  From anti lock breaks, full-size airbags, power steering, power windows, and CD Player, there isn’t much different than any other car.

When Driving her, I received a number of laughs.  I mean, how often do you see a grown man driving a tiny pink car?  Most often, though, I was asked, “How do you like it?” 

To be honest, I don’t see why they aren’t even more popular.  At 6′0, I had plenty of room to move around.  There is a small compartment in the back to store your golf bag at most, but it seemed to do fine for grocery shopping or a trip to the beach.  Even a hatch that opens from the back for easy access.  The most quirky part about the car is getting it started.  I’m not sure which is actually needed to get her revved up, but we always followed this procedure. 

Sit in car and make sure all doors are secured.  
Put our seat belt on, held down the brake, turn the key half-way, and put the car in nuetral.  
Keep your seatbelt on and brake pressed and turn the ignition the rest of the way. 

Otherwise, Fluff wasn’t too happy.

With over 100,000 car sales in over 37 countries, the Smart Car is definitely gaining steam.  Although small, the 2007 Smart Car only gets 40 mpg in our tests.  Other reviewers seem to have the same stats.  The new 2009 Smart Car will offer a new hybrid engine offering 80mpg.  However, it doesn’t seem the new model will be available in the States.  We are waiting to hear more information from Mercedes to figure out why they’ve decided not to offer us the new version.  They have been working hard to make sure the Smart Car meets all emission standards in all 50 states.  For the Europeans, they will enjoy a new engine that will rival any other vehicle on the market for conservation of energy.  Having reviewed a Prius and Mini-Cooper as well that both get 53mpg and 30mpg respectively it is obvious a vehicle getting 80mpg will outsell any competition. 

There’s no need to wait for the 2009 model to make it to the States.  I enjoyed great parking with 40mpg in a safe and roomy vehicle with the 2007 model.  If we get the 80mpg model here in the States, all the better, but don’t let that be an excuse to continue driving your SUV.

Photos by Christina: christina@thesbon.com