Why I’ll Never Buy A Smart Car…

The Smart fortwo

I’ve decided that when I reach the hallowed 100,000 miles mark in my current car, it will be time to get a new motor (provided that, of course, I’m financially in a position to do so). I have a few choices circling in my mind, but I just couldn’t face letting my Astra go whilst it was 100% mechanically sound. It would just be heart braking to go from a machine that has nothing wrong with it to the unknown. Yes, it has some lumps, bumps and scrapes now but we’ve taken many a journey together.

One car however that I know I will not want to buy when it comes to it is a Smart fortwo. Why’s that? Well, for me, they just don’t make any sense. Assuming we’re 10-20 years in the future and battery tech is improved, electrical recharge points are everywhere and Smart fortwo electrics are extremely cheap, I can then see this type of vehicle working. But as it is, the fortwo has a very short wheelbase (not comfortable), poor handling characteristics and takes an age to get going. So, just what is the purpose behind it when the new Fiesta ECONetic is overall a much better car but with very similar fuel economy figures?

I can only assume that everyone who bought (or indeed is going to buy) a Smart fortwo are ignorant of the facts, or indeed perhaps of the laws of physics. Having four wheels at the very edges of a car is great for dynamics, but not when the wheelbase is about the same as that of your lawnmower. More importantly though, it suggests that these people completely missed the Kei car revolution in Japan.

For those who don’t know, it’s basically a ‘light’ vehicular categorisation in Japan that allows for the exploitation of tax and insurance laws, but more importantly they arose as an economic response to consumers having more than enough for a bike, wanting the practicality of a car, but not being able to afford a larger model. Think the Tata Nano and you’re there. The Smart Fortwo though bothers me as it offers the same size but none of the charm.

Which brings me on to my revelation. If we are to cut congestion, improve road safety and lower CO2 emissions, why not push motorbikes as a form of transport? Point one, congestion, will be eased as bikes are smaller and are much easier to filter. Point two, whilst motorbikes are statistically more dangerous than cars, this is only down to the fact that there are more cars on the road and motorbikes represent only 1% of traffic. If these figures started to change, people would be more aware of motorcycles. Point three – my motorbike can do about 100mpg – pretty good I’m sure you agree when it can still hit 80. Perhaps finally though, it’s staggeringly good fun – something that a Smart fortwo is lacking.

This isn’t a dig if you do have a Smart fortwo – if you do own one write in and let me know whether your car is suitable for purpose, what sort of roads you drive it on etc. I’d love to have someone out there change my mind…