The Mayor's new wheels....

**7rider** · 06-12-2008, 06:37 PM

Fenty's new buggy is a Smart Car.

I'm still not convinced the car is as "smart" as it tries to pretend to be (I'll take a better-mileage-getting Honda Fit over this any day), but props for the drop top.

**Zen** · 06-12-2008, 07:21 PM

Awww...so cute!
It looks like a shoe for a baby giant.

I wanna see him in it. When you take the top off, where do you put it? Did you take that photo?
I worked across the street from there for 15 years

BTW, nice avatar photo

**7rider** · 06-13-2008, 02:59 AM

If you go to the hyperlink I posted, it brings up the WTOP article.
There is (on the left column) a photo gallery of pictures (the one I posted was lifted from there). There's a picture of him in the car there....and smiling like a teenager with his first car! Not sure where the top goes. It actually looks like a hard-top - remove it and store it -- probably in the house...as there likely isn't room in the hatch!

And thanks for the comment on the pic...and I feel so....so...so alone!

**juliemcd** · 06-13-2008, 03:36 AM

very interesting--there is actually a Smart car dealership right around the corner from Spokes Etc. in Alexandria, and my fiancee and I dropped by right after I purchased my bike. I agree, I would have to do some research that the mileage/price is worth it, but coming from someone who has been driving a 1995 unairconditioned Monte Carlo around for the past few years, being in such a small car felt wonderful. Although would this accomodate a bike rack?

**tulip** · 06-13-2008, 04:04 AM

They are cute and novel, but the mileage isn't great; somewhere I read they get about 30mpg. They are good for parking in places that normal cars can't park, though. Bikes are better at all of the above.

I saw quite a few in France recently, and they do make a convertible (soft top).

I'd also go with a Honda Fit or a Toyota Yaris hatchback over the Smart. Better price, better mileage, more room.

Too bad the Mayor's new wheels aren't of the 2-wheeled variety. That would make a statement!

**HillSlugger** · 06-13-2008, 05:36 AM

I think if you put a bike and rack on the back it might tip over!

**Ciao** · 06-13-2008, 06:52 AM

Don't have one, but have test driven them years ago while vacationing in Europe... oh, they are sweet! Like driving a go-cart!

**Possegal** · 06-13-2008, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by tulip

Too bad the Mayor's new wheels aren't of the 2-wheeled variety. That would make a statement!

This mayor has the 2-wheeled variety, there is a thread in this section showing him out for his cycling run with a local team. He bikes a lot actually. Just guess sometimes even the mayor needs a car to get around in.

I've seen one driving on 270 before and I just think driving one in the little roads in France, where I first saw them, looks fine, but on 270, I think I'd be a little afraid of the other cars. Would someone in a Hummer even see this car?

**KathiCville** · 06-13-2008, 08:28 AM

I spotted a Smart Car in traffic here in Charlottesville earlier this week. The driver was surrounded on all sides by hulking SUVs and pick-ups in rush hour traffic on our main six-lane road. I thought: "Cute, nice lines, but whoa, it wouldn't take much to crumple that itty-bitty box! One semi-serious smack front, back, or sides, and the driver is toast.".......

Speaking of officials-on-wheels, did anyone catch the photo of Virginia Governor Kaine riding his bike, oh, a week or so ago, during the worst of the heat wave? Can't remember what the occasion was, but I was pleased to see a cycling photo on the front page of our local newspaper.

**7rider** · 06-13-2008, 11:42 AM

Actually, I've heard they're impressively safe.
That silver slash up the back of the door is actually part of their steel safety cage. The car is essentially a safety cage and (small) crumple zones with some (very little) sheet metal around it.
I don't know if I'd care to take a hit broadside or T-bone something at 70 mph, but if you're driving it soley as an urban commuter, it should be fine.

**F8th637** · 06-13-2008, 12:00 PM

Yeah, he's actually a triathlete.

I have heard they don't really get all that much better MPG but if I had to park my car in DC I'd want the smallest car possible.

**dingster1** · 06-13-2008, 12:05 PM

Does he fit in it??!!! We have a dealer over here in Germantown (the Mercedes dealer!) I don't think much of them for everyday use, especially not on 270, but they might be great for DC. THey are the preferred car for ZIPCAR rentals I've noticed!

**7rider** · 06-13-2008, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by dingster1

Does he fit in it??!!! We have a dealer over here in Germantown (the Mercedes dealer!) I don't think much of them for everyday use, especially not on 270, but they might be great for DC. THey are the preferred car for ZIPCAR rentals I've noticed!

I've read that they have as much leg room as a Cadillac Escalade!

A 6'5" guy was comfortable in it.

I believe they are made by Mercedes Benz...which might explain their safety attributes.

**Ciao** · 06-13-2008, 02:12 PM

They do have great internal space. And believe it or not Smart Cars are a joint development between Mercedes and Swatch. The external panels pop off so that you can mix and match colors and "looks" when you want. (On a similar note - take a look this video on BMW's new vision. A beautiful concept, but still a monster guzzling engine.)

Personally, I can't wait for the 'cold war' on US roads to finally end. This size escalation makes no sense.

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