Tim Steals a Smart Car at the IMA

Ok, so he really didn't steal one. But I was toying with the idea of a title like "Forget the iPhone, get in line for a Smart Car Test Drive". Ahhh! Current events.

I played hooky this afternoon to be one of the first in line to drive a Smart Car here in Indianapolis. The event is happening all weekend long, but I figured once the local TV coverage kicked in the wait will be very long. I arrived at the IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) at 11:30 am, and there was already about 30 people in line. The event kicked off at noon.

I chatted with a few people in line, being my typical self cracking bad jokes. Probably trying too hard to get a laugh. There was a gentleman who drove in from Champaign, Illinos; he's looking at getting one to do his local "grocery" runs. He figures he drives less than 2 miles per day.

It took about 45 minutes before it was my turn to take the wheel. I introduced myself to my Smart Car Chaparone. Ahh! They know me too well. Guess there will be no getting it up on two wheels. After buckling myself in and getting familiar with the layout, I was ready to go. There was more than plenty of room in this small car, don't be fooled. The transmission on the car is called a manual, but there is no clutch and it operates like an automatic transmission to me. A bit slow to make the shifts in manual mode I must admit. However, it doesn't hamper drivability or acceleration - go figure.

So first thing I say to my chaperone, “There’s something I've really been wanting to try, I've seen it done in the movies and I'm pretty sure this car will do it! Since I haven't rented a car lately - and this car will do! Plus this thing has a safety rating for roll-overs, right?" Its kind of funny when people just turn their head and stare at you, looking like are you serious? I cracked a smile and said you don't mind if I floor it? I was asked to hold off until we were out on the road.

We leave the grounds of the IMA and turn onto 38th Street. I hit the gas and ask for warp factor seven! BrrrrrRRRRRrH! I hit a whopping 80 Khm - that’s 50 Mph. The dash hasn't been changed since these are Euro-spec Smart Cars. I tried the car in Manual and Auto mode. The paddle shifters are cool. I guess with paddle shifters I'd expect performance. The car drove very nice, smooth. I just wonder how it would be on the highway, especially when an 18 wheeler blows by you.

Overall my experience was very positive. My only complaints are sluggish shifting, and where’s the diesel engined cars? I really think if they bring the diesel engine to the States they will sell like crazy. My understanding is that they get around 70 MPG. At today’s fuel prices, it would cut my gas bill more than half. Last month I spent $426 fueling my ride.

Heck, the car would then pay for itself based on my current fuel usage alone. Plus if they sell diesel I could then use Biodiesel and cut "Big Oil" out of the picture completely. If you have time, go take a test drive. They are holding these events all over the US.

Check out Smart cars website and see if the is an event near you. Plus if you have $99, this will reserve a spot to be the first to get one.

Zoom. Zoom! Ok. I know it’s a Mazda tagline...

Cheers!