My new rear-engined, rear wheel drive car

Actually I�ve had this car since April of this year. Waited a year before the car finally arrived. I own a X5 with the big 4.8 engine and the 911, just wanted something I could duck and in and out of places without a lot of hassle. Having owned it for a while, this car is perfect for that. Everyone focuses on the fuel economy, but I think the biggest advantage of this car is the size. Or more importantly, the width. It WILL fit anywhere. Compact space, between two big SUVs, or Minivan crowding over the line does not present a problem for this car. Driving this car has been quite an experience. Cast aside everything you�ve learned about driving car because this one doesn�t drive like anything first. First, you�ve got 70 bhp pushing 2,220 lbs of car, passing maneuvers and going uphill must be anticipated in advanced to do it smoothly. Downshifting helps but it�s basically just adding an extra squirrel on the wheel, you�re still working your *** off. This is a rear engine, rear drive car so yes, in the rain the back end will step out if pushed hard enough. In fact, I was surprised how far the back end will slide before stability control kicks in. I had to dial in a bit of opposite lock before the electronic nanny made its presence known. 60mph on the freeway feels like 80mph and 80mph feels really fast. The light chassis and short wheelbase makes for a LOT of course corrections. You cannot drive one-handed on the freeway. We�ve just quit using it on freeways now. Cruise control is NOT available at all, take that as a hint. Frankly, I�m really enjoying it. You really feel like you�re driving again. Besides, I�m getting 37mpg in stop and go traffic. Tidbits of trivia The battery is under the passenger footwell Gas tank is only 8 gallons, so despite the fuel efficiency, you have the same range There is no spare tire just a can of FixIt The car has no steering lock when parked You sit higher than a normal car so traffic is not an issue This car has surprising amount of equipment including rain sensing wipers, heated seats, leather, panoramic roof and 6 CD player with subwoofer. This car isn�t for everyone. If it�s your primary vehicle, get a Honda Fit. But as a second or third car for running around town, it�s awesome! thanks, Peter

My girlfriend has a MK1 Smart - great little car. Still trying to convince her to do the Hyabusa engine swap....

Wow, I could never drive that thing even with the Busa engine. Why can't they design a sleeker looking shape for those things?

That has got to be the coolest car out right now in the high MPG car category!!! I love the way they look and give thumbs up when I can to them, especially when driving the P-car. I am jealous, I commute 50 miles round trip to work plus 12 miles round trip for school in one day. My '98 A6 eats the gas being 4k lbs and quattro. Sweet.

nice write up... thanks for the info!

Nice car. I cut one off on the freeway the other night because this guy was going 50mph on the fast lane. He didn't like what I did and tried to go after me in the C4S. LOL

one more thing: EVERYONE wants to talk to you when you park the car. I didn't believe it until I got the car. it's crazy. No one ever says boo when I'm in any of the other cars but this one causes people to run across parking lots waving for me to wait. I caught one couple taking a picture of the car with the wife hugging it. Ugh, the finger prints...

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LOL Try to do THAT with a 996!

Ha, good story. I've seen a bunch of these in Europe, and lately several here in CA too. So in Seattle are you allowed to park "straight-in" to the curb as they do in Europe?

Cute car, but I wouldn't want to be in one of those when a cell-phone-using-latte-drinking-soccer mom in an SUV slams into it!

Here in Germany the newness has long gone. Little outomotive nats now!

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I think no matter what you drive it's going to be about situational awareness. You just have to be aware of your surroundings. Don't drive in someone's blind spot, take note of cars that can't stay in their lanes and other things. Like I said, you really have to toss aside your old driving habits in this thing. That's the most interesting part. Something I learned from riding a Harley in my younger days. And the crappy '74 Karman Ghia I use to have. Forget crumple zones, I was happy to have a floor pan. By the way, for your air cooled guys, the brake pedal comes up from the floor on this thing. Brought back memories.