Having sold the Fiero, we are now without a trully small can for puttering around. True, in a day of behemouth SUVs, the Fiero was at a noticable disadvantage, it was so low they could not see it even with air horns.

On one of Linda's periodic trips to London for a sidewalk sale she had seen a Smart Car (to me it looks like an enclosed wheelchair), a modern Isetta with a/c. Built by Chrysler-Daimler in France, the Smart Car with its turbocharged 660cc three cyl. in line four stroke engine and six speed ratchet gearbox seemed more suited to a motorcycle yet is enough to propell the SC to a 84 mph (computer limited) top speed.

Also known as a "City Car" that is where it is best suited. Even shorter than the original Mini (current Mini is three feet longer) at eight feet long, it can park sideways in a standard parking place.

Will add more once we acquire one. May just pick one up in California . Have a publication lined up for the article on California to Florida in a Smart.

Specifications: the following was culled from multiple sources

Engine (gasoline) Three cylinders inline - gasoline/turbocharged 11 psi boost nom, 14.5 psi overboost Two spark plugs per cyl Cubic capacity: 599cc. Bore x stroke (mm): 63.5 x 63.0. Compression ratio: 9.5:1 Valve gear: Two valves per cylinder. Max power (bhp): 54 (61 on overboost) at 5250 rpm. Max torque (lb.ft): 65 at 2250 - 4500 rpm. (71 on overboost)	Diesel (Canada) 799 cc three cylinder turbodiesel Bore x stroke (mm) 65.5 x 79.0 40.2 hp @ 4200 rpm 73.8 lb-ft torque at 1800-2800 rpm 18.5:1 c.r. 16.7 psi boost
Transmission (gasoline engine) Softip: Sequential 6-speed gearbox with automatic single-plate dry disc clutch. Softouch: Automatic/manual 6-speed gearbox 3100 rpm at 70 mph	Final drive (gasoline): 4.208 1st: 14.208 2nd: 10.310 3rd: 7.407 4th: 5.625 5th: 4.083 6th: 2.933 Reverse: 12.888
Performance Max speed (mph): 85mph. 0-62.5 mph (seconds): 16.8 (Softip - sequential)) / 17.1 (Softouch - automatic). City mpg: 48.7 (Softip) / 47.1 (Softouch). Highway mpg: 68.9 (Softip) / 65.7 (Softouch). Combined mpg: 60.1 (Softip) / 57.7 (Softouch).	Dimensions Length 8.2 ft Width 60.5 in Height (mm): 61 in Wheelbase (mm): 71.3 Front track (mm): 50 in. Rear track (mm): 53.3 Cargo volume 5.3 cu. ft. Curb weight 1584 lb. Gross weight: 2156 lb. Fuel tank capacity :11 gal.
McPherson front axle with anti-roll bar, wishbone DeDion rear axle with wishbone, anti-roll bar, coil springs and dampers Rack- and pinion steering with damper Turning circle (diameter): 27 ft.	ESP - Electronic Stability Program with Hill Start Assist Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) Front Discs, Rear Drums Hydraulic Brake Assist Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) Hydraulic dual-circuit brake system with servo assistance
Digital gear display with gear recommendation Service interval indicator Digital fuel gauge with reserve indicator in 0.5 l (.2 gal) steps Exchangeable decorative caps and trim for switches and instruments	Tridion safety cell in black Radiator grille in black Door mirror housing in black Exchangeable bodypanels Heat-reflecting windows in green Front spoiler Solid roof Intermittent rear windscreen wiper Twin section tailgate Interior tailgate release switch
Emergency switch for interior central locking Fold-down passenger seat backrest	Storage boxes in doors Storage net in luggage compartment
Wheels: Front: 4x15 / Rear: 5.5x15 Tires: Front: 145/65 R 15 / Rear: 175/55 R 15	RDS radio/cassette and two speakers (underseat CD changer optional)
Crash elements at front and rear Crash sensor (auto switch-on of hazard warning lights/interior lighting) Safety steering column Full size driver and passenger airbag Safety seats with integral seatbelt Self-tensioning safety belts with belt-force limiter Indicators with lanechanger function Hazard triangle	Base for child seat brackets Child seat recognition accessory (deactivates airbag when used in conjunction with a smart child seat and mounting brackets)
3-button key-lock key (lock/unlock/boot open) Central locking and immobiliser with remote control Air circulation/fresh air switch (a/c optional) Electric windows Heated rear window Auto headlight switch-off Interior tailgate release switch

Weasle words: This is a personal enthusuast page and has no connection to any entity manufacturing, holding copyright to, or holding tradmark to anything relating to the Smart Car or any component thereof. Any such rights will be cheerfully acknowleged on notification. Otherwise:
Contents copyright 2004 by Padgett - go to Padgett's Page