smart city-coupe passion road test
Published: 24th August 2003
city-coupe passion
In-Car Entertainment and Satellite Navigation
The smart Grundig RDS radio/single slot CD player fitted in our test car is an option. The sound was clear, its design was attractive and it was easy to use. An RDS radio/cassette player is standard throughout the range.
Rivals
- Unrivalled
What We Liked
- Powerful headlights
- Remote control activated follow me home head lights press the key fob twice & the lights come on (optional)
- First class materials all round
- Attention to detail superb
What We Disliked
- Not able to adjust passenger seat recline
- Test car had a full glass roof and the sun screen tended to slide under heavy acceleration/braking it also had a slight rattle
What We’d Like To See
- One shot up/down electric windows
- Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors as standard on the passion (optional at the moment)
- Driver able to open & shut passenger window without leaning across
- An alarm
Build Quality
As you would expect of a vehicle from the DaimlerChrysler stable the build quality of the smart city-coupe passion is excellent.. The materials used both inside and out are of a very high standard and should prove durable in the long term.
Value For Money
The price tag of £ 8,200 is arguably the smart city-coupe passion's Achilles heel as you could buy a much more practical car for your money but one thing is for sure its not going to be as much fun to own and drive.
Overall Opinion
Is it too expensive? Or does it matter? It should be renamed the smile because everyone does when they see it or drive it. We fought over who was going to drive it and everyone wanted a lift in it. The main comment being how spacious it was inside. The smart attracted attention wherever it went from young and old alike. Only one person out of a countless number disliked its styling with the general opinion that it is a style icon. For the short time it was with us it felt like we had joined an exclusive fun club. Whatever mood you are in when you get into the car you can’t fail to be amused. Even the horn sounds cute and is totally in keeping with the car. This car is certainly fun to drive and if you can live with its size limitations then it comes highly recommended.
For more information about the smart city-coupe [ click here ]
city-coupe passion Road Test Conclusion | |
| Performance |  |
| Ride and Handling | |
| Ease of Use | |
| Safety and Security | |
| Comfort and Refinement |  |
| Interior Styling |  |
| Exterior Styling | |
| In Car Entertainment & Navigation | |
| Build Quality | |
| Value for Money | |
| Overall | 80% |
