QUOTE
I've found myself being forced to defend my little Smart of late. A couple of my motoring journalist mates have also taken delivery of Roadster-Coupes and they've been complaining about getting wet in bad weather. Apparently, their roofs are leaking considerably.
Al's had the bonnet up a lot but only to access the front boot
There's no reason to doubt the accuracy of their claims, but it's not a problem I've faced. Even when God has decided to vent his fury on humble Balham, my Brabus has remained determinedly watertight. The fabric hood might be connecting to the windscreen by no more than a slightly flimsy-looking hook, but so far the system has proved infallible. Recently, in a fit of masochism, I even took it through a carwash, only to emerge bone dry.
No leaks to report... yet
Such things really matter to me. If the Smart was a summer's toy then I'd be prepared to forgive a leaky roof, but this is my everyday car and in this context, I've no patience for foibles dressed up as 'character'. At least once a week, my Smart is used to take me on a mad airport dash - normally at a ludicrously early hour - and in those circumstances I need a car that's dry and starts on the turn of a key.
Gremlins causing problems with auto box
Thankfully, the Smart has yet to let me down. Apart from the breakdown of the air conditioning system (see December report) the only glitch I've encountered in seven months' ownership concerns the semi-automatic gearbox. Occasionally and for no apparent reason, it will park itself in gear. The Smart will then refuse to start until the computer can be persuaded to engage neutral. Frantic stick-waggling has ensued on several occasions but after a couple of anxious minutes, the car has always managed to reset itself. I can only presume there's a software gremlin buried deep in the system.
Toolkit hides away when not needed
I've also been worrying about what happens if I get a puncture. Planes, weddings and radio interviews won't wait if I'm stranded by the roadside. There's no spare tyre (nowhere to put it) but I've recently discovered an emergency repair kit that's hidden underneath the passenger carpet. It's a relief to know that there's at least a temporary solution, although I wonder whether a switch to run-flat tyres might be a better long-term fix.
I've written before about my admiration for the Smart's cleverly integrated stereo and navigation system, and its simple operation continues to be a joy. But after a few thousand miles, I can't help thinking that it could be improved further if the speakers were repositioned.
The Brabus boasts four individual speaker units - one in each door frame and two on top of the dashboard. All the sound therefore emanates from in front of the driver and seems distant. Surely a better solution would be to have two of the speakers located behind the occupant's heads, just as they are in a Lotus Elise. The music would be easier to hear when the roof's down and there would be a token gesture towards "surround sound".
£150 cradle for iPod an expense too far
One area where Smart has stolen a march over its competitors, though, is in providing a simple and effective way to connect an iPod to the Smart stereo. Last year, the company introduced an iMove special edition with a built-in iPod and now the technology is available as a retro-fit option. For around £150 (including fitting), a Smart dealer will install a bespoke cradle that sits beside the centre console and accommodates the MP3 player. I've been eyeing one up ever since Santa delivered an iPod and if I was keeping the car for another year I'd definitely splash out. Trouble is, the Brabus goes home in May; forking out £150 for something that will effectively last three months will not please my accountant. Shame.[/COLOR]
Al's had the bonnet up a lot but only to access the front boot
There's no reason to doubt the accuracy of their claims, but it's not a problem I've faced. Even when God has decided to vent his fury on humble Balham, my Brabus has remained determinedly watertight. The fabric hood might be connecting to the windscreen by no more than a slightly flimsy-looking hook, but so far the system has proved infallible. Recently, in a fit of masochism, I even took it through a carwash, only to emerge bone dry.
No leaks to report... yet
Such things really matter to me. If the Smart was a summer's toy then I'd be prepared to forgive a leaky roof, but this is my everyday car and in this context, I've no patience for foibles dressed up as 'character'. At least once a week, my Smart is used to take me on a mad airport dash - normally at a ludicrously early hour - and in those circumstances I need a car that's dry and starts on the turn of a key.
Gremlins causing problems with auto box
Thankfully, the Smart has yet to let me down. Apart from the breakdown of the air conditioning system (see December report) the only glitch I've encountered in seven months' ownership concerns the semi-automatic gearbox. Occasionally and for no apparent reason, it will park itself in gear. The Smart will then refuse to start until the computer can be persuaded to engage neutral. Frantic stick-waggling has ensued on several occasions but after a couple of anxious minutes, the car has always managed to reset itself. I can only presume there's a software gremlin buried deep in the system.
Toolkit hides away when not needed
I've also been worrying about what happens if I get a puncture. Planes, weddings and radio interviews won't wait if I'm stranded by the roadside. There's no spare tyre (nowhere to put it) but I've recently discovered an emergency repair kit that's hidden underneath the passenger carpet. It's a relief to know that there's at least a temporary solution, although I wonder whether a switch to run-flat tyres might be a better long-term fix.
I've written before about my admiration for the Smart's cleverly integrated stereo and navigation system, and its simple operation continues to be a joy. But after a few thousand miles, I can't help thinking that it could be improved further if the speakers were repositioned.
The Brabus boasts four individual speaker units - one in each door frame and two on top of the dashboard. All the sound therefore emanates from in front of the driver and seems distant. Surely a better solution would be to have two of the speakers located behind the occupant's heads, just as they are in a Lotus Elise. The music would be easier to hear when the roof's down and there would be a token gesture towards "surround sound".
£150 cradle for iPod an expense too far
One area where Smart has stolen a march over its competitors, though, is in providing a simple and effective way to connect an iPod to the Smart stereo. Last year, the company introduced an iMove special edition with a built-in iPod and now the technology is available as a retro-fit option. For around £150 (including fitting), a Smart dealer will install a bespoke cradle that sits beside the centre console and accommodates the MP3 player. I've been eyeing one up ever since Santa delivered an iPod and if I was keeping the car for another year I'd definitely splash out. Trouble is, the Brabus goes home in May; forking out £150 for something that will effectively last three months will not please my accountant. Shame.[/COLOR]
Source: 4car.com
