I'm not saying that driving a red smart fortwo cabriolet is an act of femininity because it's not, but I swear I experienced menstrual cramps minutes after taking her wheel; and let me assure my readers, I'm not constructed physiologically to incur the XX chromosome curse.
The cute factor
The 2008 smart fortwo (marketed in lower case) is the latest version of this micro car to hit North American shores. Despite being available in Canada since late 2004, the vehicle continues to draw attention and comments, some less welcome than others.
In my particular case, "cute car" was the comment that shattered my self-esteem. Like most men just days away from the big 5-0, I want to drive something that provokes, "hey daddy-o, cool ride." Despite drawing masculinity-challenging remarks, the smart fortwo imparts some very practical messages to onlookers, the most important of which is, "I'm reducing my carbon footprint and so should you."
Notwithstanding its moral messaging the fortwo expresses plenty of flair, which begins with a happy-face grille and headlight arrangement. And if you think the exterior holds charm, inspect the design elements found within this two-door rear-wheel-drive buggy.
Who couldn't love the "bug-eyed" clock and tachometer mounted atop the instrument panel? And what about the art deco HVAC control panel and air vents? Capping-off the interior design intrigue is a Saab-like console-mounted ignition switch.
Cute doesn't mean puny
The smart fortwo is a micro car, which is another way of saying it holds very little cargo but that doesn't meant it's a tight fit for occupants. This vehicle probably has more leg and headroom than most full-size sedans; at least as far as the two front seats go, because, these are the only seats you'll find in a fortwo. You also won't find a centre armrest- and that's regrettable, especially during long drives.
Occupant seating is comfortable and supportive. From these raised perches, excellent forward and side visibility greets the eyes. Rearward visibility in the cabriolet is less engaging due tall seat backs and a smallish rear window, which is heated to keep it free of fog and frost.
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| The 2008 smart fortwo is the latest version of this micro car to hit North American shores. |
The cute factor
The 2008 smart fortwo (marketed in lower case) is the latest version of this micro car to hit North American shores. Despite being available in Canada since late 2004, the vehicle continues to draw attention and comments, some less welcome than others.
In my particular case, "cute car" was the comment that shattered my self-esteem. Like most men just days away from the big 5-0, I want to drive something that provokes, "hey daddy-o, cool ride." Despite drawing masculinity-challenging remarks, the smart fortwo imparts some very practical messages to onlookers, the most important of which is, "I'm reducing my carbon footprint and so should you."
Notwithstanding its moral messaging the fortwo expresses plenty of flair, which begins with a happy-face grille and headlight arrangement. And if you think the exterior holds charm, inspect the design elements found within this two-door rear-wheel-drive buggy.
Who couldn't love the "bug-eyed" clock and tachometer mounted atop the instrument panel? And what about the art deco HVAC control panel and air vents? Capping-off the interior design intrigue is a Saab-like console-mounted ignition switch.
Cute doesn't mean puny
The smart fortwo is a micro car, which is another way of saying it holds very little cargo but that doesn't meant it's a tight fit for occupants. This vehicle probably has more leg and headroom than most full-size sedans; at least as far as the two front seats go, because, these are the only seats you'll find in a fortwo. You also won't find a centre armrest- and that's regrettable, especially during long drives.
Occupant seating is comfortable and supportive. From these raised perches, excellent forward and side visibility greets the eyes. Rearward visibility in the cabriolet is less engaging due tall seat backs and a smallish rear window, which is heated to keep it free of fog and frost.
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| Storage within the fortwo cabriolet is primarily restricted to a small trunk. |