While diesel-powered smarts used to be slow to warm up the cabin, the new gasoline models fare pretty well. Considering the low temperatures during my test week, I'd give it a 9 out of 10. Storage compartments are modest, but I liked the two small trays on each side of the steering wheel. You have to be careful when putting your coffee in the floor-mounted cupholders. Meanwhile, you can easily fit a bag behind the seats or inside the trunk, even from the driver's seat. Speaking of the trunk, I still believe that the coupe offers decent cargo room for daily errands or even a short weekend getaway. The trunk can only be unlocked with the key and once the rear articulated window is lifted, you can fold the tailgate down.
Behind the wheel
My only complaint in terms of driving is that the steering wheel does not tilt. On the plus side, the gauges and controls are well laid out and easy to use, making drives that more pleasant. Both the front and rear wipers provide great visibility, even during a snowstorm.
Like I said earlier, access to the washer fluid is complicated. You have to literally take off the front hood and the opening of the tank is too narrow. Believe me, this will drive you nuts anytime you have to fill it! I don't understand why the brand's engineers haven't designed a small door (like the fuel tank's) integrated to the hood to make access easier.
In Canada, having plenty of washer fluid is a must during winter. While the tank itself is pretty big, access is ridiculously complicated. In fact, I had to go to a smart dealer in Laval to find someone who could explain to me how to fill up the washer fluid tank. Here's how you do it: unlock the two small hooks in the front grille (beware of scratches), gently lift the hood and lean it against the bumper. Then, grab a funnel and start pouring the fluid through the tiny opening. All that's left is to put the hood back in place (don't forget the hooks!). While the representative filled my tank, I passed the information on to a clueless B-Class owner who was also looking for a way to open the hood. The three of us shared a good laugh.
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| A lot of people told me they were scared of driving the smart because of its size. |
Behind the wheel
My only complaint in terms of driving is that the steering wheel does not tilt. On the plus side, the gauges and controls are well laid out and easy to use, making drives that more pleasant. Both the front and rear wipers provide great visibility, even during a snowstorm.
Like I said earlier, access to the washer fluid is complicated. You have to literally take off the front hood and the opening of the tank is too narrow. Believe me, this will drive you nuts anytime you have to fill it! I don't understand why the brand's engineers haven't designed a small door (like the fuel tank's) integrated to the hood to make access easier.
In Canada, having plenty of washer fluid is a must during winter. While the tank itself is pretty big, access is ridiculously complicated. In fact, I had to go to a smart dealer in Laval to find someone who could explain to me how to fill up the washer fluid tank. Here's how you do it: unlock the two small hooks in the front grille (beware of scratches), gently lift the hood and lean it against the bumper. Then, grab a funnel and start pouring the fluid through the tiny opening. All that's left is to put the hood back in place (don't forget the hooks!). While the representative filled my tank, I passed the information on to a clueless B-Class owner who was also looking for a way to open the hood. The three of us shared a good laugh.
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| You have to literally take off the front hood to access the washer fluid tank, the opening of which is too narrow. |