Smart City Coupe reviews

Everyone needs a runabout, and the electric Smart is ideal. The range varies between 65 and 85 miles on a charge, depending on the time of year, and the use of air con etc. it holds far more than I had expected - 3 x 100l bales of wood chippings, on another occasion a wheelbarrow. It is silent, eco friendly, cheap to run/ insure/ service, no road tax cost. The cruise control is a good way to deal with speed limits, and the variable resistance paddles that control the recharge on the move can be used as alternatives to using the brakes. There are only two gears - forward and reverse, being completely electric the motor just runs faster or slower. The range is constantly updated on the driver's panel, which also gives feedback on the economy of the driving style. The range does not change significantly until the speed is greater than 60mph, although the vehicle is quite capable of 75+. In practice most charging is done at home. It can be from a 13amp socket, but is better from a dedicated wall unit as you would a shower or cooker. I do around 6000 miles a year, and the extra electricity runs out at about £9.50 and month - solar panels on the roof often mean charging feels like using fresh air! When I wish to have more doors, range or special event, I hire what I need. These days that is easy as the car is delivered to me, and it's a lot cheaper than maintaining a Jaguar as I used to do. NB: THERE IS NO ENGINE, SO NO ENGINE SIZE, BUT THIS REVIEW HAD TO PUT SOMETHING OTHERWISE IT WOULD BE REJECTED!!!!!!

I have recently bought this car and so far I have found it fun to drive and very cost effective. It's a bit more noisy than I expected but still it's cheap to use and run. Even with this little engine it's got a quite a good pulling away power.

My Smart car suits the purpose for use very well. I drive in the city environment and visit people in their own homes. I need a car that performs well in city driving conditions and is easy to park. My car suits these requirements perfectly.

My partner Followed this concept from original idea by Swatch. We are delighted to own one and even though it is LHD it is the most practical of small cars and an iconic classic. Shame more modern ones have lost their originality in design.