[440ci]

The Roadster's a big let down and getting in/out is not the easiest of
tasks. The basic car is the best of the bunch.

[zybisko14]

well, have to learn to become the human origami... hee hee... actually
for you guys which have went overseas before, is the smart car actually
popular?

[KTypeR84]

it seems to be for the european countries...the smart may not be doing very
very well i would say coz of the pricing which is supposed to be targetted
at youngsters..instead it now falls in the reach of those rich fathers whom
wanna buy a 'toy' car for their children..80k, for a car that is only
suitable for running around town...would you consider getting one? lol..i
certainly am not going outstation with this vehicle..too dangerous le..

[zybisko14]

dangerous... because of size? my dad's not rich. *sigh*. all i want is a
roadster, open top and 2 seater... any other car to recommend?

[Ryoga]

KTypeR84,

I just got back from test drving the Smart fortwo Pulse. Only 2 units of
the hard top (black/stream green) left available. 10 units Brabus version
already sold out and only 1 unit Cabrio left (Si Khiong Star branch). We
were allowed to look inside only 3 units - the others had a "SOLD" sign
placed on their dashboard - so no touch - juz looky-looky.

Total abt 100 units brought in (first batch) into Malaysia and expected
delivery is sometime January. Second batch coming in within first quarter
of next year.

Waiting period is abt 1 month and dependent on which model, there is a
waiting list (esp for desired colour scheme dats not available right now).

In DC's conclusion, the test batch which is the first 100 units looks
encouraging enuff (reported that sales were very good), and they had
verbally indicated that other models (or so as i was told) which includes
the Roadster and Roadster Coupe will be made available next year. There
will also be 1 new 2005 Smart Cross Blade brought in but this will be used
as a show car, and delivery upon order only.

And here is the surprise - according to the manager, abt 2/3rd of the
Smart Customers are trading in their Protons/Kias (which I will be among
them one day) - And nope, the average customer age is at 35 and I doubt
they're buying the car for their kiddies unless they became daddies at 18.

From their sales feedback, most who were interested and placed the booking
fee - they're not looking for just a car, but one they can identify
themselves with, or looking ot be different. Thus money is not the issue,
but rather personal taste is. And they dun mind the 2 seater thing too
since it's obvious this is not for the family.

And I agree, it is really like a toycar of sort. And after driving one - I
dun wanna grow up

Despite the grunt like gear change in auto mode, the car was smooth and
took corners well. Initial movement was a little slow but that was becos I
wasn't used to the car yet, esp the gear, but when I was ... walau. The
sales rep stated that the Brabus model wud have faster acceleration ....
until I test drive the Brabus, the Pulse seem to be doing better than my
current Sedan (also auto). This car really gives a fresh definition
to "zipping around".

And confirm - this car is really a babe magnet - shud see all those gals
staring when I was stuck in a minor jam beside Lot 10. It's also a crowd
puller. The Pulse really is comfortable, and the funny thing was that I
didn't feel like I was driving a small car at all, until i saw the
reflections from the shops.

I can't comment much abt the engine noise as I only rode her around town.
So far she seem decent. Yet to try her on the highway ... can't wait.

At 100km per gallon (can anyone confirm this?), this wud make the Smart
more economical than a Kanchil. But none can still answer my enquiries abt
spare parts and maintenance 2 years warranty and servicable in
authorised mercedes SCs for the time being, until DC can appoint an
independent Smart dealer.

I am still waiting for Smart owner's feedbacks before I commit myself.
Right now, the only thing holding me back is again the spare parts and
maintenance.


PSST - my wifey drove her too. And she was the skeptic. Now she is telling
me to go for the hard top and not the Cabrio .

[kylie]

wow, Ryoga has fallen in lust with the Smart car!

we went to see it just now since we were at shang - it's nice and cute
and yup I am sure it's a babe magnet.

[CMNG]

how much the brabus model compared to other ?
Brabus name mean $$$$ liow

[Ryoga]

CMNG, Brabus will set u back by RM110K wor

[chairkai]

I've decided to get the Cabrio soft-top in Jan 2005, after the Afta
excise duty is confirmed.

[Ryoga]

Chairkai, do give us a report when u do. I am planning to get mine end
2005 as I want to know more about the spare parts, maintenance and also
see if more accessories will be available.

I've already conveyed this to the Dealer and they will be keeping me
updated (hopefully) on any updates.