By the numbers: Smart preorder breakdown
Here is some more good news for all of the Smart early-adopters in the U.S. out there: as ABG reader Randy told us the other day, your cars are starting to be delivered. According to a blog post over at The Detroit News, one of their own traffic consultants has received word that his red convertible model is off the boat and in the States. Speaking of convertibles, I was not too surprised to find out that up to 35 percent of all Smart cars preordered were Passion Cabriolet models. I was a bit more surprised when I read that the vast majority of the rest were the pricier Passion Coupe versions with only four percent of them being the base Pure model. After thinking about it and reviewing the pricing structure, I was a bit less shocked, considering how much more the driver gets for the additional two grand, including a sunroof, air conditioning and AM\FM stereo with CD player. Again, I was not surprised to read that blue and red are competing to be the numero uno color choice. Any more readers out there want to share their Smart preorder information?
[Source: Detroit News, Smart Cars USA]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave Zrostlik 6:50AM (1/29/2008)
I pre-ordered a smart fortwo Pure coupe on the first day orders were accepted, March 19 2007. When I received a follow-up email in September asking to confirm my reservation, I changed my order to the Passion coupe. I added two option packages for the premium sound system and the comfort package. The car arrived at the dealership on January 17 and I took delivery on the 23rd. What a nice car! Yes, the transmission is "different", but once you are used to it's operation it is smooth and easy.
Reply
Joseph 11:44PM (1/15/2008)
It's funny to see how so many people got the premium model. By the way, if you think $17k + is too much for a small car, even in premium version, go to website. The premium version has everything at least a $30k would have.
Unfortunately, because so many of these cars are the premium model, it is likely that all of these people just bought the car because it is "trendy."
"Trendy" isn't enough of a market. Hopefully it'll sell somehow. (maybe after another major upgrade, this version needs some more refinemnet)
Reply
Dave 6:36AM (1/16/2008)
I have yet to hear anything, but I was a late reserver in early September 2007. I have a white passion coupe, with a silver safety cell and black leather interior on the way. I'm really hoping/pulling for it to get here before this Thanksgiving.
Reply
Throwback 9:09AM (1/16/2008)
Having driven the convertible I am not surprised. The top is an extremely well engineered piece. You can run it up and down at any speed, and the quality of the materials is very high. I think this shows that most people see the Smart as more of a fashion statement as opposed to a fuel saving option. Not that they are mutually exclusive. I ordered the Passion coupe with a list of $14,790, I have not decided if I will take delivery. I need a longer test drive as I have said before the transmission shift quality is poor at best.
Reply
Matthijs 10:57AM (1/16/2008)
I have first driven the Smart in 1998. And the transmission shift quality was terrible! This new version is way better. But I think that Americans are used to very smooth automatics. The big difference is that the Smart uses an manual transmission that is "automatized" so only the clutch is automatic.
@Joseph Don't expect any new thing coming out for a while. The first generation Smart had only 1 big facelift. And they took 10 years in updating to this model.
Reply
Throwback 11:02AM (1/16/2008)
You are correct we are used to smooth shifting automatics. I think this is going to be a major stumbling block for the car here. It needs either a dual clutch set-up or a CVT. Personally I would prefer a manual but since it is pitched as a "City" car an automatic is more appropriate.
Reply
amg 11:42AM (1/16/2008)
I ordered a Passion Coupe with an upgraded sound system and a few other options, and those options added up quickly. I think the car was estimated around $16,000, up from the base of $13,590. Not really a bad deal, but I too am unsure if I will take delivery. I also want more of a test drive, and I want to get some feedback about the real world fuel economy, since I would like my next vehicle to be a substantial jump up in economy from my current econobox. I suspect that the 33/40 may be a bit of an underestimation, but I'd like to have more concrete data first.
Regarding the shift quality, I read a recent Motor Trend article that stated that shift quality was improved if the driver lifted off the gas a bit while the car was shifting; the shifts were smoother and faster. The smart rep who rode along with me did not mention this, and it probably would have been helpful to know that. I did find the transmission a bit more jerky and slower than I'd like. I'd love to have a 6 speed manual in this car, but I honestly don't think it has the room!
Reply