Men's Vogue wonders if the smart is man enough
click above image for more pics of the smart fortwo
cute [kyoot] (adjective)
- attractive, especially in a dainty way; pleasingly pretty by means of smallness, prettiness or quaintness
- affectedly or mincingly pretty or clever; precious
Guys: want to drive around in a smart fourtwo, a car which has been called "cute" more times than Katie Couric? That's the question that Mens Vogue set out to answer, and their findings might surprise the overtly-masculine among us. As might be expected, driving a smart in an urban setting, such as in New York, proved to be fun and relaxing, despite the smart's cute and perky demeanor. Perhaps driving a smart in a more rural setting would prove less appropriate, but, that's not what it was designed for.
Still not convinced? The car proved useful for picking up girls ... and nothing's more manly than that.
[Source: Mens Vogue]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 12:08PM (3/26/2008)
The 90s are over!
What's NOT cute is a big FAT hairy backed guy driving an SUV, picking his nose and smoking a cigar. NOBODY wants so see that!
Women like cute small cars and guys who are man enough to drive them.
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Phil L. 12:12PM (3/26/2008)
I'd drive one. I saw an early convertible in Belgium in the late 90's. I liked it then; still like it now. But I'd drive a Corbin Sparrow, too, so maybe I'm not manly enough.
That said, a two seat (or less) commuter only makes sense for me if lottery winnings or an inheritance are coming my way.
Sadly, I'm short on wealthy relatives - and subscribe to the idea that lotteries are a tax on people who don't know math. So no Smart for me anytime soon. Though I find myself strangely tempted by the idea of a Smart EV...
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Viva La Pin head 12:18PM (3/26/2008)
Sorry Tim,
You could drive new convertible BMW, but once they see your pocket protector, fat gut, Che t-shirt, and all your Ralph Nader bumper stickers, the only woman you would have a shot with would be NPR's Terry Gross
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paulwesterberg 12:51PM (3/26/2008)
The Smart is man enough for men who read Men's Vogue.
Like we care what a bunch of fashion writers think.
Seriously.
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mike 2:25PM (3/26/2008)
It's a Chick Magnet.
End of Story.
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Rob O. 2:32PM (3/26/2008)
Yeah, let's be sure to default back to "what's manly enough" as a guide for how to most efficiently manage resources.
"Manly enough" here in West Texas means that you wrangle a beastly $50 quad-cab, 8-cylinder pickup around town as a single-occupant commuter vehicle. If you drive a less fuel-hungry 4-cylinder vehicle here in Texas, you're likely to be viewed with pity, disgust, or both. But, hey, I guess if manly equates to "has money to burn," then consider me a girly-dude...
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Tim 3:25PM (3/26/2008)
Viva La Pin head, They told me that picture would NOT be circulated! Damn them!!!
(wish I had a BMW) ;)
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Rick 5:08PM (3/26/2008)
This is where there is a major diconnect, between not only this mens mag, but the auto industry in general. The Mini is tiny, VERY tiny. Why does it sell to men? Because it's aggressive, it's fast enough, it has a sports suspension, wheels and low profiles. So, if the Smart comes out in a sports package, lower sporty look with some nice wheels and lower profile tires like the Brabus verson is garuanteed to be manly enough.
http://www.zcars.com.au/brabus-ultimate-112-wallpapers/
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fnc 4:34PM (3/26/2008)
I think confidence in the fact that the choices you've made are right for YOU, whether that means you like the Smart because of its practicality or buy the Vette because you really enjoy going fast, is probably going to be your best bet for drawing the most sensible women.
But hey, if you need to buy a particular kind of car to attract shallow women or because you like to live your life by always considering what other men think, go for it and enjoy living someone ELSE'S ideal life.
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SMART 8:30PM (3/26/2008)
There are a lot of stats about the smart that might surprise the general public. Median age of ownership is 45-54 and median income of ownership is 100K+.
These stats are from the Smart Car of America Community.
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums
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almost Dr. G.. 10:20AM (3/27/2008)
hey rick! i couldnt agree with you more. my past cars include a 6speed 03 maxima and a 05 s2000. my girlfriend has a mini cooper and i would LOVE to get a mini cooper S (black it out though) and i fell in love with the brabus Smart that was part of the package with the SLR. times are changing and a great suspension on a quick, not blazing fast, but quick car should do the trick.
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benzaholic 2:06PM (3/27/2008)
I've only had my new smart fortwo coupe for two weeks, and I can already tell you, it's like taking a puppy to the park.
If I weren't married, or if my scruples were different....
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JP Hedin aka DrSmart 4:08PM (3/27/2008)
Any "car" that has to call itsself the same probably isn't. I know that they need to develop sales in a new market-sales are down in the rest of the world-but what is the point ?? The best game to play in your new smart is try to find the spare tire. A Mercedes with a Mitsubishi engine-oh yes and it has a Getrag trannie just like a Porsche. Caveat Emptor
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Furion 6:33PM (3/27/2008)
"What's NOT cute is a big FAT hairy backed guy driving an SUV, picking his nose and smoking a cigar. NOBODY wants so see that!"
This is confusing. Previously I read in a mag that women want sensitive type, now I read they want a real man .. are they back to sensitive Smart driving type now?!
Dayum .. going to take a big hit in switching that Ford F350 Harley-Davidson edition King Ranch version Alabama Man dually pick-up I used to score ladies with.
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