V. Cheap Toyo tyres.
Discussion
I've always loved the Smart & it frustrates me that so many people who haven't ever driven one, slag them off. I wonder what the new Smart will be like?
I'm stil a sucker for fast saloons, but the German marques leave me a bit cold. They just don't have the "character" of an HSV. So yes I have seen the various pics. of the new 4dr. Does look a little Focus ST/Astra VXRish imo. I prefer the more subtle lines of the VT & VX, but until I actually see one in the flesh I'll reserve final judgement. I'm sure I'll be tempted though, if they do actually become available in the U.K.
I still like the idea of a light & agile fast car, as I've never owned one. I drove a couple of Caterhams recently, I loved them, but I'm still not sure that I wouldn't instantly kill myself on the public highway if I owned one!
I'm stil a sucker for fast saloons, but the German marques leave me a bit cold. They just don't have the "character" of an HSV. So yes I have seen the various pics. of the new 4dr. Does look a little Focus ST/Astra VXRish imo. I prefer the more subtle lines of the VT & VX, but until I actually see one in the flesh I'll reserve final judgement. I'm sure I'll be tempted though, if they do actually become available in the U.K.
I still like the idea of a light & agile fast car, as I've never owned one. I drove a couple of Caterhams recently, I loved them, but I'm still not sure that I wouldn't instantly kill myself on the public highway if I owned one!
Edited by A57 HSV on Wednesday 6th September 16:38
A57 HSV said:
I've always loved the Smart & it frustrates me that so many people who haven't ever driven one, slag them off. I wonder what the new Smart will be like?
I drove one a few times when I had a Smart Fortwo as Mole Valley used to lend theirs out to customers back for service work.
I must say it was a terrible car IMHO. Ride was crashy, breathless engine, terrible semi auto gearbox with big pauses between gears, plus I had the biggest moment of my driving life when I overtook a lorry and the sidewind upon exiting took me on to the grass of the central reservation!! All that plus many cost >£10k for which you could buy a second hand jag or nearly new Focus / Golf - any of which would be bigger, more comfortable, more refined, much safer and much faster. The 44 is ideal if you live in central London or want to impress young ladies but other than that whats the point? (Dont mention the safety, as whilst the cell is super strong it transfers all resultant load to the occupants!!)
We owned a Smart ForFour 1.5dci until recently (which has been panned by the press) and that was actually a really good little car. It did 65mpg, had air con, a glass roof and cost me £100 in depreciation plus £65 on tyres in a year of ownership.
Would appreciate the flip side BTW, perhaps I am missing something?
Bennno
Apologies for the hijack.
Smart driving is a nack, the auto gearbox needs time to learn your driving style, but is slow & it's quirks need learning. Of course there is also the manual overide. Sidewinds are an issue, but curable with wider wheels. The newer 700cc models are also vastly better than the original.
To compare the Smart with any other car is to totally miss the point. It is simply the best urban transport for two people & a surprisingly large amount of shopping etc. Try parking a cheaper better equipped Fiesta etc. in a place where a Smart will fit. Or squeezing up the inside of a vehicle waiting to turn right etc.
Hence why the likes of Stirling Moss, Gordon Murray & Schumacker all love drive them. Of course they also own better bigger cars, but for the job they were intended for they are the best.
Once you learn to overcome it's weaknesses, driving them is hilarious. With the right mods. they can also make surprisingly good long distance cruisers as V8 HSV will confirm.
Smart driving is a nack, the auto gearbox needs time to learn your driving style, but is slow & it's quirks need learning. Of course there is also the manual overide. Sidewinds are an issue, but curable with wider wheels. The newer 700cc models are also vastly better than the original.
To compare the Smart with any other car is to totally miss the point. It is simply the best urban transport for two people & a surprisingly large amount of shopping etc. Try parking a cheaper better equipped Fiesta etc. in a place where a Smart will fit. Or squeezing up the inside of a vehicle waiting to turn right etc.
Hence why the likes of Stirling Moss, Gordon Murray & Schumacker all love drive them. Of course they also own better bigger cars, but for the job they were intended for they are the best.
Once you learn to overcome it's weaknesses, driving them is hilarious. With the right mods. they can also make surprisingly good long distance cruisers as V8 HSV will confirm.
bennno said:
As interesting as it might be to respond Pomona sazs we are only allowed to talk about tyres on this thread
bennno
Yes quite right but with all the c5&p that gets posted here from time to time it is relative as it is about owners cars at least, 4 hsv/smart members exist here.
www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html
go to 'ideal rim calculator'
In reality it is ok to go up one size, I did on 18" running 245 section which helped protect the rim but did nothing for handling. On 19" wheels I will not go past 245 though as I would rather have handling over rim protection
go to 'ideal rim calculator'
In reality it is ok to go up one size, I did on 18" running 245 section which helped protect the rim but did nothing for handling. On 19" wheels I will not go past 245 though as I would rather have handling over rim protection
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