Remember that "Smart" article in the Seattle Times? Well, here's the follow-up published today... http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/busi...749_paul10.html And here's the start of the reply (about us) from it... Nothing provoked readers more, though, than a column I would otherwise have passed off as a mere diversion from my normal technology pursuits. Seven weeks ago I wrote about our new car, a Toyota Prius, and how it wasn't really as "smart" as it fancied itself. I cited a number of user-interface examples, mentioning in passing how I wished an annoying beeping when the car was in reverse could be disabled. I had inquired at four Toyota dealerships and been told it could not be done. Bam! Dozens of responses, divided neatly between the graciously cordial and the terminally annoyed, choked my inbox.
I personally did not send a response to Paul regarding his earlier article. Good for him to follow up on previous items and I'm glad for him that he did finally disable the beep. About disabling the backbeep: Is it possible that some poeple got the seatbelt beep and the reverse beep confused? Of the people who have tried the back-up beep override, I'm pretty sure everyone has managed to silence it. It's the seatbelt beep that some poeple are having problems disabling (current theory is '04 vs. '05). Anyway, good for him that he has and enjoys his Prius. Paul, if you're stalking, drive hybrid, drive happy.
The Los Angeles Times reports today that the EPA estimate for the Smart Car is 37 mpg. Smart Car Takes Hit as 60-MPG Claim Runs Up Against EPA Roadblock
If you want a tiny 2-seater with great fuel economy, maybe try the Honda Insight? I have a friend who lives about 4 hours from Winnipeg who was seriously thinking of getting a Smart. He knows a guy who bought one who is claiming "80km per Canadian gallon." This guy paid around $20,000 plus taxes. So this guy is getting 48 MPG Canadian gallon and he's *proud* of it?? If you *really* want to have a cheap and fuel efficient car, get the base model Toyota Echo Hatchback: $13,000 plus taxes, low 40's city cycle rating. In the end, my friend picked up a base model Toyota Echo Hatchback. No power steering, no power windows, but he's very happy with it. And ironically the Echo Hatchback has much better interior space than that Smart thing.
So.. the prius is a much better car.. goes faster.. and has better gas mileage? not to mention would probably last longer because of it's hybrid design. (low stress style of starting the engine) i'll stick with a prius. I have a feeling fender benders are going to be a bad issue for this little car. Engine will crush... we'll see.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius\";p=\"68924)</div> Sorry I forgot about that. Even the base model Toyota Echo Hatchback 3dr at $13,000 has ABS. Plus it's just so cute you have a strong desire to hug it. I probably would have purchased one myself but I wanted the larger Prius. You know, cake with icing.
