OT, but any Canadians know if the small

[Bill H.]

Thanks, Jeff...isn't the 5 speed automatic transmission from GM?

[BobHarris]

I've seen those things in europe.

You won't catch me driving one of those cans anywhere it has the opportunity to go one-on-one with a hummer... I dont care how safe they claim it is, vs. another small car it would be ok, but nothing else.

Maybe, it'd be nice to put a mower under it to cut my lawn.

Also it the diesel version gets about the same mileage as the jetta tdi.

One of the English TV programmes (it may have been Top Gear, I can't remember) crashed a Smart into a concrete wall at 70 mph and I was really surprised how well it stood up.

Obviously no one could survive the G forces involved in a crash like that but it does show how strongly made those little cars are.

[Qube]

It drives and handles quite nice for such a small car. If I HAD to get one, it would be convertible. Test drove one for an hour. They let you go out alone.

The 'auto' transmission feature on the 'semi-auto' REALLY... erm... SUCKS. It shifts like a 10 year old learning to drive stick. Didn't try the actual full auto package, but hopefully better.

Don't expect power though. Lots of sound, but no grunt off the line.

IMHO, wait for the four door version.

[shogun]

they even produce a special smaller (yes, smaller) version of the chassis so that it can get also a yellow licence plate like the jap. minicars. This has the advantage that the owner only has to pay an annual car tax of about 50 $. Smaller = fenders are a bit smaller as size must fit regulations.
I like the Roadster. In Germany it sells for about 15K EURO.

Here some more pics
http://www.netmagazine.de/motor/mobi...d18030301.html
But here in Japan it has to compete with the Daihatsu Copen. That thing is even better. And cheaper of course. Long waiting list for this car.
http://www.axesslove.com/copen/international/

http://www.daihatsu-copen.com/

[rickm]

Someone around here (Asheville) has one or was in town with one. Tiny thing, not sure I'd want to drive that on some of the mountain roads around here, that would kill the gerbil, er motor.

[Bill H.]

[Jason]

i live in NYC and i've seen a few driving around. I read about the launch a while back. no need to import.