If “cute and quirky” is the yardstick by which one measures an automobile, the smart limited-three edition cabriolet is a definite hit; however if performance and practicality serve as the yardstick, the latest limited edition smart micro-car may come up short in more than just wheelbase.
Artistry to behold
I don’t mind a splash of colour, whether it’s worn or driven. The smart edition three limited takes full advantage of colour to breathe life into the oft-drab appearance of this popular ultra fuel-efficient car.
There are simply too many lifeless smarts out there that are victims of uninspiring colour schemes, so to cast my eyes upon the Melon Metallic Green shell of my tester was to embrace the smart for more than just ecology-based reasons. Finally there’s visual passion worth admiring.
The colourful theme continues inside the smart three limited as well, where hues of melon green and brown earth tones provide subdued drama that's playful as well as attractive.
A mix of tactile materials including stitched leather enhances the contrast in feel and appearance, resulting in much greater vibrancy than normally found within the spacious two-seat cabin.
Narrow but roomy accommodations
Those yet to spend time seated in a smart are in for a surprise when they finally swing open the wide door of the upright vehicle and deposit themselves into a tremendously supportive perch.
The pair of cloth and leather appointed seats in my tester held my frame snuggly thanks to their firm cushioning and prominent side bolstering.
Unfortunately, the seats don’t provide much in the way of adjustment and they’re not equipped with armrests. My right arm tended to flap in the breeze when not resting atop the leather-trimmed gear shift knob.
The smart’s wide doors and elevated seating position make ingress/egress a breeze, which again is counter-intuitive for such a small car. Also less than intuitive is the not so “smart” steering wheel, which is frozen in time due to the absence of tilt and telescopic functions. When it comes to legroom and headroom though, the smart is outstanding.
Not only is the long cabin of the smart roomy, it imparts a sense of airiness that’s sure to please; less pleasing is the scarcity storage space, it barely exists. And due to the stowage requirements of smart’s convertible lid, cargo space is further diminished.
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| The smart limited-three edition cabriolet is everything a conventional smart cabriolet is except dreary. |
Artistry to behold
I don’t mind a splash of colour, whether it’s worn or driven. The smart edition three limited takes full advantage of colour to breathe life into the oft-drab appearance of this popular ultra fuel-efficient car.
There are simply too many lifeless smarts out there that are victims of uninspiring colour schemes, so to cast my eyes upon the Melon Metallic Green shell of my tester was to embrace the smart for more than just ecology-based reasons. Finally there’s visual passion worth admiring.
The colourful theme continues inside the smart three limited as well, where hues of melon green and brown earth tones provide subdued drama that's playful as well as attractive.
A mix of tactile materials including stitched leather enhances the contrast in feel and appearance, resulting in much greater vibrancy than normally found within the spacious two-seat cabin.
Narrow but roomy accommodations
Those yet to spend time seated in a smart are in for a surprise when they finally swing open the wide door of the upright vehicle and deposit themselves into a tremendously supportive perch.
The pair of cloth and leather appointed seats in my tester held my frame snuggly thanks to their firm cushioning and prominent side bolstering.
Unfortunately, the seats don’t provide much in the way of adjustment and they’re not equipped with armrests. My right arm tended to flap in the breeze when not resting atop the leather-trimmed gear shift knob.
The smart’s wide doors and elevated seating position make ingress/egress a breeze, which again is counter-intuitive for such a small car. Also less than intuitive is the not so “smart” steering wheel, which is frozen in time due to the absence of tilt and telescopic functions. When it comes to legroom and headroom though, the smart is outstanding.
Not only is the long cabin of the smart roomy, it imparts a sense of airiness that’s sure to please; less pleasing is the scarcity storage space, it barely exists. And due to the stowage requirements of smart’s convertible lid, cargo space is further diminished.
 |
| The smart’s wide doors and elevated seating position make ingress/egress a breeze. |