The greenest VW Golf BlueMotion Launched in UK: 74.3mpg

VW has been playing the ‘Bluemotion’ card for some time across the range. The ‘BlueMotion Technology’ is frequently used in many models. And now Volkswagen launched the 2010 BlueMotion Golf in the European market. With an impressive 74.3 mpg (3.8 l/100km) and averages 99 g/km in C02 emissions, the BlueMotion Golf becomes the most efficient Golf ever.

To achieve that, the car uses a 1.6-litre TDI common rail turbo diesel motor combined with a slate of fuel-saving technologies like automatic start-stop system, longer gear ratios, brake energy regeneration, hill hold assist and low rolling resistance tyres.

Of course, it won’t be a powerful vehicle. The engine produces 77kW (105 PS) of power and maximum torque of 250Nm (184 lbs ft) made at 1,500 rpm. Its 0-60mph time is 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph. It’s not going to set your hair on fire, but it’s adequate.

Standard specification is based on that of the standard Golf S model. However, to make the new BlueMotion stand out from the rest of the range, VW is fitting a sports styling kit with a deeper front fascia, a bigger rear spoiler, side skirts and sports bumpers. You also get a set of 15″ ”Wellington’ alloys, chrome grill louvres and the requisite BlueMotion badging.

Inside, there are ABS with ESP, Climatic semi-automatic climate control, a radio/ CD/ MP3 sound system and seven airbags.

Prices start at £17,325 for the 3 door BlueMotion Golf, that is £785 more than the standard S 1.6-litre TDI. The 5 door BlueMotion Golf rises to £17,910.

Honda Civic Type R MUGEN coming to UK

British tuners Mugen Euro, a long-standing tuner of Honda engines for motor racing, has confirmed to bring Honda Civic Type R Mugen to the European market. It’s ultra rare, since only 20 units will be offer. Pricing starts at £38,599 (includes taxes, fees, and paperwork).

Based on the superb Honda Civic Type R, the car gets a tweaked version of the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine from the standard Civic Type R. Featuring new camshafts and a modified intake system, power has been increased by 20 percent to 177 kW while torque is increased by 10 percent over the standard model.

Other improvements made to the powerplant include pistons increasing the compression ratio, and breathing is enhanced by fitting a custom stainless steel exhaust system and MUGEN airbox. Meanwhile, a bespoke MUGEN map for the ECU allows the engine to take full advantage of the modifications.

MUGEN also worked its magic on the handling by improving the suspension set-up with custom-made springs and dampers. The Type R Mugen also comes with a limited slip differential. Forged alloy wheels weigh only 7.85 kilograms per wheel, and cover four-piston racing caliper brakes. The company wrapped the wheels in "track-ready road-legal" tires.

The Civic Type R MUGEN will be available in Honda's famous racing color Championship White. The styling is aggressive with modifications include a new large rear wing, and new front and rear skirts. A custom grille wearing the MUGEN emblem, was also installed. Inside, Buyers can also opt for a Track Pack that is made up by Recaro front seats, water and oil temperature/pressure gauges, data recording equipment and track-ready road-legal tires. However the package will take away the rear seat bench to help reduce weight.

The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN will be hand-built in the U.K. "Each Type R MUGEN will be an exclusive, hand-built race car for the road," said Mugen Euro VP Hiroki Toyoda. "When we launched the Civic Type RR saloon in Japan, we sold out of all 300 units in just six minutes. Given the interest we have already had from car enthusiasts in the UK and abroad, we hope to repeat that achievement."

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sedan officially Launched

To get your hands on the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi Sedan, go to dealership in Japan. And sales should begin in the United States within the next few weeks. Being as Suzuki’s new flagship model, it reflects the dynamic, forward-looking approach with which Suzuki takes up new automaking challenges. The new sedan catapults Suzuki straight into the big league with the likes of Toyota and Honda.

The car is powered by a 2.4 Litre 4 Cylinder DOHC Variable Valve Timing engine that produces 180 HP that could deliver a maximum of 230 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for a drive through the city. Suzuki brought the all wheel drive in this car for great cornering performance and better acceleration.

As for the styling, the Suzuki Kizashi gets contours that include taut shoulder lines running from the headlamps to the rear combination lamps express power befitting a car of the Kizashi’s class. The rear deck is contoured for both aerodynamics and aesthetics.

Suzuki also focused on keeping the cabin quiet. Dual-exhaust silencers and sound absorption material was used to make the ride more pleasant.

world's fastest car in India

With an astronomical price tag of Rs 6 crore (Rs 60 million), the car will be the most expensive to be sold in India, according to an Economic Times report.The world's fastest car, Ultimate Aero, is all set to hit the Indian roads.

Fastest Cars In The World- Top 10 List 2010

World's Fastest Cars

While most of us can only dream of owning the fastest car in the world, some will do whatever it takes to possess such speed and power.So, how fast are the fastest cars in the world? Here is the 10 fastest cars available on the market measures by top speed.

1. SSC Ultimate Aero: 257 mph, 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness world records, The SSC Ultimate Aero takes the lead as the fastest car in the world beating Bugatti Veyron.

2. Bugatti Veyron: 253 mph, 0-60 in 2.5 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle W16 Engine with 1001 hp, base price is $1,700,000. With the highest price tag, no wonder this is rank #2.

3. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo: 248 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass, will make you want to show it off non-stop.

4. Koenigsegg CCX: 245 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $545,568. Made in Sweden, it is aiming hard to be the fastest car in the world, but it has a long way to go to surpass the Bugatti and the Ultimate Aero.

5. McLaren F1: 240 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. Check out the doors, they looks like bat wings, maybe Batman need to order one and paints it black

6. Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 ever produced, the price goes up every time someone crashes.

7. Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price was $650,000. Made in 1992, this car still got what it takes to make the list.

8. Pagani Zonda F: 215 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 secs. Mercedes Benz M180 V12 Engine with 650 hp, base price is $667,321. With a V12 motor, this baby can do much better.

9. Lamborghini Murcielago LP640: 211 mph, 0-60 in 3.3 secs. V12 Engine with 640 hp, base price is $430,000. Nice piece of art, the design is very round and smooth.

10. Porsche Carrera GT: 205 mph, 0-60 in 3.9 secs. Aluminum, 68 Degree, Water Cooled V10 Engine with 612 hp, base price is $440,000. The most powerful and most expensive Porsche nearly made the list as #10.

Most Expensive Cars in Srilanka

What is the most expensive car in the world? The 1931 Bugatti Royale Kellner Coupe was sold for $8,700,000 in 1987. However, that car and many alike will not be included in this list because it is not available on the market today. It is hard to imagine someone would actually spend 8 million dollars on a car instead of using it for something more productive. However, if you have the money and the opportunity, you will definitely spend a small fraction of it to place a few of these supercars in your garage. Here is the 10 most expensive production cars on the market.

1. Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000. This is by far the most expensive street legal car available on the market today. It is the fastest accelerating car reaching 0-60 in 2.6 seconds. It claims to be the fastest car with a top speed of 253 mph+. However, the title for the fastest car goes to the SSC Ultimate Aero which exceed 253 mph pushing this car to 2nd place for the fastest car.

2. Lamborghini Reventon $1,600,000. The most powerful and the most expensive Lamborghini ever built is the second on the list. It takes 3.3 seconds to reach 60 mph and it has a top speed of 211 mph. Its rarity (limited to 20) and slick design are the reasons why it is so expensive and costly to own.

3. McLaren F1 $970,000. In 1994, the McLaren F1 was the fastest and most expensive car. Even though it was built 15 years ago, it has an unbelievable top speed of 240 mph and reaching 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Even as of today, the McLaren F1 is still top on the list and it outperformed many other supercars.

4. Ferrari Enzo $670,000. The most known supercar ever built. The Enzo has a top speed of 217 mph and reaching 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Only 400 units were produced and it is currently being sold for over $1,000,000 at auctions.

5. Pagani Zonda C12 F $667,321. Produced by a small independent company in Italy, the Pagani Zonda C12 F is the 5th fastest car in the world. It promises to delivery a top speed of 215 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.

6. SSC Ultimate Aero $654,400. Don't let the price tag fool you, the 6th most expensive car is actually the fastest street legal car in the world with a top speed of 257 mph+ and reaching 0-60 in 2.7 seconds. This baby cost nearly half as much as the Bugatti Veyron, yet has enough power to top the most expensive car in a speed race. It is estimated that only 25 of this exact model will ever be produced.

7. Saleen S7 Twin Turbo $555,000. The first true American production certified supercar, this cowboy is also rank 3rd for the fastest car in the world. It has a top speed of 248 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. If you are a true American patriot, you can be proud to show off this car.

8. Koenigsegg CCX $545,568. Swedish made, the Koenigsegg is fighting hard to become the fastest car in the world. Currently, it is the 4th fastest car in the world with a top speed of 245 mph+, the car manufacture Koenigsegg is not giving up and will continue to try and produce the fastest car. Good luck with that!

9. Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster $495,000. A GT supercar, the SLR McLaren is the fastest automatic transmission car in the world with a top speed of 206 mph+ and reaching 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. It is a luxurious convertible with a really powerful engine, which results in outstanding performances and style.

10. Porsche Carrera GT $440,000. A supercar with dynamic stability control and a top speed of 205 mph+ and it can reach 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. The Porsche Carrera GT applies the absolute calibers of a true racing car to offer an unprecedented driving feeling on the road.

most expensive travel products you can waste your money

Forget the recession, forget the "staycation" (Ihate that term). If you still haven't lost all your money in the global economic meltdown, then here are 4 of the most expensive travel items you can spend/waste your money on.

In the lineup, you'll find how you can spend $2.6 Million on one airline ticket, a cruise, a rental car and one RV. Yes - this is how you can really burn through your cash like it is going out of style!

---

The most expensive airline ticket



If you book your own tickets (ie. you don't get them issued through work), you'll have often whined about wasting $400 on airfare. If you go abroad a lot, you'll most likely have clicked "buy now" on a $900 airline ticket. But those are nothing compared to the most expensive commercial airline ticket available - the "first class six continent round the world" on the One World alliance. All for a mere $16,900.

Assuming you ignore private jet rates and airline seats auctioned for charity (someone once paid $100,000 for a charity seat on the Airbus A380), nothing costs more than this round the world ticket.

Even tickets on Concorde used to cost less than this. The ticket allows you 16 flight segments in first class to 6 continents, allowing you to circle the globe in comfort. Best of all, a smart mileage planner can earn enough miles for another free round trip in first class and elite status on any airline in the alliance (as long as they were smart enough to add their frequent flier number to the itinerary).

---

The most expensive rental car



The most expensive rental car in the world won't come with one of those stupid "number 1" stickers found on Hertz vehicles, and you won't earn any upgrades for being a member of the frequent rental program. But if you have a spare $75,000 lying around, you can rent yourself a Bugatti Veyron for the weekend. You'll also need a spare $262,000 on your credit card for the deposit, so be sure you don't crash the damn thing.

Of course, your $75,000 does get you the fastest production car ever built, and if you feel lucky, you may be able to bring her to her top speed of 253 mph. Just keep the tires in good shape - a set of spares costs another $40,000. Also, be sure you don't get too attached to this beauty - she'll cost a sweet $1,400,000 to purchase.

---

The most expensive RV



For some people, a mobile home or RV is considered luxurious if it features a shower. Others demand a bit more.

Anderson Mobile Estates designs mobile homes for the rich and famous. Their rigs have 2 stories, and up to 1,100 square feet of space. The entire home is designed with luxury in mind - exotic wood, granite, marble and fine china.

Flat panel TV's and gaming consoles are everywhere, residents can get online using satellite uplinks and if you find yourself in a party mood, you can invite 30 of your closest friends for a bit of fun in the upper deck. Creative minds can even take advantage of full sound booths and editing suites, complete with their own entrance.

The price for this much luxury? Start thinking $2 Million and you'll be getting close. Best of all, this thing can be set up in just 10 minutes.

---

The most expensive cruises



For $319,560 you can spend your next 69 days in total luxury on board the Seabourn Odyssey (that works out to be $4631 each day - per person).

This of course does not include any of the prices you could end up paying for your own private yacht rental, which can easily exceed $120,000 per day!

Other luxury cruise line prices are equally expensive - another of the priciest cruises will sail you around the world in 108 days, for $509,490, also on Seabourn. Of course, these fares are for their best possible suite with 2 bedrooms, a whirlpool tub, walk in closets and of course, butler service.

Norweigan Cruse Line offers one of the largest cruise suites in the world - at 5,750 square feet, this accommodation offers 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, butler service, a baby grand piano and a private terrace with enough room for 100 people!

At $25,000 a week (a mere $3500/day), it isn't as expensive as the Seabourn cruise line suites, but the amenities sound like a ton more fun. Imagine inviting 100 of your new friends up to your terrace for a private party?

Most Expensive Car Crashes Oppss!

01 - Jay Kay, the leadsinger of Jamiroquai band, happened to destroy his beautiful magenta Lamborghini Diablo SE30 (estimated $360000). Kay couldn’t manage the control when trying to turn. He was thrown onto the edge of the road as well as fined ฃ750. But we don’t care for Jay. And here is the result of the car crime.The magenta horse - or what was left.

02 - Charming mean girl Lindsey Lohan seems not to put much value to her black friend Mercedes-Benz CLK-350. She broke the car trying to escape the paparazzi. Oh yeah, she proved to be a real mean girl. If she were a good girl, she wouldn’t be hunted by these people.The celebrities can easily buy or crack any car. The actress also decided not to fall behind. They say easy come easy go …to the service parts. Bye bye, my little toy car, hope, we’ll see you on the heavens.

03 - Mr. Kerimov was listed as one of the richest individuals by the Forbes. Suleyman Kerimov is a Duma Member. Mr. Kerimov, 40, the owner of $7.1 billion treasure, once guessed he couldn’t be worse than the US celebrities. He bought a luxurious Ferrari Enzo car. When driving it after the rain he ran into the tree near the seashore in Nice, France. The car was traveling at high speeds though the maximum speed allowed there was only 35 miles per hour.And we see the result of crashed $ 1.2 million.

04 - One of the most expensive car crashes happened on Dec 15th, 2002. The English Channel was always known as a foggy place where cargo ships go down. It justifies the fact this time. About 3000 luxury cars with cost of 30 million Pounds sank down when the Norwegian carrier crashed into a container ship due to the fog. The bad weather prevented from saving the cars from the bottom of the sea. It was reported the carrier had the new Saabs, Volvos and BMWs. It is also known from a reliable source there was not only cars on the board but also the tractors…. Foggy winter night, gone down cars, what could be better? It’s like a pirate film of nowadays. But we got good news: the crew is still alive. And maybe someone is waiting for his car but the car became a new fish aquarium.

05 - It is funny but comedians also may cry.

Rowan Atkinson known as Mr.Bean got a new name of Mr.Bang. Rowan is known as a car collector. He started his collection in 1981. One of his best known cars is McLaren F1… or, more exactly, was McLaren F1. He bought this car to mark his success in “Bean – The Movie.” and used it for the family rides. The car’s considered to be the one of the world’s most exclusive cars and one of the fastest. The speed limit of the car is 240 miles per hour and only the Koenigsegg CCR and the Bougatti Veyron could overcome it. Mr.Bean drove this car when he crashed into a woman’s Rover Metro in 1999. The car was estimated US $1.2 million.

06 - Even if you know best and if you’re a wrestling legend it doesn’t matter that you can keep your kid away the crash. Nick Bolea Hogan, Hulk Hogan’s son, 17, couldn’t control his Toyota Supra on August 27, 2007. While diving he lost control and ran into a palm. The passenger Hulk Hogan’s son was seriously injured in the accident. But see the car! Poor yellow sunny Toyota looks like a broken piece of sunshine thrown onto the edge.

07 - Is there any place better for the exotic cars than LA? No. Hollywood, celebrities, expensive cars…The most expensive car crashes once occurred in Beverly Hills. It was assumed worth $1 billion. 17 most expensive cars were destroyed in BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. The exotic cars included two McLaren F1s, one Lamborghini Diablo, two Maseratis, a Porsche Boxster, a Bugatti Cobra, three Enzo Ferraris, a Bentley Bizarrini, a Gullwing Mercedes, a Rolls Royce, an Aston Martin Vanquish, and three Jaguars. The reason was… a tramp trying to cross the street in a wrong place. But some sources reports the thin fog was the reason for it. Who believes? It’s not the English Channel though it’s not clear if there was any celebrity in the cars. It’s wondering how much insurance companies lost on that day.

08 - A 30 year old actor Orlando Bloom remained safe and sound after the crash on October 12th. But his two Passengers were taken to the hospital. As you can see from the pics the women were seriously injured.The blood test showed he and his guests didn’t have any drugs or alcohol. But night club pastimes of celebrity cars live much to be desired. And the beautiful horses of the masters have to pay for such life.The crash happened when the actor and his guests were on the way to a nightclub.

Bloom ran into a parked car after the other car ram. And so here is the effect. The reason is once more paparazzi at least Orlando said so.

09 - A 21-year-old Martin Gegenfurtner, once happened to drive the car at about 137 mph in the in Germany. The source reports the car suddenly made a 90-degree turn on a dry and straight road, purled and jumped upside down in the woods. If you liked that car look upwards and remember what kind of car it was… You won’t recognize the car because the car looks quite different. And if you still have a desire to present your wife with this nice, please, think forty times and guess the sum of insurance. Otherwise after some misfortune turn it may look the following.

Lamborghini Murcielago, after...

10 - The most beautiful and exotic car is Bugatti Veyron and, unfortunately, the fastest one. The insurance for this car is a real headache for any insurance company. One of these beauties crashed in Britain. It cost 1.6 million bucks. All the papers and internet media sources burst out this news. This crash is thought to be the most expensive car crash among individual car crashes. The pleasant view of the car at the car exhibition fascinates and calls you to get it at all costs.

But one rainy usual morning it became a car without a nose.

The surprise is that the car wasn’t wrecked by a drunken star. But it was destroyed.

Aston Martin Rapide 2010

The Aston Martin Rapide has moved into the final stages of its development programme, on course for a public debut in late 2009, with the first customer cars due to be delivered in early 2010.

First revealed as the Aston Martin Rapide Concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006, the Rapide is one of the most eagerly awaited cars of the year. As Aston Martin's first true four-door production sports car, the Rapide encapsulates the core values of the brand within an elegant, high-powered sports grand tourer, with four full-sized seats, generous accommodation and luggage space and trademark Aston Martin performance.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: "The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world. It completes the Aston Martin range conveying our established attributes of Power, Beauty and Soul.

"In 2010 there will be an Aston Martin for every type of sports car customer regardless of the demands of their lifestyle. The Rapide is the most versatile, bringing a new benchmark of luxury and refinement to both driver and passenger."

The concept received worldwide acclaim for its design as well as strong expressions of interest from customers. Following the purchase of Aston Martin in June 2007, the production version of the Rapide was approved and development began in earnest. Underpinned by Aston Martin's VH (Vertical/Horizontal) extruded aluminium architecture, the Rapide retains the elegant, flowing proportions that are integral to every Aston Martin and remains remarkably faithful to the original design study.

The cohesive design language and elegant form of the Rapide ensure it is a perfect complement to the other cars in Aston Martin's line-up. From the outset, the Rapide was designed with no aesthetic compromise. "We wanted to make the most beautiful four-door sports car in the world," Aston Martin's Director of Design Marek Reichman stated when the concept was first shown.

The signature elements of Aston Martin's design language translate seamlessly to the four-door format, with key features such as the 'swan wing' doors - rising upwards and outwards as they swing open - facilitating access to the two beautifully trimmed individual rear seats. The bodywork flows effortlessly from front to rear, where a kicked up tail and strong rear shoulders wrap around the wheel arches to create the classic Aston Martin silhouette, enveloping the additional doors, seats for children or two adults on shorter journeys and functional luggage capacity.

Described by Reichman as a lithe 'long distance runner', compared to the sprinter-like poise of the V8 Vantage and the muscularity of the DBS, the Rapide's lines are a master class in maintaining purity of proportion and vision. Detail design is crucial, with Aston Martin's iconic side strake extended to run through the front doors before blending into the rear door, lending a sense of dynamic thrust to the Rapide's stance.

The Rapide has been subjected to Aston Martin's rigorous testing programme including extreme climate testing and dynamic performance trials at the company's new Nürburgring Test Centre to ensure it will display the brand's integral high speed abilities. The last stages of endurance testing are now underway with final sign-off expected later this year before a production car is debuted in September.

The Rapide will offer performance purity and the same level of sporting ability as all modern Aston Martins. Powered by a version of Aston Martin's 6.0 litre V12 engine producing 470bhp and 600Nm of torque and, hand built at the company's engine facility in Cologne, the Rapide's rear wheels are driven through a highly responsive Touchtronic gearbox. Performance figures have yet to be revealed, although early indications are that the Rapide will offer class-leading performance and dynamics, alongside new levels of refinement and luxury.

The Rapide will be built at a new production facility in Graz, Austria managed by the acclaimed vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr and co-ordinated by a fully integrated Aston Martin team from the UK. The new production facility is closely modelled on the Gaydon factory and will combine a sophisticated modern production line with the Aston Martin traditional hand-finishing skills, a proud blend of craft processes and attention to detail. The interior will further develop Aston Martin's skilful use of genuine high quality materials, applied appropriately and effectively to ensure that form always follows function.

"Rapide will exceed expectations to deliver elegance and practicality in a form that will allow driving enjoyment and comfort beyond anything that exists today," says Dr Ulrich Bez, "The Rapide will exist in a class all of its own, a true Aston Martin with the high performance and dynamic excellence that defines the brand, and a luxurious sporting grand tourer without equal."

2010 Aston Martin Rapide production model

It has been over three years since Aston Martinfirst previewed its Rapide ultra-luxury sedan in concept form. Today, at the Frankfurt auto show, the British automaker finally revealed the production version of the car.

It goes without saying the car will compete with vehicles like the Porsche Panamera. But the Aston will likely be one of the most expensive and exclusive luxury sports sedans on the market.

The Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 horsepower with peak power being delivered at 6,000 rpm and 443 pound-feet of peak torque at 5,000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission allows the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

As one can see, the production version is very similar to the concept car, but does swap out quad-air intakes for upper and lower grilles. The rear of the car has strong family ties to otherAston Martin models, and sports ’smoked’ rear taillights.

As reportedly recently, the Rapide will be the first ever Aston Martin built outside of the United Kingdom, thanks to a partnership up with Magna Steyr.

Given a strong interest in the Rapide, Aston Martin says it will build between 1,000 and 2,000 units per year, up from an original estimate of 500 or less.

Like Aston’s other models, the Rapide is built on the company’s VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture — the same that underpins the DB9. The Rapide will also borrow its twelve-cylinder powerplant from the DB9, although power will be increased from 450 horsepower to 470. With that power routed through a six-speed transmission — featuring Aston Martin’s Touchtronic control — the Rapide should make the sprint from zero to 60 mph in under five seconds, on its way to a top speed of 180 mph.

Expect to see the Aston Martin Rapide to hit the market sometime during 2010, with a price tag in the $200,000 range.

Smart Small car in USA

It was open to folks who’d paid $99 to reserve a smart fortwo when they arrive in the US this fall (or next spring). I was pretty excited. Granted I paid the reservation fee on a whim before we’d even started thinking about getting Vespas, which changes the equation a little, but that’s neither here nor there. Let’s look at the smart fortwo!

This is apparently what a smart car looks like underneath the pretty colors. I’m sure this was here specifically to dispel the “but what if I get hit by an SUV?” FUD that scares everyone into buying SUVs.

After filling out liability forms, we waited in line for our chance to testdrive one around the block. Having come from work by Vespa, I had to put my jacket and backpack in the “trunk.” Yeah, it’s small.

The money shot.

Here are some views of the interior. I think the hatch trunk would fit about 3 paper grocery bags. Right under the trunk is the rear mounted engine.

Verdict: great design, handling not so great. The brakes felt really soft and then abrupt, and the acceleration felt a little weak. Granted I only drove it around a single city block, so I’d really need to take it on a longer drive to get an accurate feel. Stephanie and I both commented on the fact that putting the Toyota Yaris through its paces last weekend gave us an appreciation for how we expect a car to handle. The feel of the smart fortwo kind of reminded me of the Toyota Prius. Like accelerating from a standstill was meeting resistance against the engine itself.

One neat feature is that the transmission can be shifted manually with two paddles behind either side of the steering wheel. Speaking of which, the steering felt a little stiff, I wonder if maybe it’s not electric assisted. Being in the car with the both of us didn’t feel tight at all, but of course there’s not much room for more than just the two of us.

So in the end, I’m not sure. I really like small. I really like efficient. I also really like my (55-60mpg) Vespa. Purchasing a car again would necessitate living somewhere with a garage, which would require moving some place that might not be the city, which is something that’s not entirely out of the question. I really like Zipcar, but there’s something about the act of making a reservation with an explicit end time and dollars attached that really kills the spirit of spontaneity, even if it is, overall, less expensive than owning a car.