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A free smart? That is a premature assessment without all the costs being presented. Craig and Matt (One Year: In Numbers) should be comparing notes. It would be interesting to see what other savings Craig is yielding from his long-distance commutes. For one, Craig can go on average 9,441 km between scheduled services (instead of the usual 8,000 km). LKern: That's 63 MPG in your country. 75 MPG is on the British gallon.

Engine size and cylinder information on the bill of sale is a new requirement. At the beginnin, you only had to state that information in the application form. But the VIN should be helping them target the right vehicles. Are they receiving difficult or fraudulent applications? Note that they have also dropped the 6-8 week estimation. Don't make plans accordingly. I had two applications (I got a hybrid). One went to EcoAuto and the other to the province of Ontario. Both applications were completed and cheques delivered in the same period. Seeing the progress of this topic makes me wonder if the funds are released at the beginning of every quarter. I also suspect that this programme is costing a fortune and is a political hot button: Why are taxpayers subsidizing other taxpayers' car purchases? It certainly isn't fair to the minimum-wage worker with multiple part-time jobs who can't afford personal transportation beyond walking or biking (both of which are more environmentally-friendly); And, eligibility for Flex Fuel Vehicles is a joke -- E85 is more scarce than biodiesel! Thanks, now we're effectively subsidizing counter-productive gas hogs!

Yellow smart fortwo 451, as a Zip Car, at Church & Wood (opposite Maple Leaf Gardens), downtown Toronto.

It's a Tata Nano car with a compressed air drive?

Likewise about doing your homework. For instance, what kind of ratings are you referring to? The Fit is a good piece of machine but it is priced accordingly; The Civic is not over-priced in comparison to what you get from a Fit, and if you don't believe me, then I dare you to explain the missing driver's footrest, the false floor, the hollow roof liner, cheap seats, or the missing gas cap latch. I hope the poor rear crash rating from IIHS didn't pass you unnoticed. And the other thing is that the Civic Hybrid is yet another Japanese import at Honda. Just so you know I can nitpick with the best of them.

The tables in the following links might be a useful reference at this time. Get ready to cross-reference! California LEV & LEV II measures (see Table 3): http://www.dieselnet.com/standards/us/ld_ca.php Tier 2 measures (see Table 2): http://www.dieselnet.com/standards/us/ld_t2.php Here are examples of the "best" Tier 2 vehicles, not including those that are only sold in California or NY: Tier 2 bin 1: (All zero-emission vehicles) Tier 2 bin 2: Honda Civic Hybrid Tier 2 bin 3: Toyota Prius Tier 2 bin 5: Most other passenger vehicles * Though the Prius' fuel efficiency is better than the HCH-II, its emission rating is poorer.

(Reviving an old topic)Click on the link for the full article. Also look for the related articles. Some issues with corn-based ethanol include the production of fertilizers (petroleum used in production?), the amount of fresh-water consumption, and the run-off of fertilizer into large bodies of water. While the current "dead zone" in the Gulf of Mexico is the size of New Jersey now, growth in corn production can increase the environmental impact. It has been said that there isn't even enough corn-growing capacity to handle 15% of the world's fuel consumption. http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/03...based-biof.html

Can you perform a high-speed swerve maneuver in a smart car?

If you have so many worries and risks on your shoulders, then why are you buying the car on impulse? Best advice for a new car buyer: Don't buy a new model in the first year of production. Actually, more correctly, it is: Don't buy a new model in the first year of distribution, and that is for your region. The smart 451 has been in consumers' hands for just over a month on this continent. There is a lot to be learned and refined over a full year cycle. Right now you cannot count on the feedback given by new car buyers, because new car buyers have their heads in a fog for the first little while. Or, maybe the car will be a bed of roses. Who knows? I'm not invested in your future. But a posting like yours is practically asking people to provide you with a delusion; You already know the answer.

Three months, from the last week of October to receiving the cheque today. Overall a very neat and tidy process for the claimant, even if it does come with a longer than expected wait period. I like that they used Acrobat form technology. Very modern.

I've wondered sometimes whether the whizzing and beeps were a deliberate automobile equivalent of the Sound Princess (warning: link describes a solution for feminine "pee shyness"); Aural reminders of the hybrid technology to help you change your driving habits. Handling and manoeuvrability are good. Civics are well-regarded for their handling. It feels planted to the road, though some Winter conditions could benefit from snow tires. I have yet to notice any understeer. On one occasion I was forced to drive on an expressway's shoulder to save myself from a transport truck that was about to side-swipe me (I was in their blind spot). I never lost control and the engine power delivered me to safety in the quickest way out, which was forward. I know from previous experience, when trying to overtake a transport truck with a 450 smart cdi (stock tuning) on that grade, that the probability of collision under this circumstance would have been much higher. The hybrid sedan is up to 130 kg heavier than the lightest Civic, but the wheels and tires aren't wider like the EX or Si, nor has it been given all-wheel disc brakes. Tires are the low-rolling resistance type and are all-season. I've seen a claim that the turning circle is shorter than on other Civics. Surprisingly, the hybrid sedan has a mix of features from the low, middle, high, and sports trims of other Civics. There is a "brake assist" that adds extra braking power under panic. The power steering is entirely electric-driven, thereby reducing weight and removing the added servicing of hydraulic fluid. I remember the days of seeing more out the back window of sedans. Cars these days have raised trunk lids that impairs rear visibility when backing up in to a spot. The car also sits quite low, and I've scraped the front underside (or maybe just the flexible deflector) a couple times on cement blocks in parking lots -- one more argument in favour of fancy parking. I almost never open the windows. The climate control and cabin filter makes it more pleasant inside in the big city than being exposed to the air and noise pollution. Visibility is about normal for this type of car, though earlier generations of Civics had more range looking down the hood. The windshield is longer and the angle a little more acute than on the 450 smart. You cannot find a sun guard from CT that is long enough. Another effect of window closure is that the sound system has more volume and articulation (there are 6 speakers, with two of them in the corners of the windshield). The car is never too hot nor too cold, and climate control does a great job of keeping the conditions nice. In colder temperatures, it first sends warming air to the windshield. Plus, it won't blow cold air on the passengers until the engine has warmed up enough. My car has exhibited no strange sounds, creaks, groans, wind noise or whatever, except for what's already been mentioned above, and except for the following: [*]There is an occasional and slight tick sound when the climate control cycles internally, like plastic or metal joints flexing. I'm not bothered by this [*]A knock sound coming from the rear, when driving over certain bumps or turning out of a driveway. I think it may be the suspension and I'll get it checked out at the next servicing. I'm not sure of the merits of the problem because the car has been driving very properly so far and there are no signs of alignment issues Fit and finish are very good in my opinion, and it was one of several reasons I stopped taking an interest in the Fit. Though there are lots of plastics in the Civic Hybrid, many decorative sections, like the upper dashboard and sill of the doors have a leathery texture, in look if not feel. Knobs and buttons feel thick and solid, except for the release button on the shifter which has some play. There are little details, like the armrests being covered in fabric, or the external lighting dial on the turn signal stalk having finger traction grooves that makes you intuit its position without looking. The steering wheel is "meaty" looking and feeling, with thumb areas around the spokes, finger grips at 10 and 2, and a traction surface that I wouldn't trade for leather. Other niceties include cruise and audio controls on the steering wheel and variable intermittent wipers. The wipers, in intermittent mode, are also speed adjusted (and so is the audio for that matter) and give an extra wipe whenever your foot leaves the brakes. By flicking the wiper control stalk up you can get a single, fast windshield wipe, which is perfect when you don't need washer fluid and the intermittent wipers aren't suitable for the conditions. Speaking of wipers, I'm very pleased that the eighth generation Civic features wiper blades similar to the Bosch AeroTwins. The included velour-like floor mats are susceptible to quick and premature wear (it'll go first at your heel), so I picked up some "pants saver" mats from CT for year-round use. Actually, I had to carve the driver's side one with a utility knife so that it would fit around the foot rest and accelerator pedal. Trunk carpeting is adequate, and the trunk lid is also lined. Though this isn't the same as the velcro-like material in the smart, it hasn't stopped me from using the smart/Mercedes-Benz luggage restraint bars to partition the space and to hold my M-B collapsible crate.

I'm doing approximately 70-80% city driving. I figured at the beginning that all city driving would net me 6L/100km.

The running fuel economy: Cold weather affects fuel economy on the Civic Hybrid, just like any other car. The sooner the engine, transmission and battery warms up, the sooner the IMA can kick in. Learnin' stuff, from Honda Worldwide: How the i-VTEC + IMA works (video) Technology Picture Book: IMA -includes a summary of parallel, combined, and series hybrid technologies Six months in: [*]The CVT is smooth but the automated ratio shifting with constant engine speed is a queer thing to experience, particularly for highway driving. There is a feeling of helplessness, but it's irrational: The engine speed can't be used as a reference in the traditional way [*]I think it's nice to average 1300 RPM in the city [*]Because of auto stop, the transmission has to be clutched. This leads to "bumps" when it engages, like putting a conventional automatic into Drive. There is also an impulse when crawling with very light accelerator pressure [*]I prefer the feel and strength of regen braking over the hydraulic brakes [*]Tilt and telescoping steering wheel has limited movement, which for me affects my driver's position. On the other hand, I have found a "perfect" driving position that I like and seems to be comfortable for long distance drives [*]Digital speedometer was a little weird at first, but now I never want to go back to analog [*]Engine starter has never been used, even in the Winter temperatures that I have experienced [*]Auto climate control is the greatest! If I disable A/C in the Summer, the climate control will use the blower to reach the same temperature goal. This automation means less distraction from the drive [*]I'll probably reach 12,000 to 14,000 kms before my first oil change. There is an oil life meter, similar in nature to the one on the smart fortwo [*]I've tuned out the road noise from the tires. The car does make distinctive little beeps and whirrs [*]I am very satisfied with the car so far and can see keeping it for the long term

Have it your way. You clearly know what you need to know about what motivates me. You can even call me "Fred" (from a former bulletin board) if makes you feel better.Don't respond on account of me; I am no longer watching.

I have a few points to make about the EuroNCAP test: [*]It's a 2006 model, not a 2007 (look at the VIN# provided). These two years may be technically identical, but that's not their call to make [*]Driver's side front airbag is dual-stage, dual-threshold, and its degree of discharge is affected by seating position. I would like to know if the driver test dummy was in a proper driving position, able to control the car but as far away from the airbag as possible, as recommended in the Owner's Manual. Maybe then the dummy's head wouldn't have made contact with the steering wheel; We can't know because they're not telling us whether they followed the car's own safety procedures or not [*]The overall score is very good and puts it in good standing in its size class. If it wasn't for the previous doubtful point, it probably would have scored 5 stars

There was a web page that I saw last week that got me thinking about this subject and to eventually post the above: Here it is ("Diesel Emissions -- The Truth"). The "Christi" author, who apparently also posts on the TDIClub, runs into celebrity neo-con truthism regarding particulate matter, where, if the science isn't conclusive enough, then it must be all wrong. It's looking like a religion to me. I M SMRT: I have a different set of opinions, but I would sooner be busy trying to express something than to be busy being smart*. * - showing impertinence by making clever or sarcastic remarks

Notice that at the time of this post, with my hybrid consuming a little more fuel on average than my former smart, it is actually producing less CO2 emissions, according to spritmonitor (see my signature). Blows the mind. I do think the current pro-diesel movement is blowing some smoke by making emissions claims that are only credible by way of relative fuel consumption. Any petrol engine that can come close to the fuel efficiency of a comparable diesel engine still has it beat in terms of emissions. Sure, diesels on average can consume less, but litre for litre of fuel, petrol IS cleaner... For now, any way. And it's the now that we should be thinking about, not what may be on the horizon. For example, some want their diesel for the potential of bio-diesel, then are left wondering where all the bio-diesel stations went, while their cars continue to age. Just like how the diesel systems are improving, so are the petrol ones. Old assumptions need not apply. My modern hybrid gets refuelled and doesn't emit a whiff of petrol vapour; It is sealed at the intake and as per current regulations it has fuel intake vapour recovery (not to be confused with the exhaust gas recovery, which all modern passenger vehicles require). It disgusts me the amount of penetration of unclean diesel emissions in our neighbourhoods, brought about not by the few diesel cars but by industry, commercial transport vehicles, and public transport. As a city dweller, I can't have patio furniture on my apartment balcony because of the daily buildup of black soot from the air. It would just be made worse if there was also widespread use of unclean diesel passenger vehicles to contribute to the problem. So I'm glad that the newer regulations for diesel passenger vehicles are in place. It's in the nick of time. And I can only hope that they will influence the rest of the industry. There is a lot of negative talk over the decision to introduce the smart 451 with a petrol engine. Apart from relative fuel consumption figures, I think it's being given an unfair shake just because it isn't diesel, and the merits of petrol are being too easily discounted.

all-silver passion cabriolet, leaving the Sunoco on Sheppard Ave. E., near Hwy 404, at 5:30pm today, with license plate INJOYLFE.

No you don't. The wrap was done over a Canadian fortwo. They could never sell a Euro fortwo.

This is a tough choice for you to make, and how can you really know without trying it for yourself? It's not just a question of physics and technology, but also about your own disposition and how much you can handle and tolerate. Some people swear by the smart's handling on freeways (and are the most adamant about it), with or without modifications. But there are also others who can't take it when the weather isn't cooperating, and still others who won't do freeways at all out of principle (ie. they don't deem it robust enough for higher-risk speeds). The smart is disadvantaged at high speeds and no amount of rhetoric will change that fact.There was a fellow in the Maritimes who was a big proponent of the smart, but once they took ownership and felt the heavy crosswinds on the freeway they had to sell it immediately. Speaking as a conservative, single ex-owner of a stock smart, I learned to only take the freeways when the weather and surface conditions were favourable. If the conditions changed, I'd have to find alternate, slower routes, alternate transportation, or just stay where I was. I used to be more cavalier about freeway driving, but my experiences caused me to lower my expectations. It's all fine and good until physics takes a swipe at you.The other thing to consider is service availability and turnaround time -- circumstantial dependability. Hypothetically, if your car is down for a couple weeks because of mundane reasons like booking lead-time or waiting for parts, are you prepared to work around that? Those with a smart car as a second vehicle are more likely to be satisfied with it.

A brief recap: It was a show car for the GTA corporate stores and wasn't for sale. When they put it up for sale, the price included $2,500 for the (sloppy) wrap job; It didn't sell for many months. Some time ago I saw a couple of ladies driving this car on Bayview & Lawrence Ave. E. (Toronto) so I assumed they finally sold it (approx. $22,000) out of Midtown.

Nope. Let me stop you right there. I had said that design isn't everything; What I should have said is that your ideas of design are skewed. I'm saying this to you Steve, but I mean it for anyone who sees merely a "lump of grey" for this Civic. The car is exceptionally well designed, has lots of smooth contours, has a uniform shape and nothing bulges conspicuously, and it looks both aggressive and endearing at the same time. What it lacks in bang-you-over-the-head audaciousness it makes up for in thoughtfulness and subtlety (I bet 95% of onlookers and owners haven't noticed the design differences between all the trims). Design is more than the aesthetic.Everyone decides for themselves what is right for them. I think we agree on that at least. I just don't want my passivity to the forum to be an indicator that I for once agree with any of you on this matter. For all those who overlooked the Civic Hybrid during the one-time visit at Burlington, they probably don't know what they're missing. And I find that shameful, because everyone sees these cars all the time that they no longer see the design.

Private sale.Design is one thing. But can you base your choices on design alone? To illustrate what I mean, imagine yourself at a modern art exhibit that has a thrilling and fascinating multi-media spectacle, but in order to enjoy it properly you had to stand on a particular spot which also happens to be surrounded by crashing cymbals.

Absolutely, Keith. And to answer an earlier question, yes there are other forums out there for this model, but I'm just not motivated anymore to invest the time and passion online, especially if what I forecast comes true: That there will be little to nothing to discuss. I'm still here, reporting, because we have history. The Civic Hybrid is a riskier choice because of its extra complexity, though perhaps Honda has an interest as the hybrid-selling underdog to nurture and protect its consumer confidence. There has been one public recall so far, pre-dating my purchase, and I take some comfort in knowing that I purchased a car generation after its first year of introduction in the local market. Prior to purchasing, I approached five separate dealerships almost simultaneously to get a look-and-feel of my quarry, which at the time included Civic Sedans (regular and hybrid), Civic Coupe, and the Acura CSX. After ruling-out the Acura, two dealerships dropped from the list. Of the remaining three: [*]One salesperson was able to show me a Civic Coupe in Neutron Blue (beautiful), but clearly underestimated my knowledge when he pretended that the $100 Tax for Fuel Consumption Credit (Ontario) didn't exist, despite it being visible on Honda's "Build It Price It" online calculator (The non-Si Civics qualify for this because of their sub-6L/100km highway rating). I stopped going to this location, thinking they're all crooks [*]One salesperson was able to give me a test drive but thought I was naive at negotiation, wanting my financial committment without any hope of getting what I wanted, telling me lies about end-of-year supplies [*]One salesperson didn't have demos at one time, and didn't have the supply to show me the differing colour choices, but when it came time to negotiate he turned out to be the most productive. I gave him a very low offer on an in-stock car, and he counter-offered a few times, all of which I refused. On the fourth of fifth pass, I added a tiny amount to my offer and we had a deal. Perhaps he knew this was as good as it will get and that the dealership was about to close for the day. I know that my asking price is lower than what one car broker service(*) could offer. Also, the "mandatory" security etching/tagging cost was waived because I made it clear early in negotiation that it is not mandatory * -- An intermediary who negotiates a low price on your behalf, for a fee, thus saving you the haggle and hassle

The Citroën C4 ads: Ad #2 Skater