🚨 Currently around 25% of viewers are subscribed to our channel. If you have watched more than one of our videos and want to help the channel grow, please consider subscribing. It is completely free to subscribe but it REALLY HELPS build our channel and we value your support. Thanks. Paul & Fran. Subscribe link: 👉 th-cam.com/users/LivetoDriveUK
08:35: Is there any kind of setting to prevent this: When pressing the pedal to try to quickly accelerate in a junction, the car slows down due to shifting to a lower gear? It could just continue using the gear it had (the car was already moving without too much effort, so no need to switch to a lower gear). I mean I can try the manual mode, but I'd like to keep gear changing automatic if possible. I have Smart Fortwo year model 2013. Thank you for responses! :)
Got to admit when I first got my 450 I thought it was really jerky too. However you do get used to it and find your way. Your dead right about the ‘all or nothing’ at junctions and slow speed manoeuvres though. Again it’s annoying but you kind of forgive it because it’s just so great to drive. I used to describe it as some of the most fun I’ve had with all my clothes on. 😅
You know, I really love my 451. Love it. Went out in it today with the heater on and the roof down. But, the 450 is the best… even if it’s because of its quirks. If I had to sell one… I would sell the better one (451) 😂 I agree with you that when I’m in the 450 it’s just so much joy and always brings a smile to my face. Rare in these unusual times. Thanks for watching and your comment. It’s appreciated 👍
Another quality Smart related video. Had my 450 now for two months, and it's literally the funnest thing ever to drive - but, again in the terms of quirks, I had to take out both rear plastic quarterlight windows at the weekend because they sodding leak hahah! All siliconed up now, and she's dry again. But yeah - your comment there about the slow reverse manoeuvres is so accurate as there really is no clutch control. But you do get used to it, just go gentle with the accelerator I find works most of the time.
Great video. Yup, definitely helps keep the shifts smooth. It seems natural as well - it’s exactly what you would do with a manual transmission, just the smart is taking care of the clutch pedal work for you. Great characterful cars, and they actually help you when you get used to them. More fun to drive on normal roads than anything else I can think of.
Just got my little smart with only 25k miles on it, and since I already drive a manual Solstice I am used to a stick car, so the transition was quite easy, because I knew exactly what the car was doing, in town I prefer to use the manual mode as the car wont "kick down" into a lower gear, and therefore really bogs, with practically no acceleration. Love this little car.
I'm glad to have found your channel after Ian gave you a mention following their drive of your Tanto. I was fortunate to have some time with a Roadster a few years back, as I was working on it for a friend (don't own a Smart but have always hankered for one when I find one cheap enough that isn't in a dreadful state!). A trick I found for smooth maneuvers in tight spaces was to hold the handbrake on, button depressed, while bringing the power on, then release as needed as the clutch starts to bite. Similar to doing a hill start, but with less brake, and much less throttle of course. I quickly found the knack you describe here to smooth the gear changes, and that car was huge fun to drive.
We are glad you found the channel. Yes using the handbrake is a good idea for that one. I think all Smarts, particularly the 450, 451, roadster and cross blade are awesome. They get under your skin 😁
Hi! Bought one last month. 2006 Petrol (pure) as my 1st car in the UK. Comes with a semi-automatic 6 gearbox transmission and no switch for fully automatic. For this reason, I am very, very confused at what speed to change the gears up... luckily, down are going automatically. Can anyone tell me something about this? Also, can I blow the engine if I keep one gear too much? I've noticed it more pleasure when I don't change the gears as it shows the arrow because if I do as it says almost the time when I change it, it looks that the engine doesn't have the desired rpm for that.
Arrow indicates the most efficient and economical change. The engine will have a rev limiter. You do not need to change up immediately the arrow lights. Enjoy the car the way you want whilst not running the engine at excessive RPM for too long.
When I first had my 450 I thought the engine mountings were on their way out, no all fine, you soon realise it’s not a sports car. I actually prefer to drive in manual mode around town as you can get the best out of the perky little engine efficiently and smoothly. However if out on a leisurely drive then yes auto, utilising what I call the blip on the accelerator. To combat the junction manoeuvre as you come the junction I press the manual button whereby you’ve got instant response, once through flick it back into auto mode. But yes it can be twitchy reversing into parking spaces.
Thanks. My advice would be to find a good Specialist as a some garages refuse to work on them and others don’t understand them. All the best with your Smart.
🚨 Currently around 25% of viewers are subscribed to our channel. If you have watched more than one of our videos and want to help the channel grow, please consider subscribing.
It is completely free to subscribe but it REALLY HELPS build our channel and we value your support.
Thanks. Paul & Fran.
Subscribe link: 👉 th-cam.com/users/LivetoDriveUK
It both baffles and irritates me that reviewers are unable to work this out.
I think it suits the narrative for those who don’t like them to complain about the gear changes. It’s logical and easy to work out.
08:35: Is there any kind of setting to prevent this: When pressing the pedal to try to quickly accelerate in a junction, the car slows down due to shifting to a lower gear? It could just continue using the gear it had (the car was already moving without too much effort, so no need to switch to a lower gear). I mean I can try the manual mode, but I'd like to keep gear changing automatic if possible. I have Smart Fortwo year model 2013. Thank you for responses! :)
There is no setting. It is either you simply need to allow for it or use manual mode. Thanks for watching.
Got to admit when I first got my 450 I thought it was really jerky too. However you do get used to it and find your way. Your dead right about the ‘all or nothing’ at junctions and slow speed manoeuvres though. Again it’s annoying but you kind of forgive it because it’s just so great to drive. I used to describe it as some of the most fun I’ve had with all my clothes on. 😅
You know, I really love my 451. Love it. Went out in it today with the heater on and the roof down. But, the 450 is the best… even if it’s because of its quirks. If I had to sell one… I would sell the better one (451) 😂
I agree with you that when I’m in the 450 it’s just so much joy and always brings a smile to my face. Rare in these unusual times.
Thanks for watching and your comment. It’s appreciated 👍
Another quality Smart related video. Had my 450 now for two months, and it's literally the funnest thing ever to drive - but, again in the terms of quirks, I had to take out both rear plastic quarterlight windows at the weekend because they sodding leak hahah! All siliconed up now, and she's dry again.
But yeah - your comment there about the slow reverse manoeuvres is so accurate as there really is no clutch control. But you do get used to it, just go gentle with the accelerator I find works most of the time.
Thanks. Absolutely they are quirks but quirks that we learn and change what we do accordingly. Love both my 450 and 451.
@@LivetoDriveUK Brilliant!
Great video. Yup, definitely helps keep the shifts smooth. It seems natural as well - it’s exactly what you would do with a manual transmission, just the smart is taking care of the clutch pedal work for you. Great characterful cars, and they actually help you when you get used to them. More fun to drive on normal roads than anything else I can think of.
Thanks. They are fantastic cars and like the Beetle, Mini and Fiat 500 have an iconic and easily recognisable look.
Just got my little smart with only 25k miles on it, and since I already drive a manual Solstice I am used to a stick car, so the transition was quite easy, because I knew exactly what the car was doing, in town I prefer to use the manual mode as the car wont "kick down" into a lower gear, and therefore really bogs, with practically no acceleration. Love this little car.
Excellent. Yes when you know you know. All the best with your Smart.
@@LivetoDriveUK Thank you, its a lovely little run about.
I'm glad to have found your channel after Ian gave you a mention following their drive of your Tanto. I was fortunate to have some time with a Roadster a few years back, as I was working on it for a friend (don't own a Smart but have always hankered for one when I find one cheap enough that isn't in a dreadful state!). A trick I found for smooth maneuvers in tight spaces was to hold the handbrake on, button depressed, while bringing the power on, then release as needed as the clutch starts to bite. Similar to doing a hill start, but with less brake, and much less throttle of course. I quickly found the knack you describe here to smooth the gear changes, and that car was huge fun to drive.
We are glad you found the channel. Yes using the handbrake is a good idea for that one. I think all Smarts, particularly the 450, 451, roadster and cross blade are awesome. They get under your skin 😁
Hi! Bought one last month. 2006 Petrol (pure) as my 1st car in the UK. Comes with a semi-automatic 6 gearbox transmission and no switch for fully automatic. For this reason, I am very, very confused at what speed to change the gears up... luckily, down are going automatically. Can anyone tell me something about this? Also, can I blow the engine if I keep one gear too much? I've noticed it more pleasure when I don't change the gears as it shows the arrow because if I do as it says almost the time when I change it, it looks that the engine doesn't have the desired rpm for that.
Arrow indicates the most efficient and economical change. The engine will have a rev limiter. You do not need to change up immediately the arrow lights. Enjoy the car the way you want whilst not running the engine at excessive RPM for too long.
@@LivetoDriveUK Thank you!
When I first had my 450 I thought the engine mountings were on their way out, no all fine, you soon realise it’s not a sports car.
I actually prefer to drive in manual mode around town as you can get the best out of the perky little engine efficiently and smoothly.
However if out on a leisurely drive then yes auto, utilising what I call the blip on the accelerator.
To combat the junction manoeuvre as you come the junction I press the manual button whereby you’ve got instant response, once through flick it back into auto mode.
But yes it can be twitchy reversing into parking spaces.
Agree. Manual for better and safer junction manoeuvres and auto for relaxing.
Love the Smart 450.
How much to buy a smart car
What age? What mileage? What condition and history do you want? What spec? Which country are you in?
Great video, Can't beat the ease of driving a Smart car! Easy to park, Cheap to run, insure and tax. Lovely example you have and in a lovely blue! 😄
Thanks. They are great cars and anyone that says different… can get in the sea 😂
Thanks for watching and your support.
Thank you this video was very informative, I’m learning to drive and I’ve just purchased a semi automatic smart car.
Thanks. My advice would be to find a good Specialist as a some garages refuse to work on them and others don’t understand them. All the best with your Smart.