I like just about everything on the car at the moment, especially the Air Con, paddle shift, the new quicker gear box and dash and wider tyres, just to name a few.

I dislike a popping/knocking from the car now and again when warm (will pop to dealers when I get time) I am also not too keen that it does not seem to rev as much on the 451 version as apposed to the 600cc turbo car I had last, and the new version does not seem to do as many mpg as the 600cc turbo did.

Whats you views on the new 451

The new one just doesn't look as nice and the 71bhp version that I have has less balls than my 450 when it was new (61bhp). I don't think i'll keep the 451 as long as I did with the 450.

Didn't know you bought one Kane?! What on earth possesed you to buy one without a Turbo?! Eeek!

Paul

I wish I could like it but the feeling is just not there. A worrying fact is that I have seen some advertised both locally and on the net, at silly money £6795 for a 71bhp, 13k passion, £8200 for a 84bhp passion, fully loaded with 3k and a Brabus at less than £9k. These are big savings on the new price.........why? Gonna keep my 600cc 450 cabby, it has it's idiosyncrasies but had it checked today 77lbft torque and 88bhp, 46mpg and it's a REAL Smart!!

Its got a smart badge, so it's a smart.

You mean that it's well engineered and looks good as well - just like my forfour

I have tried hard to like it, but it just doesn't hit the spot.
Kane has expressed reservations with it.
Chalky obviously can't come to terms with it.
Blackdog just likes new toys to play with.
The most worrying thing is still the amount of CHEAP second hand ones, why
are they being sold so quick, and at cheap money? The old ones G1, G2 (chalky)
still make good money, I think the quirkiness, individuality, and human attachment
has been lost. Japanese cars have always 'done the job' but never become part
of your sole. Or in Chalky's case 'our sole'.
The original Fortwo did just what it was meant to and unfortunately when that happens
it's a very difficult act to follow.

I really like my Smart 451. I have never had a Smart before so I can't compare it to earlier models. Also this is the first car I have had from new. Previous cars have been second hand/high mileage jobs.

However, I am wishing I had waited an extra month by which time the CDi version would have been available.

I have a passion CDI 451 and it is light years ahead of the 450 i used to own in every way.
The ride and auto box are smoother,the heater and air con work much better the dash and fittings are much better,and i get 75 MPG and Free Road Tax.A fantastic car.

When I trade mine in after three years, I may very well go for the diesel myself. I'm not sure what the acceleration is like compared to the 999cc/71bhp petrol however. The diesel engine is smaller 799cc/54 bhp but may have more torque. I'll have to test drive one.

Regardless, It'll be a smart

I think the diesel is better than the petrol,and certainly quicker than the figures would have you believe.
Yes,try both as i did. My car is the 45 BHP and i think it is fast enough,so the 54 BHP should be fine. My last car was a Panda 100HP (petrol Smart before that) and it did 0-60 in 9 secs. So if i am happy with the performance of the CDI after that,it must be good.

Diesels just -feel- fast because of the torque, in reality they're tractors.

Hi to all,
I am quite getting to like my 451, now Merc., at long last, have sorted the auto gear change. Thanks to the onSmart club for "Things Mercedes can't solve". forum.
Likes- it's a cabrio and this one doesn't fill up with water as my previous 450 cabrio did every time it rained. Performance is acceptable for a non turbo, now it is run in, provided plenty of welly is used .
Dislikes-appalling ride on any but the smoothest road; it's embarrassing the snails pace required to negotiate speed humps.
Here's wishing you a smooth riding New year
tepe