Is the smart suitable for long-distance travel?

[OscarAnn]

smart is a microcar, and the comfort for passengers during long-distance travel is relatively poor, so it is best not to use it for long trips. Below is an introduction to the power and features of the smart: smart Power: The smart does not offer high engine power (ranging from 44 to 61 horsepower), but it has an advantage: a 6-speed automatic transmission. The SOFTIP performs gear shifts according to standard procedures. smart Features: The car does not have a clutch pedal. Simply pushing the gear lever forward shifts to a higher gear, while pulling it backward shifts to a lower gear. As a buyer, you can opt for the SOFTOUCH automatic transmission system, which allows the driver to easily switch between automatic and manual modes by lightly pressing the button on the top of the gear lever.

[VanJordan]

I once took a long-distance trip in a Smart from Beijing to Shanghai. Overall, it was manageable but a bit of a stretch. The car is small with hard seats, and after a few hours, my back started to ache. The biggest headache was the limited space—the trunk could only fit a small backpack, so I had to rent a roof rack for extra luggage. However, the fuel efficiency was truly impressive; a full tank could easily cover 700-800 kilometers, saving a lot on gas. On the highway, it starts to wobble beyond 120 km/h, so I recommend keeping it steady between 90-110 km/h. If you're planning a long trip, opting for a more comfortable car might be better, or at least take breaks every two hours to stretch your legs. Checking tire pressure is crucial to avoid the hassle of a flat tire. Don’t expect to bring many friends—the back seat is barely suitable for adults, making it ideal only for solo or couples' short trips.

[CatherineLee]

I've been driving for over twenty years and have tried taking a Smart on the highway. It can handle it, but it's not easy. The small size means high wind resistance, especially on windy days when you have to grip the steering wheel tightly. The space is cramped—two tall people in the front seats will have their knees pressed against the dashboard, making long trips tiring. On the plus side, the fuel consumption is very low: around 3-4 liters per 100 km in the city and just over 5 liters on the highway. The low chassis provides stable cornering, but rough roads can be very jarring, so you need to slow down over speed bumps. Before taking the Smart out, remember to check the brakes and cooling system to avoid breaking down midway. On long trips, traffic jams are the worst—running the AC for too long can easily overheat the engine, so it's best to avoid hot weather. Personally, I think this little car is fine for short trips, but for journeys over a thousand kilometers, it's better to rent a more spacious sedan.

[Ezra]

Driving a Smart for daily commuting is fine, and it's passable for long-distance trips, but don't expect too much comfort. The space is too small, the back seats are basically useless, and even fitting a large suitcase in the trunk is a struggle. The noise on the highway is unbearable, leaving your ears ringing after a while. The upside is it's fuel-efficient, saving half the fuel costs compared to larger cars on long trips. The suspension is stiff, making bumps and potholes quite jarring, and it's even worse on uneven roads. It's okay for short trips of a few hundred kilometers, but for cross-province travel, it's better to plan shorter segments along the way.