Day 2: Tuesday

DAY 2:

FEBUARY 5TH – Just like any other car that’s new to you, it takes some time getting used to.

This European mini is certainly getting a lot of attention. Pedestrians turn their headswith an open-mouth stare. Even the most cynical motorist can’t help but crack a smile as I wiz by.

Weighing in at about 1,600 pounds, the basic Fortwo or only “for two people” has fewfrills. I still have yet to find a cup holder which is now the cause of two coffee stains on the passenger floor mat.

Monday night’s winter storm gave a great example of how the Smart Car handles winter weather. So I gave the car the real Colorado test:

When it comes to handling slick roads the Fortwo gets a failing grade. Turning corners on snow-packed roads was simply scary. To be fair, it was my first day behind the wheel so I was a little on edge to begin with but like a new puppy, it’s too cute to get mad at.The model I have for the week is not equipped with snow tires. Given the proper equipment, the car would have passed the test.

The interior is deceivingly roomy. Behind the wheel or sitting in the passenger seat, you forget how small the Smart Car really is. There is plenty of leg and headroom. For being so small you sit relatively high up. Parked next to a Honda Civic, the two drivers are eye to eye. Getting around town was a breeze. The engine has enough “oomph” to get up and over hills with no problem.

Its compact size makes any parking space feel roomy. It’s so small you can literally fit two Smart Cars, fender to bumper, in a single city parking space. Tomorrow is the real test. Parallel parking!

Even atthe end of a long hard workday, looking at Fortwo in my garage, I couldn’t help but giggle.