Delphi couple buys SMART car
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Driving SMARTer Delphi couple Brian and Judy Stirm stand in front of their new SMART car. Stirm said he learned about the car several years ago and kept track of its entry into the U.S. market. Three weeks ago he went to the SMART Center in Indianapolis to drive home his very own. He said the car averaged 40.7 miles per gallon during his commute to and from Purdue via SR25. After 1,000 miles behind the wheel of the technological wonder-mobile, Stirm said the car was comfortable, handled well and he felt safe driving it. "It grows on you really," Stirm said. "And it has more leg-room than a Cadillac Escalade." Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp

Delphi resident Brian Stirm said he wanted a smaller vehicle to help save on fuel costs during his daily commute - and he found one. He and his wife Judy recently bought a comparatively small three-cylinder car which averages around 40 miles per gallon called the "smart fortwo pure."

Stirm said the mid-engine fuel-saver was designed by Swatch Watch Company and built by Mercedes-Benz. He first saw it in person three years ago at a Chicago auto show.

"I like smaller cars," Stirm told the Comet. "The 'smart' was a small, safe car that appealed to me."

Stirm said he studied the car's list of standard features, which were advertised as "more likely to be found in luxury vehicles" according to www.smartusa.com, the official U.S. Web site. He attended a test drive program in July 2007 and was able to make the physical connection.

Stirm said the car was assembled in France about 10 miles from the German border. Its design was ideal for two people and offered many appealing safety and technological features.

"It's sophisticated," he said. "The car is built around an integral roll cage. It can crash head-on into a brick wall at over 60 miles per hour without affecting the passenger area."

Stirm said in an accident the front wheels would fold in to protect occupants' feet, the engine would slide forward and down and four airbags could inflate. He explained the seats were raised so most bumpers would go under the passenger compartment, which also made entering and exiting the vehicle easier.

Stirm said the online order he placed for the couple's "fortwo pure" was simple and offered several options for the car. They paid approximately $12,500 for theirs. Other versions such as the "cabriolet" and "passion" cost $1,000 to $2,000 more.

Stirm said he chose one without some standard features, such as a radio, so he could install a custom option.

"That won't be difficult," Stirm said. "If you don't order a radio they still install the speakers and wiring so it's ready for you."

Stirm's only negative feedback was the car created more wind noise than he was use to hearing. That did not keep him from endorsing the vehicle, which is currently on back order in the U.S.

"I'm impressed with the quality," he concluded. "It doesn't look like a $13,000 car, but it's worth it, even with the six to nine month wait."