Newbie Buying Iq2 Advice Please

[thediplomat]

We drove the iQ2 demo yesterday and have to say the ride felt great, at present we are using a Smart for two MHD cabrio which I have to say is a lot of fun. One thing we did not like about the iQ was the amount of plastic (the one we drove was white and black) in the dash area and cabin generally. To be honest we expected more from what is billed as a top spec and somewhat expensive city car. Is this something that bothered you guys before you bought and iQ and in general do you beleive it would be a good move to change from the Smart to the iQ2?

Many thanks for your help so far.

[Dark Matter]

I think the plastic quality on the 2012 IQ is somewhere between OK and Good. Mine is White with a Grey/Black interior and seems to be holding out well but it is VERY early days. Most people who get into it seem to make complimentary remarks about the interior - maybe they are just being kind !!! But I did buy it because I liked the interior - maybe that alone answers your question.

I have been in a SMART cabrio and can't honestly remember being blown away by the quality of the interior. I was more concerned that it felt inherently unsafe - particularly at speed. You should ask yourself who would come off worse from a serious rear end shunt in a SMART? - The IQ has multiple Air Bags included the unique rear curtain . In my opinion is that the IQ is miles ahead of the SMART in ride, comfort, practicality, equipment levels and above all safety - kinda why I bought !

[johnan]

The first IQs were plagued by inferior plastics and easily scratched panels but the later ones seem fine, at least mine is.

We have the darker interior, rather than the white panels and it suits us fine.

I dont think you can really compare a Smart and an IQ, but Peter (the dentist) from Holland has both cars and may be along soon to help out with advice!

John

[sweet-dentist]

YEP... here I am...

The Smart 4/2 I have is model from 2001.... much faster and more power than the iQ... due to the 600CC and turbo.... BUT... the %&*# time between gears is really a pain in the @#$....

Plus the handling at 135 km/hour is very unsafe feeling with some little side wind.

Positive is that you ALWAYS... and I mean always have a parking space....

Plus a lot of people like the Smart and the Smart-Forum is really big.... AND we have 3 very good SmartSpecialist... because of the high prices Mercedes asks...

The iQ on the other hand is way... way ... way more comfortable than a Smart... Very steady on high speed... I did 160 km/hour to Belgium and not a problem... not 1 problem .. very steady.

Gear change is not an issue since I have a CVT....

I have the second model in time... this is with the new colors at that time... mine is red and I had to wait about 4 months... April 1010 is came in Holland.

Plastic is slightly better than the first...but I do not care of scratches in the car.... But the newer ones are very luxurious also the inner sound is better because of the non-reflection of sound.

Lots of space in the iQ compared with the Smart... never a problem of getting anything in the car....

For short:

Lots of city driving: get a Smart... Basic feeling and lots of fun.

Lots of distances/speedway: get an iQ... Luxury feeling and fun driving...

And lastly: for my upgraded iQ, I could have bought TWO (2) basic Aygo's.... damn... expensive...

Greets,

Peter

[thediplomat]

thanks for all your comments extremely useful and accurate

[johnan]

thanks for all your comments extremely useful and accurate

Thanks for the thanks, it is nice to be appreciated!

(Although Peter is the real hero in this case!)

John