Passion Cabriolet: A Smart Ride

Kongsiri’s 2008 Passion Cabriolet » Reaction: Most people, Kongsiri says, are curious about the gas mileage and safety. And the car, a convertible, never fails to bring on smiles. » Her pet name for the car: "Ivan the Terrible." » Fuel efficiency: 33 mpg city/41 mpg highway. » Exhaust emissions: Ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV). » Availability: Eight dealerships in Florida (smartusa.com). The cars are manufactured in France by a division of Daimler-Benz AG. » Sticker price: Starts at $16,990 (for 2009 models). » Equipment: Alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, AM/FM radio with CD player, power windows, leather sport steering wheel with steering wheel shift paddles, driver and passenger air bags, anti-lock brakes. [Photo: Michael Heape]

Alexandria Kongsiri still has a Lexus SUV and drives it when she needs to carry big loads, but she’s found that her Smart car works for both commuting to work and most other purposes. Kongsiri, founder of Visage Dermatology in St. Petersburg, says she "started out driving locally, then one exit on the highway and the next thing you know I’m driving to South Tampa."

The car feels safe and stable most of the time, Kongsiri says. "I only notice being blown around when I get over 70 mph." While she acknowledges the ride is not as smooth as in some higher-end cars, it’s comfortable and she can carry two passengers or one passenger and her two dogs — a lab and a cocker spaniel — or a week’s worth of groceries. With the front passenger seat down, she was even able to transport an ironing board she bought on one shopping spree. "I wish it held less so I would shop less," says Kongsiri.

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