|
Smaller still, a proper right-hand
drive version of the Mercedes Benz-distributed Smart
Car will be here next year, cutting the parking-space
race down to just 250 centimetres.
But they're all huge dinosaurs
compared to this: at 205cms nose to tail, the new Fun
Tech 350 is the titchiest road-legal car in Britain.
Half legomobile, half quad-bike, this pipsqueak packs
four wheels, a brace of headlamps, two adults and a
boot all neatly inside a Smart Car's parking space -
with a cavernous 45 cms of air to spare. In fact, it's
so weeny you can park it nose to the kerb, so you need
a parking space of just 120cms!
That extra 45 cms on a Smart
Car allows such excesses as elbow room and a driving
position that's square-on to the road; here, you sit
slightly askew, wondering whether to keep your left
knee resting uncoolly under your chin or to risk dislocating
the entire hip by shoving the appendage into the ashtray-size
footwell.
Fashioned in France by microcar
specialists Secma, the Fun Tech is distributed by Paignton-based
Fun Tech, who has just signed a sole importation deal
with the manufacturer. Because it's classed as a quadricycle
(a B1), it can be piloted on a full car or bike licence.
For road tax purposes though, it's seen as a car, so
you'll need to cough up £100 for the year ahead.
Whatever they call it, the Fun
Tech, complete with windscreen, seat belts, head rests
and a rear number plate, is a fun, four-footed alternative
to the comparatively lemming-like motorbike.
Although the motorway-legal
Fun Tech (wisely) peters out at 56mph, it has rocketshipfuls
of zip to 30mph. And because there are no silly gears
to worry about, all you need do is grit your teeth and,
er, enjoy.
With the thong-like hood clicked
into place over your head, you'll keep reasonably dry
in drizzle (ie you don't actually drown) and there's
even a wiper and heated screen blower to banish steam.
Whatever the weather, the absence of doors will ensure
you enjoy all the passing applause.
Smart drivers might look clever,
but Funtechers - particularly when they check the fuel
bill - definitely have the last laugh.
- Simon Hacker 10.08.00
Information
Fun Tech 350
|
