Meaning of new-car smell | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A characteristic odor caused by the combination of chemicals and materials in a new automobile, including outgassing.
   informal, uncountable
2. A perception of freshness or novelty.
   figuratively, uncountable

Examples

“Does that mean you shouldn't buy a new car? Not at all — although if you're not hung up on new car smell and the virginal feel of a pristine motor car, you might find a used car is a better bargain.”

“Did you know new car smell can kill you? New cars are filled with new car toxic fumes.”

“Who would want new car smell when you can have Maggie's gardenias?”

“"I think the American people, you know, they're going to want – you know, that new car smell. You know, their own – they want to drive something off the lot that doesn't have as much mileage as me," he said.”

CEFR level