*Safety Concern: During the side-impact test, the driver’s door unlatched and opened. A door opening during a side-impact crash increases the likelihood of occupant ejection.

Model Overview
At less than nine feet long, the Smart Fortwo is the smallest car sold in the United States. The first-generation model was available in Europe starting in 1998. Now in its second generation, the Fortwo is finally available in the U.S. as a 2008 model. Two body styles are offered, a coupé and a convertible. Both have two doors, two seats, and rear-wheel drive. The car is produced by the Mercedes Car Group and sold through stand-alone Smart dealerships and Mercedes-Benz dealers in the U.S. It is imported by Smart USA Distributor LLC, which is a division of Roger Penske’s Penske Automotive Group.

Motivation comes from a 70-hp, 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine, and the transmission is a 5-speed automated manual. Meant for use in the city, the Fortwo is also capable of speeds up to 90 mph. EPA fuel economy ratings of 33 mpg city/40 mpg highway make it more fuel efficient than any non-hybrid sold in the U.S. Two trim levels are offered: Pure and Passion. Pure models are very basic, while Passion models add air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows, steering wheel shift paddles, alloy wheels, and a panorama sunroof with sunscreen.

Safety Overview
The 2008 Smart Fortwo features plastic body panels around a “tridion” safety cell that is made of steel, half of which is of the high-strength variety. This structure has longitudinal and transverse beams that displace impact forces over a large area of the car to protect occupants in a crash. Smart says that slip tubes up front and a steel rear structure will prevent front and rear crashes of up to 10 mph from affecting the tridion cell. Smart also says the wheels and tires, as well as side braces, will help dissipate energy in a side crash. Standard safety features include dual-stage front air bags with passenger-side occupant sensor, head- and torso-protecting side air bags, tire-pressure monitor, traction control, electronic stability control with Hill Start Assist, and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. The Fortwo also has cornering brake control, which applies less braking force to the inner wheels when braking in a turn to help prevent a skid or spin. Note that only the coupé body style has been tested by both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA notes a safety concern in its passenger-side-impact test. Though the structural deformity warranted a “good” rating, the passenger door came open. This can lead to occupant ejection, which comes with a greater risk of injury.

More Research
2008 Smart Fortwo Preview
Learn more about the IIHS
Read more Safety articles
Watch 2008 Smart Fortwo Crash Test Video

Crash Test Report: 2008 Smart Fortwo

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