First, an apology. In the February 2008 issue (page 60), I stated confidently that the Smart had a turbocharger. I've driven many miles in the first-generation Smart, which is turbocharged, and I assumed the second generation (the one specifically developed for America) would be the same. But since assumption is the mother of all cockups, Smart V.2 is naturally aspirated, I'm wrong, and what's more, dear, valued european car reader, I'm sorry. The good thing is that there's nothing else to feel bad about when it comes to the Smart Fortwo.
Smart is a well-chosen name; so much clever thought has gone into this car, it's surprising it isn't bigger. Working on the premise that most car trips are undertaken by one person and cover an average of 20 miles, why take four other seats and a trunk along too? Why use an engine that can propel a car to over 100 mph when traffic conditions and speeding laws only permit a maximum of 65 mph? So the Smart Fortwo, as its name suggests, packs two seats (for sociability) and a little space-for groceries, briefcases and the like-above the rearmounted engine. And that's about it. Except it's not. There are airbags, an audio system, space for satellite navigation, a light and spacious occupant area (even drivers over six feet tall will be comfortable), and a tridion safety cell. Glad you asked. It's a steel frame, like an oversized roll cage, and the Smart fits inside.
Most people are going to worry about safety. What chance does this thing have with a Hummer thundering toward it? The answer is: the same chance as any other car. Because of its diminutive wheelbase (although one inch longer than V.1), side collisions will result in the impacting car hitting either the front or rear axles, so they are designed to absorb crash energy. A Smart could roll over several times and still not be flattened. And even when the car has been rear-ended at 50 mph, the doors open fine.
Driving the Smart is pleasant. The seats are comfortable enough for a road trip, let alone the usual commute. There's plenty of body control, the steering has some feel, direction changes are handled quickly and cleanly. The Smart has electronic stability control, ABS brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). One of the reasons why the engine is in the back is because the car would be too nose-heavy under fierce braking. This kind of detail is typical of the engineering attention the Smart has received.