Driver Seat location - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

bones · 07-12-2008, 09:30 AM

Hello All,
Just got my Passion.
I'm a big guy, was wondering if anyone has moved the seat rails back on the driver side.
I see that the pass. side moves back a good 3" further. Any reason for the driver side not to?
Thanks.

**JPaul** · 07-12-2008, 09:33 AM

Do you have enough leeway to sit comfortably? The passenger seat has been set few inches back on purpose to allow more elbow room...

Wdhitch · 07-12-2008, 10:25 AM

I'm 6'3 and 350 and haven't had to mod anything... Serendipity has enough room.

bones · 07-12-2008, 10:26 AM

I've got long legs... if only the seat were back a couple inches it would be a lot easier getting in and out!

kannonvaggon · 07-12-2008, 11:13 AM

There is enough room behind the seat to move the seat back ON the rails. My wife's car was modified slightly to allow her just a bit easier ingress/egress with a fused knee and ankle. The upholstery shop moved the seat back on the rails about 2" and raised the rear of the seat rails about an inch higher off the floor to flatten the angle, and remolded the seat bolsters with softer foam to make it easier to slide in and out. Worked great. The seat still doesn't quite go all the way to the rear limit as regards where the floor comes up. That's where our bottle jack/handle are mounted on the floor, behind the driver seat.

WickedMessenger · 07-12-2008, 01:08 PM

Did you also notice the passenger seat leg room is much shorter than the driver's side? I think it's because the jack and battery and fix-a-flat are located there. That might be why the passenger seat goes back further. I would probably like the seat to go back a tad more (I'm 6'4") but then the steering wheel's too far away. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the seat and leg room.

UNTODDLY · 07-12-2008, 02:14 PM

Yes, the passenger seat in any smart goes back farther than the drivers seat. It is part of the design of the car and not a flaw. It is to give the Passenger more leg room.

Evilution · 07-13-2008, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNTODDLY

It is to give the Passenger more leg room.

True but not the reason smart give. The seats are offset to reduce the chance of body collision of the 2 people in the car in the case of a heavy side impact.