Safety question (Re: tridion)

[tishpit]

I've read about and seen the Tridion Safety cell on display in the showroom and have a question that is praying on my mind: is the cabriolet's Tridion cell as sturdy and safe in a crash as the other models that have an intact frame? The cabrio's side rails are missing to allow for open air driving (removable) but doesn't that weaken the overall substance of the cell? I even noticed in the brochure that showed Smarts on the assembly line where a Pure or Passion cell followed by the cabrio cell and the cabrio appeared less substantial due to the missing side supports. I haven't been able, however, to see any comparisons of crash testing between the models. What are your thoughts on this??? By the way, I do realize the rear roll bar is part of the cell system and can support the car in rollover... just wondering more about rear or front impact and the possibility of the cell not being able to sustain its integrity.

[John_H]

If you look at the physical specs for the cabrio versus coupe, you'll see the cabrio adds some extra weight. Not only is the roll-bar present but there are additional enhancements to the tridon structure to "take up the slack" from not having the full frame.

[Smart Enuf]

The windshield frame also uses stronger, reinforced material that's different from the coupe (shown in yellow):

The body structure of the smart fortwo cabrio shares 70 percent of its panels with the coupé.

The A-pillar has been strengthened in the windscreen area with an internal high-strength steel tube. The solid roll-over bar between the B-pillars is welded and bolted to the tridion safety cell. All these measures add just 15 kilograms to the weight of the car.

-- New Smart fortwo: design story

[MsJoanne]

Not to equate a smart to a BMW, but the BMW uses the same concept in their convertibles; using the windshield frame as part of the overall core safety construction (for rollovers).

FWIW.

[tishpit]

Thanks! Feel much better now about the Cabriolet. I had looked at the new Miatas (I have a 1990 Miata) and even the new ones have no roll bars and really no serious protection in the event of a rollover accident. And the Miata costs about $7,000 + more than the Smart Cabriolet. VW New Beetle has good protection for rollover, but tests showed lousy side protection and really miserable repair record (even on owner's forums). Dollar for dollar, it appears the Smart is the best value in a convertible, especially if you cannot afford a $30,000+ car.

[rossnooney]

The Cabriolet roll over safety question has been on my mind for quite some time. I feel relieved to see that it has been addressed. Has there been any actual testing?

[jwight]

Here's a link to the smart safety data: Safercar.gov

Rollover rating is for resistance to rolling over: Safercar.gov

Have not seen any data on actual damage sustained from rollover tests.

Here are the current FMVSS criteria; pertinent one appears to be 1 1/2 time the vehicles weight: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-...2001&TYPE=TEXT