The Smart car's polycarbonate (changeable) body panels show little or no damage after low-speed collisions or from parking lot mishaps. Even under heavy-duty force, there's nothing to pierce the passenger cell and plastic panels will not splinter. A complete body panel change costs no more than having a fender re-sprayed on many cars.

Passive safety features are also fitted into the design. Like standard full-size driver and passenger airbags plus side airbags.

The seat belt guides are integrated into the back seat rest. In this way, the three-point seat belt system ensures optimum seating comfort for persons of all sizes in all seat positions. This includes electronic tightening devices otherwise known as pretensioners, which automatically tighten the seatbelts in milliseconds to maintain both occupants snuggly in place throughout impact. Keeping the seat and occupant as one unit will minimize strain on the body.

The steering column has been designed to retract telescopically upon impact, minimizing the likely for injury. The engine is at the rear and does help protect the passengers. There's nothing hazardous in front of you. Knee protectors keep your legs uninjured, and of course the airbags soften the blow.

Rear Impact Crashes...

Even if another car rams into the back of your Smart car, the crisscross supports of TRIDION defuse crash energy safely. The engine, if pushed, will slide under the passenger area into the 'sandwich' floor.

Both the modular metal seats will absorb sudden movements, or fold backwards in serious collisions - either way; your body will be supported and not jolted.

Side-on Collisions...

Most cars are vulnerable along their sides. Smarts wheels are as close together as the width of most car hoods, so a side-on collision will affect the wheels and axles most, by absorbing the crash energy.
Side air bags are integrated into the driver and passenger seat backrest; they open only on the side in which the impact occurs.