The longer wheelbase of the 2008 Smart has wider tracking than previous models, and a front suspension system that now gives additional stability in a hard left or hard right situation. Added space between the wheels allows for quicker steering.

This was a real problem in earlier models.

The higher positioning of the seats allows passengers to be beyond the direct exposure zone on side impact, and the driver has a better view.

The steering column has been designed to retract telescopically upon impact.

The motor is designed to protect passengers. The wheels absorb impact and the doors have integrated, side-impact resistant aluminum struts.

The NHTSA did discover safety concerns in the side-impact testing.

Nevertheless, the Smart received five stars in side testing because of its ability to protect the driver and passenger from injuries in a crash, even though the driver's side door opened in the simulation.

European safety tests, which some say are tougher than ours, showed that in a 32-mph offset head-on collision, the Smart's steel TRIDION safety cell was able to absorb most of the impact, and the city-coupe was the only model not to be written off after the crash tests were completed.

According to Australia's NRMA Insurance group’s (equal to our IIHS) latest low-speed crash tests, the least expensive small car to repair was Smart's ForTwo.

Six million automobiles are wrecked in the US each year, at a cost of some $230 billion, along with the far greater cost of three million injuries and more than 40,000 deaths.

In light of these statistics, we believe an intelligent vehicle, first and foremost, must be a safe one, and we have no doubt the Smart Car is just that!

So, always buckle-up, adjust your mirrors, don't drive impaired, and drive Smart.