|
The smart's gearbox is a six-speed sequential semiautomatic. The system uses a clutch, but it's computer-controlled; there's no clutch pedal. The gearshift has just three positions, neutral and reverse, and slotted to the left, Drive. Instead of an overdrive on/off button, there's a button to select semi-auto or full-auto. In semi-auto, you just tip the lever forward to upshift, and pull back to downshift. Engine revs drop and there's a slight pause during shifts, but no more so than when you do the clutching and shifting yourself. If you're used to an automatic's uninterrupted engine note, it will take some getting used to. Helping out is the large gear display on the instrument panel, and it also indicates when to up- and downshift. The gearbox downshifts automatically to first when the vehicle stops. The semi-auto mode is certainly amusing, but performance-wise, full auto will do just as well. In full auto, the gearbox is also programmed to downshift to the lowest possible gear when the gas pedal is mashed hard, aiding acceleration. Highway blitz runs aren't the smart's forte, but it does provide other entertainment. A button on the cabrio's center console pulls back the canvass roof. You can just crack the roof open or pull it all the way back. After it pulls back, it then folds downward toward the trunk door. Remove the roof rails manually and the conversion to full topless mode is complete. Weighing in at 740 kg, the smart Cabrio is probably the world's lightest convertible, and likely the most affordable too. The steering is weighted properly, and there's a stable feel to the car's cornering behavior. It tracks obediently, even around hairpin bends. The relatively large 145/65 R15 front, 175/55 R15 rear tires give the spunky little car reasonable grip. Small dips in the road are absorbed well. Rough pavement jolts the car, so it needs some adapting if it's to be used on Asian roads. Look at the smart's profile and you'll notice the black structural frame (painted silver on other models) wrapping around the door frame, floor section, and luggage compartment. That is the car's steel safety cell, surrounding the entire passenger section. The plastic body panels are hung on this frame; they're removable and can even be exchanged for a new set in a different color. Aside from the safety cell, there's also a sandwich type floor, similar to the A-class', that's able to channel collision forces away from the passenger compartment. The car's diminutive length means that in a side impact, the other vehicle involved will hit one of the wheels. The wheel struts were designed help to absorb the impact energy. Electronic active safety devices such as ABS, EBD and Brake Assist are standard. Beginning with 2003 models, the ESP yaw-control system also comes with every smart. |
|
||||||
