Antilock Brake System (ABS)GWarning!
Do not pump the brake pedal. Use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure instead.
Pumping the brake pedal defeats the
purpose of the ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.
The
Antilock Brake System (ABS) regulates
the brake pressure so that the wheels do not
lock during braking. This allows you to
maintain the ability to steer your vehicle.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will
respond even to light brake pressure.
The ABS indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster ( Y page 22) comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Braking
At the instant one of the wheels is about to
lock up, a slight pulsation can be felt in
the brake pedal, indicating that the ABS is
regulating the brake pressure.
XKeep firm and steady pressure on the
brake pedal while experiencing the
pulsation.
Continuous, steady brake pedal pressure
yields the advantages provided by the ABS,
namely braking power and the ability to
steer the vehicle.
A pulsating brake pedal can be an
indication of hazardous road conditions
and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Emergency brake maneuver
XKeep continuous full pressure on the
brake pedal.GWarning!
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the
hydraulic brake assistant and the ESP ®
are
also switched off.
When the ABS is malfunctioning, the wheels
may lock during hard braking, reducing
steering capability and extending the
braking distance.GWarning!
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded. The ABS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from
excessive speed in turns, following
another vehicle too closely, or
hydroplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of an ABS equipped vehicle
must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
)
Your vehicle is equipped with the
Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®
). The
ESP ®
is operational as soon as the engine
is running and it monitors the vehicle’s
traction (force of adhesive friction
between the tires and the road surface) and
handling.
The ESP ®
recognizes when a wheel is
spinning or if the vehicle starts to skid.
By applying brakes to the appropriate
wheel and by limiting the engine output,
the ESP ®
works to stabilize the vehicle. The
ESP ®
is especially useful while driving off
and on wet or slippery road surfaces. The
ESP ®
also stabilizes the vehicle during
braking and steering maneuvers.
The ESP ®
warning lamp 0067 in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
The ESP ®
warning lamp 0067 in the
instrument cluster comes on when you
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005DFor removing key004AIgnition (power supply for all
electrical consumers) and driving
position
All lamps (except low‑beam
headlamp indicator lamp,
high‑beam headlamp indicator
lamp, and turn signal indicator
lamps unless activated) in the
instrument cluster come on. If a
lamp in the instrument cluster fails
to come on when the ignition is
switched on, have it checked and
replaced if necessary. If a lamp in
the instrument cluster remains on
after starting the engine or comes
on while driving, refer to “Warning
and indicator lamps in the
instrument cluster” ( Y page 149).004BStarting ( Y page 75)
i
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator and warning lamps (except
low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp,
high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp, and
turn signal indicator lamps unless
activated) in the instrument cluster
come on. The indicator and warning
lamps (except low‑beam headlamp
indicator lamp, high‑beam headlamp
indicator lamp, and turn signal
indicator lamps if activated) will go out
when the engine is running. This
indicates that the respective systems
are operational.
Seats
Safety notes
GWarning!
All seat adjustments, as well as fastening
of seat belts, must be done before the
vehicle is operated.
GWarning!
When adjusting the seat, make sure no one
becomes trapped.
Do not adjust the driver’s seat while
driving. Adjusting the seat while driving
could cause the driver to lose control of the
vehicle.
Never ride in a moving vehicle with the seat
backrest in an excessively reclined
position as this can be dangerous. You
could slide under the seat belt in a
collision. If you slide under the seat belt,
it could apply force at the abdomen or neck,
potentially causing serious or fatal
injuries. The seat backrest and seat belts
provide the best restraint when the wearer
is in a position that is as upright as
possible and seat belts are properly
positioned on the body.
Your seat must be adjusted so that you can
correctly fasten your seat belt.
Observe the following points:
R Adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.
R Adjust the seat to a comfortable seating
position that still allows you to reach the
accelerator/brake pedal safely. The
position should be as far back as
possible with the driver still able to
operate the controls properly.
R Never place hands under the seat or near
any moving parts while a seat is being
adjusted.
Failure to do so could result in an accident
and/or serious personal injury.
Observe the notes on the air bag system.
GWarning!
Children 12 years old and under must be
seated and properly secured in an
appropriately sized infant restraint,
toddler restraint, or booster seat
recommended for the size and weight of the
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child. For additional information, see
“Children in the vehicle”.
A child’s risk of serious or fatal injuries
is significantly increased if the child
restraints are not properly secured in the
vehicle and/or the child is not properly
secured in the child restraint.GWarning!
Contact an authorized smart center if the
seats have become damaged.
The seat is an integral part of the vehicle’s
safety system in the same way as seat belts
and air bags. Damage to the seats may
reduce their ability to protect the
occupants in an accident.
Seat adjustment
0046Seat backrest tilt0047Seat fore and aft adjustment
Seat backrest tilt
XPull adjustment lever 0046 upwards and
adjust the seat backrest until your arms
are slightly angled when holding the
steering wheel.XRelease adjustment lever 0046 when the
desired seat backrest tilt is reached.
When you hear an audible click, the seat
backrest is again fixed into place.XCheck for proper engagement before
driving.Seat fore and aft adjustmentXPull adjustment handle 0047 upwards and
slide the seat to a seating position that
still allows you to reach the accelerator/
brake pedal safely.XRelease adjustment handle 0047 when the
desired seating position is reached.
When you hear an audible click, the seat
is again fixed into place.XCheck for proper engagement before
driving.
Seat height
The seat guide is inclined in the
horizontal plane. Seat fore and aft
adjustment also alters the seat height.
Armrest* on driver’s seat
Folding up and down
XFolding up: Hold front of armrest and fold
it up in direction of arrow 0046.XFolding down: Hold front of armrest and
fold it down in direction of arrow 0047.
Adjusting armrest angle
You can adjust the angle of the armrest when
it is folded down.
XTurn thumb wheel 008A.
R Direction of arrow 0088: down
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High‑beam headlamps XMake sure the low‑beam headlamps are
switched on ( Y page 63).XSwitching on: Push the combination
switch to position 004A.
The high‑beam headlamps come on.
The high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp
0063 in the instrument cluster comes on.XSwitching off: Pull the combination
switch in direction of arrow 0047 to its
original position.
The high‑beam headlamps go out.
The high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp
0063 in the instrument cluster goes out.
High‑beam flasher
XPull the combination switch briefly in
direction of arrow 0047.
Turn signals
0046Turn signals, right0047Turn signals, leftXSwitching on: Push the combination
switch in direction of arrow 0046 or 0047.
The corresponding turn signals flash.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp 0026 or 0024 in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets
automatically after major steering
wheel movement.i To signal minor directional changes
such as changing lanes, push the
combination switch only to the point of
resistance and release. The
corresponding turn signals will flash
three times.
Coming home function
Vehicles without rain-light sensor: The
interior lamps come on and then go out
again after 12 seconds every time when you
lock or unlock the vehicle.
Vehicles with rain-light sensor*: In
addition to the interior lamps, the
exterior lamps come on and then go out
again after 12 seconds depending on the
brightness of the ambient light when you
lock or unlock the vehicle.
When leaving the vehicle
XRemove the key from the starter switch.XExit the vehicle.XPress button 0038 on the key.
The vehicle is locked.
The interior and exterior 11
lamps come on
and then go out again after 12 seconds.
When returning to the vehicle
XPress button 0034 on the key either once or
twice.
The vehicle is either selectively or
globally unlocked.
The interior and exterior 11
lamps come on
and then go out again after 12 seconds.
Front fog lamps
GWarning!
Vehicles with rain-light sensor*:
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in order to avoid damaging the
transmission.
You can drive in reverse gear at a speed
of up to 9 mph (15 km/h).XDepress the brake pedal.XPress the release button ( Y page 76) to
disengage the gear selector lever lock.XMove the gear selector lever to reverse
gear R.
R appears in the transmission position
indicator.XRelease the brake pedal.XCarefully depress the accelerator pedal.
Parking
GWarning!
Do not park this vehicle in areas where
combustible materials such as grass, hay or
leaves can come into contact with the hot
exhaust system. These materials could be
ignited and cause a vehicle fire.
Vehicle movement can cause serious
personal injury or damage to the vehicle or
the vehicle drivetrain. Therefore, always
do the following before turning off the
engine and leaving the vehicle:
R Keep right foot on the brake pedal.
R Engage the parking brake.
R Move the gear selector lever to park
position P.
R Slowly release the brake pedal.
R When parked on an incline, always turn
the front wheels towards the curb.
R Turn the key to starter switch position 0
and remove the key from the starter
switch.
R Take the key with you and lock the vehicle
when leaving.
GWarning!
With the engine not running, there is no
power assistance for the brake and
steering* systems. In this case, it is
important to keep in mind that a
considerably higher degree of effort is
necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
Adapt your driving accordingly.
XProperly stop and park the vehicle.XDepress the brake pedal.XEngage the parking brake ( Y page 77).
When the ignition is switched on or the
engine is running, the brake warning
lamp 0027 (USA only) or 004D (Canada
only) in the instrument cluster comes on.XRelease the brake pedal.
Parking brake
The parking brake serves to secure the
vehicle against rolling away when it is
stationary or parked.
GWarning!
Engaging the parking brake while the
vehicle is in motion can cause the rear
wheels to lock up. You could lose control of
the vehicle and cause an accident. In
addition, the vehicle’s brake lights do not
light up when the parking brake is engaged.
XReleasing: Depress the brake pedal.XPull up slightly on parking brake
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GWarning!
In the event of the vehicle needing to be
towed, a significantly greater amount of
pedal pressure will be required when the
engine is switched off.
Turning off the engine
GWarning!
Do not turn off the engine before the
vehicle has come to a complete stop. With
the engine not running, there is no power
assistance for the brake and steering*
systems. In this case, it is important to
keep in mind that a considerably higher
degree of effort is necessary to brake and
steer the vehicle.
XDepress the brake pedal.XPress the release button ( Y page 76) to
disengage the gear selector lever lock.XMove the gear selector lever to park
position P.
!
Always engage the parking brake in
addition to shifting to park position P.
XRelease the brake pedal.XTurn the key to starter switch position
0 .XRemove the key from the starter switch.
The electronic immobilizer is
activated.
Transmission
Introduction
Your vehicle is equipped with a 5‑speed
automated transmission with manual or
automatic mode. For information on
driving with the transmission see also
“Starting” ( Y page 75).
GWarning!
Make sure absolutely no objects are
obstructing the pedals’ range of motion.
Keep the driver’s footwell clear of all
obstacles. If there are any floormats* or
carpets in the footwell, make sure the
pedals still have sufficient clearance.
During sudden acceleration or braking
maneuvers, the objects could get caught
between or beneath the pedals and restrict
your ability to brake or accelerate. This
could lead to accidents and/or injury.
Gear selector lever
Gearshift pattern for transmission
0046Release button0060Park position0061Reverse gear005FNeutral position005EDrive position0066Manual gear shifting0067Upshifting0044Downshifting
The current gear selector lever position
appears in the transmission position
indicator. When M is selected the currently
selected gear appears ( Y page 85).
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GWarning!
It is dangerous to shift the transmission
out of park position P or neutral position
N if the engine speed is higher than idle
speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake
pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly
forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and when your
right foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Shifting procedure
The transmission selects individual gears
automatically, depending on:
R the gear selector lever position D
( Y page 80)
R the position of the accelerator pedal
( Y page 81)
R the vehicle speed
R uphill or downhill grades
Press release button 0046 (Y page 79) to
disengage the gear selector lever lock
when moving the gear selector lever from
R P to R, N , or D
R R to P
R N to R or P
! Allow the engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature
has been reached.
Shift into reverse gear R or parking
position P only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. Otherwise, the
drivetrain could be damaged, which is
not covered by the smart Limited
Warranty.
With manual gearshifting M selected
( Y page 82), you can use the gear selector
lever or steering wheel gearshift control
to change the gears manually.
Gear selector lever positions
Effect0045Park position
Gear selector lever position
when the vehicle is parked.
Place the gear selector lever
in park position P only when
the vehicle is stopped. The
park position is not intended
to serve as a brake when the
vehicle is parked.
Rather, the driver should
always engage the parking
brake in addition to placing
the gear selector lever in park
position P to secure the
vehicle.
The key can only be removed
from the starter switch with
the gear selector lever in park
position P. With the key
removed, the gear selector
lever is locked in park
position P.0046Reverse gear
Shift into reverse gear R only
when vehicle is stopped.0044Neutral position
No power is transmitted from
the engine to the drive axle.
When the brakes are released,
the vehicle can be moved
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Manual gearshifting
With manual gearshifting M selected,
system-controlled automatic gearshifting
is switched off and you need to change the
gears by upshifting or downshifting
manually using the gear selector lever or
the steering wheel gearshift control 12
.
! Allow the engine to warm up under low
load use. Do not place full load on the
engine until the operating temperature
has been reached.
Shift into reverse gear R or parking
position P only when the vehicle is
stopped.
Avoid spinning of a drive wheel for an
extended period when driving off on
slippery road surfaces. Otherwise, the
drivetrain could be damaged, which is
not covered by the smart Limited
Warranty.Activating manual gearshiftingXMove the gear selector lever to drive
position D ( Y page 79).XPull one of the shift paddles ( Y page 82)
towards you.
or
XMove the gear selector lever to manual
gearshifting M (Y page 79).
System-controlled automatic
gearshifting is switched off.
You can upshift or downshift through the
gears in succession.
The currently engaged gear appears in
multifunction display 0047 (Y page 82).
Upshifting
XBriefly push the gear selector lever
forward in the + direction ( Y page 79).
or
XPull right shift paddle 008A (Y page 82)
towards you.
The transmission shifts to the next
higher gear.
i With manual gearshifting M selected,
the transmission shifts up only to
prevent engine overrevving.
Downshifting
GWarning!
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift
in order to obtain braking action. This
could result in drive wheel slip and
reduced vehicle control. Your vehicle’s ABS
will not prevent this type of loss of control.
12 Model passion and BRABUS only.82Transmission>> Controls.
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