
Occupant safety
Introduction
The smart vehicle is equipped with seat
belts and dual stage air bags to protect you
in a crash. However, children can be killed
or seriously injured by an inflating air
bag. Indeed, there is a stronger risk of
serious death or bodily injury when an air
bag deploys on a child positioned in a
rear-facing child seat in the passenger
seat. Because this vehicle has only two
front seats and no backseat, it is limited
as are other two-seat vehicles, in the
extent to which it may restrain children
traveling in the passenger front seat. Many
states have laws against placing children
of certain ages in the front seat of a
vehicle that has both front and back seats.
Those laws make exceptions to permit
children to be restrained in the front seat
of two seat vehicles. Special instructions
and warnings are provided below about
when and if you may restrain a child in the
passenger seat of the smart vehicle. Under
certain circumstances, it is appropriate
for the passenger air bag not to operate
when a child is restrained in a car seat in
the passenger seat, and this vehicle is
equipped with technology to accomplish
this. Please pay very close attention to the
instructions and warnings below,
particularly as they relate to children.
In this section you will learn the most
important facts about the restraint system
components of the vehicle.
The restraint systems are:
R Seat belts ( Y page 31)
R Child restraints ( Y page 43)
Additional protection potential is
provided by:
R Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
with
- Air bags ( Y page 33)
- Air bag control unit (with crash
sensors)
- Emergency Tensioning Devices and
seat belt force limiters ( Y page 33)
R Air bag system components with
- Passenger front air bag off indicator
lamp ( Y page 41)
- Passenger seat with Occupant
C lassification System (OCS)
( Y page 39)
Although independent systems, their
protective functions work in conjunction
with each other.
i For information on infants and
children traveling with you in the
vehicle and restraint systems for infants
and children, see “Children in the
vehicle” ( Y page 42).
The SRS system conducts a self-test when
the ignition is switched on and in regular
intervals while the engine is running. This
facilitates detection of malfunctions. The
SRS indicator lamp 0081 in the instrument
cluster comes on when the ignition is
switched on and goes out after
approximately four seconds.
The SRS components are in operational
readiness if the SRS indicator lamp 0081
is not lit when the engine is running.
A malfunction in the system has been
detected if the SRS indicator lamp 0081
R fails to go out after approximately 4
seconds after the ignition was switched
on
R does not come on at all
R comes on after the engine was started or
while driving30Occupant safety>> Safety.
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should be positioned as low as possible
on the hips to avoid any possible
pressure on the abdomen.
R Never place your feet on the instrument
panel, dashboard or on the seat. Always
keep both feet on the floor in front of the
seat.
R When using a seat belt to secure infant or
toddler restraints or children in booster
seats, always follow the child seat
manufacturer’s instructions.
Emergency Tensioning Devices (ETDs)
and seat belt force limiters
The seat belts are equipped with
Emergency Tensioning Devices and seat
belt force limiters.
Emergency Tensioning Devices are
designed to activate in the following
cases:
R in frontal or rear-end impacts
exceeding the system deployment
threshold
R if the restraint systems are operational
and functioning correctly
R in collisions with high vehicle
deceleration/acceleration in the
longitudinal direction, e.g. a head-on
collision
R on passenger side when the seat is
occupied and the seat belt is fastened
R independently of the front air bags
When activated, Emergency Tensioning
Devices remove slack from the seat belts in
such a way that the seat belts fit more
snugly against the body. Seat belt force
limiters, when activated, reduce the force
exerted by the seat belts on occupants
during a crash.
When the emergency tensioning device is
triggered, the SRS indicator lamp 0081 in
the instrument cluster illuminates, see
“SRS indicator lamp” ( Y page 168).
GWarning!
Once they have been triggered, Emergency
Tensioning Devices will no longer function
properly and must be replaced. smart
recommends that you visit a qualified
workshop to have this done. In particular,
work relevant to safety or on safety-related
systems must be carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
Comply with safety regulations when
disposing of Emergency Tensioning
Devices. These regulations are available at
any smart center.
The belt force limiter is designed to
operate in unison with the front air bag,
which absorbs a portion of the seat belt’s
decelerating forces, distributing the load
over a larger area.
In the event of a head-on or rear-end
collision, the emergency tensioning
device is activated if the vehicle is
decelerated or accelerated sufficiently in
the longitudinal direction at the start of
impact with the ignition switched on.
Air bags
Air bags can reduce the severity of
injuries in serious collisions, e.g. in a
head-on collision or a side impact.
GWarning!
Air bags are designed to reduce the
potential of injury in certain frontal
impacts (front air bags and knee bags), or
side impacts (head-thorax air bags,
window curtain air bags and thorax-pelvis
air bags) which may cause significant
injuries. However, no system available
today can completely eliminate injuries
and fatalities.
The deployment of the air bags temporarily
releases a small amount of dust from the air
bags. This dust is neither injurious to your
health, nor does it indicate a fire in the
vehicle. The dust might cause some
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iCanada only:
This device complies with RSS‑210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
R This device may not cause
interference, and
R this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Driving safety systems
Introduction
GWarning!
The following factors increase the risk of
accidents:
R Excessive speed, especially in turns
R Wet and slippery road surfaces
R Following another vehicle too closely
The driving safety systems described in
this section cannot reduce these risks or
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle.
Always adapt your driving style to the
prevailing road and weather and traffic
conditions and keep a safe distance to
other road users and objects on the street.
i In winter operation, the maximum
effectiveness of the ABS, the hydraulic
brake assistant, and the ESP ®
is only
achieved with winter tires ( Y page 145)
or snow chains* as required.
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.
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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
E lectronic 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 00F2 in the
instrument cluster flashes when the ESP ®
is
engaged.
The ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 in the
instrument cluster comes on when you
switch on the ignition. It goes out when the
engine is running.
Depending on the driving situation, the
ESP ®
R reduces the speed
R selectively brakes individual wheels
R equalizes the speed of the driven wheels
R stabilizes the vehicle when braking
R assists you in evasive maneuvers on all
roadsGWarning!
If the ESP ®
warning lamp 00F2 in the
instrument cluster flashes, proceed as
follows:
R While driving off, apply as little
throttle as possible.
R While driving, ease up on the accelerator
pedal.
R Adapt your speed and driving style to the
prevailing road conditions.
Failure to observe these guidelines could
cause the vehicle to skid.
The ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents
resulting from excessive speed.
GWarning!
The ESP ®
cannot prevent the natural laws of
physics from acting on the vehicle, nor can
it increase the traction afforded. The
ESP ®
cannot prevent accidents, including
those resulting from excessive speed in
turns, or hydroplaning. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESP ®
equipped vehicle must never be exploited
in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the
safety of others.
! Because the ESP ®
operates
automatically, the engine must be turned
off (ignition switched off) when the
parking brake is being tested on a brake
test dynamometer. Active braking action
through the ESP ®
may otherwise seriously
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>> Controls.Opening and closing ..........................52
Starter switch positions .....................57
Seats ..............................................58
Mirrors ...........................................61
Seat belts ........................................62
Lighting .........................................64
Windshield wipers ............................70
Soft top system (cabriolet only) ............71
Side windows ....................................77
Driving and parking ..........................78
Transmission ...................................82
Instrument cluster .............................87
Control system* ................................93
Audio system* ..................................99
Driving systems ...............................101
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Con-
ditioning) ......................................103
Loading and storing .........................108
Useful features ................................114
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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 164).004BStarting ( Y page 78)
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
58Seats>> Controls.
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iIf you drive in countries where
vehicles drive on the other side of the
road than the country in which the
vehicle is registered, you must have the
headlamps modified for symmetrical low
beams. Relevant information can be
obtained at any authorized smart center.
Exterior lamp switch (USA only)
\000'Lamps offDaytime running lamp mode*\000lParking lamps\000dLow‑beam headlamps or high‑beam
headlamps
\000ZAutomatic headlamp mode*
Exterior lamp switch (Canada only)
\000' Lamps offDaytime running lamp mode\000l Parking lamps\000d Low‑beam headlamps or high‑beam
headlamps
Parking lamps
You can switch on and off the parking lamps
with the exterior lamp switch using the
manual headlamp mode.
XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position \000l.
The parking lamps come on.
The following lamps also come on:
RTail lamps
RLicense plate lamps
RSide marker lamps
Low‑beam headlamps
You can switch on and off the low‑beam
headlamps with the exterior lamp switch
using the manual headlamp mode.
XSwitching on: Turn the exterior lamp
switch to position \000d.
The low‑beam headlamps come on.
The low‑beam headlamp indicator lamp
\000e in the instrument cluster comes on.
The following lamps also come on:
RTail and parking lamps
RLicense plate lamps
RSide marker lamps
Automatic headlamp mode (USA only)
This feature is only available on vehicles
with rain-light sensor*.
The following lamps come on and go out
automatically depending on the brightness
of the ambient light:
RLow‑beam headlamps
RTail and parking lamps
RLicense plate lamps
RSide marker lamps
GWarning!
If the exterior lamp switch is set to
position \000Z, the headlamps will not be
automatically switched on under foggy
conditions.
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XDeactivating: Switch off the ignition
and remove the key from the starter
switch.
XSwitch on the high-beam flasher and
press button \0004 on the key
simultaneously.
An acoustic signal sounds.
The daytime running lamp mode is
deactivated.
Combination switch (high beam, high
beam flasher and turn signals
XMake sure the key is in starter switch
position 1.
High‑beam headlamps and high-beam
flasher
XMake sure the low‑beam headlamps are
switched on (Y page 65).
XSwitching on: Push the combination
switch to position \000J.
The high‑beam headlamps come on.
The high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp
\000c in the instrument cluster comes on.
XSwitching off: Pull the combination
switch in direction of arrow \000G to its
original position.
The high‑beam headlamps go out.
The high‑beam headlamp indicator lamp
\000c in the instrument cluster goes out.
XHigh-beam flasher: Pull the combination
switch briefly in direction of arrow \000G.
Turn signals \000F Turn signals, right\000G Turn signals, leftXSwitching on: Push the combination
switch in direction of arrow \000F or \000G.
The corresponding turn signals flash.
The corresponding turn signal indicator
lamp \000& or \000$ in the instrument
cluster flashes.
The combination switch resets
automatically after major steering
wheel movement.
iTo 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.
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