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How does the smart car work? |
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Written by Car Articles
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Thursday, 10 July 2008 |
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How Does The Smart Car Work
The Smart Cars life began in 1993, when Mercedes-Benz began studies on subcompact car design - the original concept was for a car that was easy to drive, quick and simple to park, with it`s length allowing it to squeeze into tight city spaces. The Smart car range features several compact models and, in no small part due to its overtly funky style, has become iconic in some circles. To illustrate the compact dimensions of the range, the "Fortwo" is just 8ft 2.5 inches long, about 5ft tall and less than 5ft wide. In some situations, a Smart car owner may not need to parallel park in line with other parked cars, rather he or she can simply can back up to the curb. Some claim that two or perhaps even three Smart cars are able to park in that way in a larger than average single parking space.
Fuel Consumption and the Smart Car
Although the Smart Car is clearly not as fast as some cars, reflecting modest engine sizes and a lightweight design with some inherent speed constraints, this is more than offset by fuel consumption figures. When driving in the city, the Smart Fortwo can achieve some 46.3 miles per gallon, rising to a highly desirable 68.9 miles per gallon when driving on motorways (manufacturer`s figures). With current fuel prices, this is making the Smart car compelling for many.
Safety Features
The structure of the Smart car revolves around a frame called a "Tridion Safety Cell", designed in such a way that in an accident it activates the crumple zone/s of the other vehicle involved. This creates a strong safety cell around the passengers. The Smart Fortwo was recently awarded 4 out of 5 possible stars in the Euro NCAP in Adult Occupant Protection, although scoring a less impressive 2 out of 4 for Pedestrian Protection. Clearly it wasn`t tested or Child Occupant Protection in the absence of rear seats. The first Smart car, which is most commonly seen on our roads, was rated 3 out of 5 stars in the Adult Occupation Protection category. In tests in America, Smart cars were awarded a four out of five star safety rating for the driver in a front impact, with a five star rating involving a driver in a side impact. It also recieved a top rating for side and front protection in a crash in the Insurance Institute Highway Safety tests.
All of the new Smart Fortwos offer the following handling and safety features:
An Electronic Stability Programs featuring Hill Start Assist
Acceleration Skid Control
An Anti-Lock Braking System
Brake Assist Electronically
Drum brakes at the rear of the car, and disc brakes at the front.
A dual-circuit brake system offering servo assistance.
Why is the Smart Car So Popular?
The environment is on everyone lips today, with low emission, high MPG cars being the order of the day for ever more people when buying a new car. Add to this its sheer `parkability`, funky design and safety ratings that are best of class and the Smart is seen by many as being a compelling solution to many of today`s challenges
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