This is a test done by Fifth Gear. The test was to compare damage between the fortwo and a car of twice mass and size.
Rapid deceleration would've caused the occupants in both cars to die.
However the test firmly proves the theory correct, a smart is just as safe as something twice its size.
In May 2009 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted their own tests which the smart did poorly. However nowhere on their site is any data concerning forces on the dummies and possible injury.
Also, the Mercedes Benz C300 weighs just 200lb shy of a Chevrolet Equinox. So while it may be small, it's a heavyweight.
For more on smart safety including real world crash data and even statistics on the probability of crashing a smart:
www.safeandsmart.com
www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index
Here is a video of the smart crashing into a Mercedes Benz S-Class, a car weighing as much a mid size SUV.
The test was done by Auto Und Sport Magazine and NCAP, the test results were "possible head injury" and "cuts & scrapes".
The smart uses a patented steel structure called the Tridion Safety Cell. It's designed to activate crumple zones of ther cars.
It consists of small crumple zones on each end and then a ridgid high tensile passenger cell. The passenger cell begins right before where the footwell ends. As seen on crash videos the car crumples down to the passenger cell and rebounds.
In a crash, this is what happens to a smart:
1. Bumper breaks.
2. Slip Tubes move out of way.
3. Crash Box is hit, airbags activate.
4. Crumple zone crumples.
5. Passenger cell is met.
6. Force distributes through cell, wheels, into the other car's crumple zones.
7. Seatbelt tensioner and force limiter ensure forces are kept down on the body.
8. Remaining force results in the car rebounding.
The NHTSA, Euro NCAP, and the IIHS give the smart a 4 out of 5 star crash test rating. This is higher than any vehicle close to this size.
The roof has been proven to hold 9,000lbs by the IIHS.
The 2011 smart fortwo will have added airbags to the list of safety features. A total of 8 airbags will be on the new fortwo (2 front, 2 head/torso, 2 knee, two side curtain).
Active safety features:
esp® - One of the standard features on your smart fortwo is something called Electronic Stability Program or esp®. When the esp® sensors indicate a skid or swerving of your car, they automatically control the engine throttle and the Anti-Lock brakes to maintain your present course. Also integral to the esp® safety system is Electronic Brake-Force Distribution Control (EBD), which helps to prevent the rear wheels from over-braking.
ABS - A feature of esp®, Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) will apply and release each brake independently to keep you from skidding regardless of the type of road surface each wheel is on.
CBC - When you enter a corner and apply your brakes, the unequal forces at each wheel can result in a skid or a complete "end-around." With Cornering Brake Control (CBC) the inner wheels require less brake force due to less traction. CBC counteracts a potential tendency to swerve by distributing brake forces selectively - even below the threshold of ABS activity.
BAS - Avoiding accidents is often measured in inches. Electronic Brake Assist can sense when you have stepped on the brake quickly but have not applied it hard enough to activate the ABS system. It can be the difference in reaction time you need to avoid an accident.
ASC and ETC - Acceleration Skid Control (ASC) and Engine Torque Control (ETC) are designed to help the smart fortwo move forward on slippery surfaces. ASC acts much like a differential lock but does it by directing power to the wheel offering optimum traction. ETC provides engine control when driving on slippery surfaces. It "feathers" the throttle on low traction acceleration and limits torque in down shifting applications.
HSA - The smart-shift Transmission® of the smart fortwo is equipped with Hill Start Assist (HSA) which allows you to pull away on a hill without having to apply the handbrake. As you lift your foot from the brake pedal while stopped on a hill, HSA holds the brakes for about a second to give you time to move your foot to the accelerator.
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