smart city-coupe passion review

city-coupe passio

How It Drove - Ride/Handling

The overall ride is firm and the smart's stability is exceptionally reassuring for a car with a perceived high centre of gravity. Around town larger speed humps can prove awkward as the smart actually sits on top of them and then drops off which can be annoying.

The safety conscious smart features Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as a standard feature on the smart city-coupe. ESP takes over the functions of TRUST PLUS, the previous driving dynamics control system using selective brake intervention to stabilise the vehicle. ESP also includes further safety and comfort features such as Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC is integrated into the ESP.

The steering is direct and responsive and Electric Power Steering (EPS) is available as an option on the smart city-coupe. The level of assistance is speed-sensitive and also dependent on the force applied to the steering wheel by the driver. The servo effect decreases noticeably at higher speeds. ESP ensures that the car always follows the direction in which the driver steers, the result is excellent grip and road holding ability however, it will understeer if pushed hard although under normal driving conditions this would be unnoticeable.

Due to its short wheel base the smart tends to pitch on the open road and on uneven road surfaces. It can be uncomfortable to begin with and is particularly noticeable under heavy breaking & acceleration. However, you soon forgive the smart and learn to live with it due its overall fun factor.

Smart Reviews

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