smart roadster Review
Published: 31st January 2004
smart roadster
Safety and Security
The following safety & security equipment is standard on the smart roadster:
TRIDION safety cell, Roll-over bar integrated into TRIDION safety cell, Impact absorbing elements, front and rear, Crash sensor (auto switch-on of hazard warning lights/interior lighting), Safety steering column, Full-size driver and passenger airbag, Safety seats with integral seat belts, Seat belts with belt tensioners and belt-force limiter, Drive Lock auto activation of the central locking when driving, Indicators with lanechanger function, Hazard triangle, Remote central locking and immobiliser, ESP (electronic stability programme) includes HSA (hill start assist), ABS (anti-lock braking system) including EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), HBA (hydraulic brake assist), ASR (acceleration skid control), CBC (cornering brake control) and Dual-circuit brake system with servo assistance.
Comfort and Refinement
The roadster's cabin is compact and unless age is catching up on me you need to be relatively flexible to get in and out of it. But once you are in you won't be disappointed leg room is good for a car of this size although elbow room is limited and to put the handbrake on you must be on good terms with your passenger - the word snug comes to mind. The sports seats which incorporate two stage heating hold you reassuringly in place even when cornering at speed and won't give you back ache. The optional leather sports steering wheel and leather gearshift knob were very tactile.
If open-top motoring becomes too much in the sunshine (or more likely rain) just close the roof and switch on the standard air-conditioning (with light and maximum power functions and exterior temperature indictor with frost warning) to cool down (or cover up).
Standard features include a lane-changer function for the indicators, briefly flicking the indicator stalk makes the selected direction indicator flash three times. Remote central locking and an immobiliser are standard, as are electric windows, heated rear window and 12-volt power socket. The rear tailgate can be remotely operated from the key fob allowing access without opening the rest of the car.
