Smart #2: A Survival Cell Like No Other?

With its Tridion Evo cell, the future Smart #2 aims to reassure on a topic that has long accompanied the Fortwo: the protection offered by such a small car.

Can one feel safe in less than three meters of bodywork? For Smart, this question is almost as old as the brand itself. The Fortwo has regularly raised concerns about its ability to protect its occupants against larger vehicles. Concerns that some tests have fueled.

In 2009, the American organization IIHS pitted a Fortwo against a Mercedes Class C in a offset frontal crash, with each vehicle traveling at about 64 km/h. The result: a poor evaluation for the city car, with a collapse of the survival space around the driver and significant risks of injury. A harsh assessment, despite its good results in standard tests against a deformable barrier. Thus, the robustness of the cell was not enough to offset the disadvantage of size.

Getting Better and Better

It would, however, be unfair to summarize the previous Fortwos based on this episode: the one evaluated by Euro NCAP in 2014 had received four stars. Their safety deserved more nuances than their silhouette might suggest.

With the #2 electric, Smart intends to take a step forward. According to the manufacturer, its Tridion Evo cell uses more than 78% high-strength steel. The roof could support more than four tons, while seven airbags, belts enhancing pelvic support, and a multi-layer battery protection complete the system.

The global presentation is scheduled for October 12 in Paris. An essential step remains: confronting these promises with independent crash tests. For announcing a reinforced structure does not, by itself, demonstrate superior protection in real-world situations.

You might be interestedin this article:

Voiture autonome

• 29/09/2026 7:14

Tesla faces a new setback!