Below are just some of the things the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration test for.

Front impact

The passenger cell remained stable during the impact. Structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger.

Side impact

The dummy's head contacted the rubber window trim on the cant rail, leading to a high deceleration. However, the data recorded by the dummy suggested an adequate level of head protection. A side impact airbag to protect the chest and the head is available as an option but was not fitted to the test vehicle.

Child-protection

There are no rear seats in the smart fortwo so child protection was not rated. An option package is available from smart which includes ISOFIX anchorages for the passenger seat and a switch to disable the passenger's side frontal airbag. The label warning of the dangers of fitting a rearward facing child restraint without first disabling the airbag was inadequate.

Pedestrian protection

The bumper scored maximum points for the protection it offered to pedestrians' legs. However, the front edge of the bonnet scored no points and those areas which might be struck by pedestrians' heads were rated as predominantly poor.