Smart roadster and smart roadster coupe. Manual - part 9

On the move 7
11

Driving

Automated shifting (softouch)*

쮿

In the gearshift plane, press the 
softouch button (A).
> The car will perform automated 

gearshifts.

> An 

A appears in the gear indicator.

To return to softip:

쮿

Press the gearshift lever or the shift 
paddles* on the steering wheel towards 
+ or 
, or press the softouch button.

>Note!
When you start the car, manual shifting 
(softip) is selected. 
Exception: Brabus vehicles and vehicles 
with 60 kW.

Kick
down function
Vehicles with softouch* or vehicles with 
cruise control*:
Use the kick
down function when you want 
maximum acceleration.

쮿

Depress the accelerator past the 
pressure point.
> The transmission downshifts.

쮿

Take your foot slightly off the 
accelerator once you have reached the 
desired speed.

If you press the accelerator beyond the 
kick
down point to make a sports start, 
the clutch is not engaged until the engine 
has reached a higher speed.

7
12   On the move  

Driving

Parking

쮿

Park the car.

쮿

Apply the footbrake.

쮿

Shift the gearshift lever to position

R.

쮿

Wait until the display shows

R.

쮿

Switch off the engine.

쮿

Apply the handbrake.

쮿

Remove the ignition key.

>Important!
In order to ensure that the turbocharger 
can quickly cool down after a full
load 
journey, the last few kilometres should be 
driven at a slow pace or the engine should 
run in neutral for a short period prior to 
switching off the engine.

>Note!
The reverse gear 

R is not a runaway 

protection device (parking lock), and if 
the car is parked on a hill with a steep 
incline it may still roll away.
The car is only ever 100 % safe when the 
handbrake has been applied.

Accident risk!
When you stop the car on a hill or 

park it, it must be secured additionally 
by means of the handbrake.
The vehicle could otherwise set itself 
in motion
 even with the gearshift 
lever in position

R. This could result 

in an accident and cause serious or 
even fatal injuries.

Danger of injury!
Do not leave children 

unsupervised in the car. They could 
e.g. release the handbrake This could 
result in an accident and cause serious 
or even fatal injuries!

Accident risk!
Do not park the car with the 

engine running and a gear engaged. 
This could allow the car to set itself in 
motion and cause an accident.

On the move 7
13

Driving in winter

Driving in winter

At the beginning of winter, have your 
vehicle winterised by a qualified 
specialist workshop such as a smart 
center.

A qualified specialist workshop such as a 
smart center will check

 the condition of your winter tyres,

 the condition of the engine oil,

 the concentration of anti
corrosion 

agent and antifreeze in the coolant,

 the mixture ratio in the washer system,

 the state of charge of your battery.
Electronic systems (such as esp) are not 
able to overcome the laws of physics.
Adapt your driving style and speed to the 
winter road conditions and exercise 
caution when accelerating and braking.

Please pay particular attention to the 
following notes concerning winter 
driving:

 Use only wheels and tyres approved by 

smart gmbh.

 Change over to winter tyres at an early 

date, preferably in the autumn.

 Drive at low engine speeds.

 Avoid extreme load reversals.

 Upshift in good time (low
speed 

driving) and take your foot off the 
accelerator pedal when shifting gears.

 Avoid sudden, jerky movements of the 

steering wheel.

 Brake your car in good time before 

entering a bend.

Accident risk!
Failure to observe the notes on 

gear shifting and driving in winter 
conditions may result in diminished 
operating stability, e.g. the rear end 
could break away. lead you to cause an 
accident.

Accident risk!
On bends, even electronic 

systems are only capable of providing a 
limited degree of stabilisation. 
Always adapt your driving style to the 
weather, road and traffic conditions. 
You should therefore reduce your speed 
before entering a bend. You could 
otherwise cause an accident.

Accident risk!
Electronic control systems such 

as esp are only able to stabilise the 
vehicle subject to the laws of physics. 
Always adapt your speed to the weather, 
road and traffic conditions.

7
14   On the move  

Driving with a catalytic converter

Driving with a catalytic converter

Things you need to know

 The catalytic converter reduces 

exhaust emissions.

 The catalytic converter is located at the 

rear of the car.

 Fill up with lead
free petrol only. Even 

small quantities of leaded petrol can 
damage the catalytic converter.

Please pay particular attention to the 
following items, as there is otherwise a 
danger of overheating and the catalytic 
converter may be damaged.

 Make sure you adhere to the prescribed 

service intervals.

 Never run the fuel tank empty.

 Protective measures are built into the 

engine control unit that are activated, 
should the engine experience problems. 
Please drive slowly to the next qualified 
specialist workshop, e.g. a smart 
center.

 If the engine fails to start the first time, 

you should not try to start it any more 
than three times in succession.

 Do not run the starter motor for periods 

of more than 4 seconds at a time.

Danger of injury and danger of 

burns!

The catalytic converter can get 

extremely hot. Coming into contact 
with it could result in burns. For this 
reason

 never remove its protective guard.

 do  not  apply  underseal.

 when parking the car make sure that 

the catalytic converter cannot come 
into contact with any flammable 
material (e.g. hay or grass). It could 
otherwise ignite and cause fire 
damage or injury.

On the move 7
15

Driving notes

Driving notes

The following tricks will help you to save a 
substantial amount of fuel with your car.
Not only will you reduce your operating 
costs; you also will be helping to protect 
the environment.

1. Take five
The following holds true for traffic lights, 
rail barriers and when sitting in tailbacks: 
always switch the engine off, as you only 
need to be stopped for 10 seconds to save 
money.

>Important!
Make sure when you are about to drive off 
again that

 the gearshift lever is in position 

N.

 the footbrake is applied.

 the gear indicator is displaying an 

N.

2. Full speed ahead
Driving off expends considerably more 
energy than driving at a constant speed. 
So when starting off, drive for no more 
than two vehicle lengths (approx. 5 m) in 
1st gear and accelerate briskly with the 
throttle at least three quarters of the way 
down.

3. Please shift
Shift gears in good time when the gear 
indicator in the display advises you to do 
so.

4. Keep on running, look ahead
Frequent braking followed by 
accelerating will cause your car to use up 
distinctly more fuel than otherwise. For 
this reason you should keep your distance 
from the vehicle in front and ease off the 
accelerator in good time whenever 
possible.

5. Letting go
It is always better to let the vehicle roll 
with the transmission in gear and to apply 
no gas than to roll in neutral. This way, 
fuel consumption is zero (deceleration 
fuel shutoff). 

6. Under pressure
Correct tyre pressures help save fuel, 
increase tyre service life and improve 
braking safety. Tyre inflation pressures 
are given on the inside of the fuel tank flap 
for various load and climate conditions.

7. Shedding ballast
A loaded
up rear luggage rack will 
increase air resistance and in turn the 
fuel consumption of your car. Take off the 
load if it is not necessary.

7
16   On the move  

Driving notes

8. Travelling light
Unnecessary articles stored in the 
luggage compartment will also increase 
fuel consumption. We would therefore 
advise you to check the luggage 
compartment from time to time and 
remove any unnecessary articles.

9. The perfect setting
Have your car checked regularly by a 
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. in a 
smart center. Do not exceed the 
scheduled service intervals.

Environment!

 You will save energy and help to 

protect the environment if you refrain 
from warming up the engine before 
driving off and switch the engine off 
when stationary due to a traffic

induced delay.

On the move 7
17

Cruise control*

Cruise control*

From a speed of 30 km/h, the cruise 
control allows you to specify a speed that 
you would like to maintain, e.g. in order to 
comply with speed limits. The cruise 
control then automatically maintains this 
speed. The cruise control is activated 
using the right control lever. 

>Important!
Pressing the button on the control lever 
once or pushing the brake pedal will 
immediately deactivate the cruise control 
function and activate the limiter function.

Labels on the control lever

 SET:  for  setting

 CONT:  for  continuing

 CANCEL MODE: clears operating mode

Accident risk!
Only establish the memorised 

speed if it is safe to do so.
Otherwise sudden acceleration or 
braking could endanger both yourself 
and others.

Accident risk!
The cruise control is intended 

solely as an aid to easier driving. It 
always remains your responsibility to 
drive at an appropriate speed and 
apply the brakes in good time. The 
cruise control is unable to take account 
of the road and traffic conditions. 
Switch off the cruise control e.g. on icy 
roads or in fog.

7
18   On the move  

Cruise control*

To activate the cruise control

쮿

Bring your car up to the desired speed.

쮿

Turn the ring switch towards 

.

> The desired driving speed is 

automatically held and stored.

Altering speed selected via the cruise 
control
The set driving speed can be changed with 
the ring switch. Decelerating using the 
ring switch will bring the speed down only 
to 30 km/h. 

쮿

Turn the ring switch towards 

.

> The speed is increased.

쮿

Turn the ring switch towards 

.

> The speed is reduced.

>Note!
The driving speed set using the ring 
switch also can be stored by turning 
towards .

On the move 7
19

Cruise control*

Deactivating the cruise control
The cruise control is switched off:

 when  braking.

 when the esp system is in operation.

 when the control lever is pressed one 

time.

The driving speed last set with the cruise 
control is stored.

>Note!
The speed last memorised is erased when 
you turn off the engine.

Resuming the stored driving speed
If you would like to resume the stored 
driving speed:

쮿

Turn the ring switch at the end of the 
control lever towards 

.

> The car is automatically accelerated 

or braked to the speed last 
memorised.

7
20   On the move  

Speed limiter*

Speed limiter* 

The speed limiter enables you to specify 
any permissible speed from 30 km/h as 
your speed limit, but to vary the speed up 
to this limit by accelerating and braking.
The speed limiter function can only be set 
if the engine is running.
The speed limiter is activated using the 
right control lever.

>Important!
Pressing the button on the control lever 
once will immediately deactivate the 
limiter function and activate the cruise 
control function.

Switching on the speed limiter

쮿

Press the control lever for approx. 
2 seconds.
> The speed limiter is now switched on.
> "LIM" and a speed value appear in the 

display.

Using for the first time
Three horizontal dashes which flash in 
conjunction with "LIM" appear in the 
display during initial use and when used 
for the first time after the battery has 
been reconnected.

쮿

Turn the ring switch towards 

.

> The speed limiter function is 

switched on.

> The display shows a speed that can be 

changed with the ring switch.

On the move 7
21

Speed limiter*

Setting the speed limit

쮿

Turn the ring switch towards 

 or 

 

to set the speed limit.
> The speed changes in increments of 

5 km/h.

Driving with a speed limiter
You can accelerate your vehicle up to the 
set speed limit.
The engine is governed as soon as it 
reaches the upper limit.

Exceeding the specified limit speed
The specified speed limit may be 
exceeded if

 the car is accelerated while travelling 

downhill,

 you reduce the set speed limit using the 

ring switch, when your actual speed is 
higher than the new speed.

If the specified speed limit is exceeded by 
at least 10 km/h,

 a warning signal sounds,

 the speed limiter display starts to flash.
These warning signals cease once the set 
speed limit has been reached.

 

Temporarily switching off the speed 
limiter
In certain situations it may be necessary 
to temporarily switch off the speed 
limiter.

쮿

Press the control lever once.
> The speed limiter function is 

switched off. 

> Only "LIM" appears in the display.

7
22   On the move  

Speed limiter*

Reactivating the speed limit
You can reactivate the speed limit at any 
driving speed.

쮿

Turn the ring switch towards 

.

> The speed limit last stored re

appears in the display.

>Note!
The last speed selected for the speed 
limiter is stored when you switch off the 
engine. It can be called up directly the 
next time the engine is started.

>Note!
If you activate the kick
down function with 
the accelerator, the speed limiter 
function is switched off for safety 
reasons. You can exceed the specified 
limit if the situation requires.

Switching off the speed limiter

쮿

Press the control lever for 2 seconds.
> The speed limiter is now switched off.
> The cruise control is switched on.

On the move 7
23

Brakes

Brakes

Handbrake
The handbrake serves to secure the car 
against rolling away when it is stationary 
or parked.

Operating the handbrake

쮿

Pull the lever upwards.
> The lever engages automatically when 

pulled up.

Releasing the handbrake

쮿

Lift the lever up slightly.

쮿

Push lock knob (A).

쮿

Push the lever down.

Footbrake
The footbrake has two brake circuits that 
are independent of each other. A brake 
servo is used when braking to increase 
pedal force.

Accident risk!
When you stop the car on a hill or 

park it, it must be secured additionally 
by means of the handbrake.
The vehicle could otherwise set itself 
in motion
 even with the gearshift 
lever in position

R 
 and cause an 

accident.

Danger of injury!
Do not leave children 

unsupervised in the car. They could 
e.g. release the handbrake This could 
result in an accident and cause serious 
or even fatal injuries!

7
24   On the move  

Brakes

If a brake circuit fails (see "Brake system 
faults" 7
26),

 you must press the brake pedal further 

down to achieve the same effect,

 the braking distance is longer.

쮿

Immediately park your car away from 
moving traffic.

쮿

Secure your car against rolling away if 
you have to leave it.

쮿

Do not drive any further.

쮿

Call a breakdown recovery service 
such as smartmove Assistance or a 
qualified specialist workshop such as a 
smart center.

>Note!
The brake servo will function only with the 
engine switched on.

Danger of injury!
Never restrict the free movement 

of the pedals in any way. Never place 
any loose objects in the driver's 
footwell. Ensure that there is 
sufficient clearance from floor mats or 
carpets.
Do not leave children unsupervised in 
the car. They could remove a gear that 
has been engaged, or release the 
handbrake.
This could allow the car to set itself in 
motion and cause an accident.

Accident risk!
Considerably more effort will be 

required to apply the brakes if

 the brake servo has failed,

 a brake circuit has failed,

 the engine is switched off, e.g. for 

towing away.

The braking distance is likewise 
greater.
Make sure that the engine is running 
whenever the vehicle is rolling. Have 
the brake system repaired by a 
qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a 
smart center, if there is a fault in the 
brake system.

Accident risk!
In the event of the car needing to 

be towed, a significantly greater 
amount of pedal pressure will be 
required when the engine is switched 
off.

On the move 7
25

Brakes

The mechanical
acoustic brake pad 
display
The car is equipped with a mechanical

acoustic brake pad display. If you can 
hear a continuous noise from the front 
axle when braking, you should take the car 
to a qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a 
smart center.

Hydraulic brake assistant
The hydraulic brake assistant is activated 
in emergency braking situations.
When you quickly depress the brake pedal, 
the hydraulic brake assistant 
automatically amplifies the brake force, 
thereby decreasing the braking distance.

쮿

Depress and hold the brake pedal until 
the emergency braking situation has 
passed.
> abs will prevent the wheels from 

locking up.

> When you release the brake pedal, the 

brakes will function as they normally 
would. 

> The hydraulic brake assistant is then 

deactivated.

Anti
lock braking system (abs)

The anti
lock braking system prevents the 
wheels from locking up when braking.
Steering control is retained and you can 
therefore take evasive action to avoid 
obstacles.

>Important!

 The abs system has intervened when the 

brake pedal starts to pulsate.

 abs is only effective during emergency 

braking manoeuvres and when at least 
one wheel is locked up.

Braking using abs
In emergency situations:

쮿

Quickly depress the brake pedal as 
hard as you can.

쮿

Steer around the obstacle.
> The vehicle remains under control.

>Note!
Continue to apply the brakes even when 
the pedal starts to pulsate. This way you 
will achieve maximum deceleration.

Accident risk!
The risk of accidents increases 

 if you drive too fast, particularly 

into corners,

 on wet and slippery surfaces,

 if you drive too close to the vehicle 

in front.

abs and esp can reduce this risk but not 
exclude it entirely. Always adapt your 
driving style to the prevailing road, 
traffic and weather conditions.

7
26   On the move  

Brakes

Brake system faults
A brake system fault has occurred if the 
brake system indicator light

 does not go out after releasing the 

handbrake.

 comes on when the car is in motion.

 comes on at the same time as the abs 

indicator light.

In all three cases

쮿

Immediately park your car away from 
moving traffic.

쮿

Secure your car against rolling away if 
you have to leave it.

쮿

Do not drive any further.

쮿

Call a breakdown recovery service 
such as smartmove Assistance or a 
qualified specialist workshop such as a 
smart center.

Faults in the abs system
An abs malfunction has occurred if the abs 
indicator light

 does not go out again when the engine 

has started or within 10 seconds of 
having started (case 1).

 comes on when the car is in motion (abs 

emergency) (case 2).

 comes on together with the brake 

indicator light (abs malfunction) (case 
3).

In cases 1 and 2

쮿

Take the car to a qualified specialist 
workshop, e.g. a smart center, without 
delay.

In case 3

쮿

Immediately park your car away from 
moving traffic.

쮿

Secure your car against rolling away if 
you have to leave it.

쮿

Do not drive any further.

쮿

Call a breakdown recovery service 
such as smartmove Assistance or a 
qualified specialist workshop such as a 
smart center.