The smart fortwo comes standard with many active safety features that will introduce you to a whole new set of acronyms and keep you safer in the process.

esp® -- One of the standard features on your smart fortwo is something called Electronic Stability Program or esp®. When the esp® sensors indicate a skid or swerving of your car, they automatically control the engine throttle and the Anti-Lock brakes to maintain your present course. Also integral to the esp® safety system is Electronic Brake-Force Distribution Control (EBD), which helps to prevent the rear wheels from over-braking.

ABS - Another feature of esp® is the Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS). With ABS, you can hit your brakes hard knowing the ABS circuitry will apply and release each brake independently to keep you from skidding regardless of the type of road surface each wheel is on.

CBC - When you enter a corner and apply your brakes, the unequal forces at each wheel can result in a skid or a complete "end-around". With Cornering Brake Control (CBC) the inner wheels require less brake force due to less traction. CBC counteracts a potential tendency to swerve by distributing brake forces selectively - even below the threshold of ABS activity.

BAS - Avoiding accidents is often measured in inches. Electronic Brake Assist can sense when you have stepped on the brake quickly but have not applied it hard enough to activate the ABS system. It can be the difference in reaction time you need to avoid an accident.

ASC and ETC - Acceleration Skid Control (ASC) and Engine Torque Control (ETC) are designed to help the smart fortwo move forward on slippery surfaces. ASC acts much like a differential lock but does it by directing power to the wheel offering optimum traction. ETC provides engine control when driving on slippery surfaces. It "feathers" the throttle on low traction acceleration and limits torque in down shifting applications.

HSA - The 5-speed automated manual transmission of the smart fortwo is equipped with Hill Start Assist (HSA) which allows you to pull away on a hill without having to apply the handbrake. As you lift your foot from the brake pedal while sitting stopped on a hill, HSA holds the brakes on for about a second to give you time to move your foot to the accelerator. So don't worry about driving your smart fortwo in San Francisco.