1999 Smart Fortwo

The smart features a semi-automatic transmission without a clutch pedal. Input from floor-mounted shifter or optional steering wheel-mounted paddles controls a servo-operated clutch and sequential automated gearbox. The vehicle may be driven in automatic mode, though the shift points are not as smooth as in a traditional automatic transmission. In paddle shifter mode, the operator controls the shift points but cannot feather or adjust the speed of the clutch. Thus some skill, and a slight lifting of the accelerator pedal, is required to achieve a smooth shift.

Other semi-automatic transmissions have included the Volkswagen Automatic Stickshift, and Honda Hondamatic.

The smart car allows back-in parking in otherwise parallel parking zones; its length of 250cm (98.4in) equals the width of a truck or a regular parking slot, allowing two or three Smarts to park in a standard space reserved for a single car. However, this type of parking has been banned in Munich, Germany, amongst other places. Such parking in parallel-designated spaces is illegal in most U.S.A jurisdictions.[citation needed] Current model is 269 cm (106.1 Inches).