Smart ForFour 2004 Review: Snapshot
What's even more surprising is the price, because with a starting price of $23,900, the ForFour is steps away from the mainstream models.
We stop calling the fancy four-seater "regular" because the ForFour is anything but ordinary - but you know what we're getting at here?
The philosophy is simple - if you have to drive an econobox, it doesn't have to be boring - not when you can buy a Smart for about the same price.
For example, the car is available in 30 different color combinations.
Readers are no doubt familiar with the fun little Smart ForTwo that's been around for 12 months now.
Designed for the narrow, congested streets of European cities, the tiny two-seater works well in its element, but doesn't lend itself particularly well to the Australian environment - not when you can buy a cheaper Japanese hatchback that isn't much bigger. and places four.
On the other hand, ForFour is a different story, as we discovered this week.
Before we continue, we should explain that Smart is part of the DaimlerChrysler#comcorrect empire, which also owns Mercedes-Benz.
The company used to be a bit reticent in advertising its connection to Benz, but this time it happily beat it.
We also need to explain that DaimlerChrysler owns Mitsubishi and that the Smart ForFour and the recently released Mitsubishi Colt share many components.
Mitsubishi was responsible for the car's underbody, exhaust system and fuel tank, while Smart took care of the electrics, front axle, collision avoidance system and lighting system.
The two cars are built on different chassis, but share about 40 percent of the components, including the 1.5-liter engine, but with many differences.
Two versions of the ForFour are available - a 1.3-litre and a 1.5-litre - sporting the performance of the European Pulse but with some extra features.
We're still not sure if two models are really necessary given the Aussie penchant for bigger, more powerful engines, but both models have a lot to offer.
While the 1.5-liter Colt engine delivers 72 kW and 132 Nm of torque, the 1.5-liter ForFour engine develops 80 kW and 145 Nm.
Meanwhile, the 1.3-liter ForFour engine is good for 70kW and 125Nm.
The transmission is either a five-speed manual or a six-speed soft automatic.
We were able to test both models at the launch in Australia this week and can report that the ForFour is an exciting and exciting addition to the lineup.
The look and feel is sporty, with torquey engines that love revs, a good power-to-weight ratio, and tires that grip.
Suspension travel is limited and the car bounces around a bit on bumpy roads, bottoming out at times.
Rear interior legroom is good, but at the expense of luggage space.
However, the rear seat can be moved back or forward 150mm for more space, and can also be tilted and folded down to carry larger items.
At under 1000kg, the ForFour is also a sip, with both engines returning around 6.0L/100km or better when using premium unleaded petrol.
It will run on standard unleaded petrol but with a power reduction.
Standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD player, power windows for driver and front passenger, 3-spoke steering wheel with electric power steering, central locking with remote control including drive lock, immobilizer and anti-theft system, electronic stabilization system. (ESP) with hydraulic brake booster, anti-lock braking system (ABS) including electronic brake force distribution (EBD), disc brakes front and rear, Tridion safety cell and side airbags at the front.
Smart ForFour is available from select Mercedes-Benz dealers.
