Smart Forfour (2014 – 2019) Review

July 2014

Smart Forfour unveiled

Two state-of-the-art three-cylinder engines will be available for the new smart at the market launch: the naturally aspirated engine generates 71PS from a capacity of 999cc. The engine's ample torque from an engine speed as low as 1000 rpm (maximum: 91Nm at 2850rpm) enables particularly economical driving in high gears, even in urban traffic. This engine is also sude in the 2015 Renault Twingo.

In exchange, top of the range engine for the Smart Forfour is the Renault turbo engine from the Twingo, rated at 90PS. This 898cc engine mobilises maximum torque of 135Nm at 2500rpm. The totally new turbocharger features an electronically controlled wastegate which enables increased engine dynamics in conjunction with a sustainable reduction in fuel consumption. Another distinguishing feature is the automatic start/stop system.

Apart from the turbocharger, a whole range of other technical measures also contributes to the engine's excellent fuel efficiency and performance. These include variable swirl control and variable adjustment of the inlet valves. Another defining trait of the all-aluminium three-cylinder engine is the square bore/stroke ratio. A few months after the market launch, a basic petrol engine rated at60PS will extend the range.

Both transmission variants are also new for smart: customers can choose between a five-speed manual transmission and the twinamic six-speed dual clutch transmission.

Three equipment lines (passion, prime and proxy) and a wealth of optional items, some of which were previously the reserve of higher segments, make every smart fortwo or smart forfour a unique gem in its own right. Even in the entry-level version, both models offer a comprehensive scope of safety and comfort features. These include LED daytime driving lights, central locking with radio remote control, visual locking-verification signal and immobiliser, cruise control with limiter (variable speed limitation), exterior temperature indicator with frost warning, instrument cluster with monochrome LCD display and trip computer and electric windows in the front.

New, rich exterior colours and around 40 combination options between bodypanels and tridion cell boost the brand's upbeat image. New colours now available include moon white (matt), lava orange (metallic) and hazel brown (metallic), which can be applied to contrast with new colours for the tridion cell such as cool silver (metallic) or lava orange (metallic).

The dashboard and the door centre panels feature extensive fabric coverings in the three lines. This high-quality textile surface is very pleasant to the touch and is reminiscent of the mesh inserts in modern sports shoes. The mesh structure is a USP in this vehicle segment.

The new smart forfour naturally offers even more loading capacity. The rear seat backrests can be folded down to produce a level load surface measuring 1285 x 996 mm with a cargo volume of up to 975 litres – the benchmark in its segment. The loading length with the front passenger seat backrest folded forward is also exceptional, at 2.22 metres.

The new smart models also feature a sophisticated De-Dion rear axle, which has been modified for substantially greater comfort. New elements are the twin-tube shock absorbers and separate barrel-shaped helical springs. Two elastomer shims provide for effective noise decoupling of the helical springs between body and rear axle.

The Sports suspension package is optionally available to those seeking sportier handling from their smart. The springs are firmer here and the vehicle is ten millimetres lower.

As standard, the new smart models come with mechanical rack-and-pinion steering. The Direct-Steer system with variable ratio and electric power assistance provides for considerably enhanced driving enjoyment, even better handling and increased efficiency.

Advanced assistance systems which were previously the reserve of higher classes of vehicle further enhance safety and comfort. These include Crosswind Assist (standard), forward collision warning (option) and Lane Keeping Assist (option).

The smart models come with driver airbag, driver kneebag and front passenger airbag as standard. The kneebag has a positive influence on occupant kinematics in a frontal collision, thus offering the driver additional protection in many frontal collision scenarios. The principle of the telescoping steering column has been adopted 1:1 from the Mercedes-Benz range.

January 2016

Smart Forfour edition white and edition black launched

Based on the Prime trim line (which includes features such as heated leather seats), the special edition models add the Urban Style and the Premium packages as standard.

These include three-spoke sports steering wheel with perforated leather, brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs, 16-inch Y-spoke-alloy wheels in black, exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe, comfort package, rear parking assistance and smart media system including European satellite navigation. Forfour models also come with privacy glass in the rear. The forfour offers £1660 worth of features (adding rear privacy glass), giving customers over £760 worth of extra value.

September 2016

Smart Forfour Brabus launched

Prices for the new Smart Forfour Brabus range start at £16,815.

The Brabus range uses the existing turbo-charged 898cc engine, with an increased power output of 109PS up from 90PS. In keeping with its sportier engine and exterior, it also comes with Brabus Performance sports suspension with specially adapted ESP, sports power steering, and a twinamic dual-clutch transmission with race start function.

Based on the existing passion model, the Brabus models add significant styling updates including Brabus badging, a sports steering wheel, Brabus seats with dinamica inserts, handbrake and gear shift with Brabus logo, Brabus sports pedals plus 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.

For £845 Brabus customers can add the Premium package which includes height adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel; heated and electrically operated door mirrors; rear parking sensors; and smart media system. The night sky option also adds a fabric folding sunroof for an additional £625 on smart forfour models only.

For an additional £3170 customers can opt for the Brabus Xclusive model, which adds leather sports seats, a bi-fabric dashboard (leather and mesh), Brabus floor mat and Xclusive badging. Brabus Xclusive models come standard with the Premium Plus package (£1,345 on BRABUS models) which includes ambient lighting, rear view camera, automatic window wipers and lights, fog lamps with cornering function and a centre armrest.

July 2017

Forfour Disturbing London edition launch

Prices start from £16,390. Based on the Brabus sport model line, the special edition features black paint with rose gold exterior and interior detailing. It comes with a 90PS turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard.