The Smart ForTwo is unmistakable, being just 2.7 metres long by 1.55 metres tall. Extending the wheelbase to give the ForFour four doors and a second row of seats creates a more conventional-looking hatchback, but still with that familiar Smart ‘face’. A design update in 2020 included a smoother bonnet, larger grille and new lights, along with different wheel designs. The interior features a new centre console, including new cupholders and a place for smartphones, and the quality of the materials is excellent. Boot space is 185 litres, but you can flip the rear seat bases up to create a little more storage or even fold both seats down entirely for larger items.
PERFORMANCE
All the Smart EQ models are powered by the same 82hp/60kW electric motor and 17.6kWh battery. Maximum range is between 71.4 and 80.7 miles which is fine for city use or local journeys (more range would require a larger battery and a bigger body to house it) and the battery itself is guaranteed for 8 years or 62,500 miles. 0-62mph takes 12.7 seconds and the instant response off the line makes the Smart EQ ForFour feel eager and snappy in urban streets. A 22kW fast charger will boost the battery charge from 10% up to 80% in less than 40 minutes, while a home charger will do the same in around 3 hours and 18 minutes.
TECHNOLOGY
The Smart EQ ForFour is available in four trim levels; Passion Advanced, Pulse Premium, Prime Exclusive and the flagship Edition One. All feature a 3.5” TFT colour display for instrumentation and the Smart Media-System including navigation, high resolution 7-inch multitouch display, Charge Spot Finder, Bluetooth® Android Auto, Mirror Link®3 and DAB digital radio. The Smart EQ control app connects your smartphone to the Smart and allows you to pre-warm or cool the interior remotely, check on the state of charge or look for the nearest charging station. The Pulse Premium trim level adds a rear view camera and Prime Exclusive has all this plus full LED headlights, pre-installation for an iPad and heated front seats.
SAFETY
The ForFour’s standard safety systems include ABS anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, Active Brake Assist, Crosswind Assist and Hill Start Assist as well as the ESP Electronic Stability Program. The battery is set in a robust underbody frame and the Tridon safety cell that surrounds the occupants is made of 75% high-strength steels.
