The new smart is the first vehicle from the joint DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi Z-car project, based on the new Japanese Colt subcompact, which will also include the European Colt. The shared components developed by Mitsubishi include the petrol engines built at MDC Power in Kölleda (Thuringia), the rear axle, structural components in the vehicle underbody, the manual transmission and the emission and fuel tank system. Both vehicles will be built at NedCar in Born (Netherlands). Rather than pursuing a simple platform strategy, the approach used was based on the intelligent use of shared components. Features of the smart forfour which stem from Mercedes are the audio and command systems, a multifunctional steering wheel, the rain and light sensor and the locking system (including drive lock). The smart forfour and the new European Colt are the first non-Mercedes-Benz cars to be jointly based on the DaimlerChrysler electrics and electronics platform. This includes the ABS Anti-lock Braking System, Hydraulic Brake Assist and the crawl function of the automated transmission. Both vehicles are fitted with diesel engines from the DaimlerChrysler plant in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. The new family of petrol engines, which was specially created for the Z-car projects, is the result of cooperation between DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi.
Significantly lower and shorter than its Mitsubishi Colt sister car, the design of the new forfour follows the themes set by previous smart models such as the city coupé and roadster. The face of the smart forfour is characterised by the four individual vertically mounted headlamps, positioned at an angle to each other above the air inlet. At the rear, the three-dimensional round taillamps are typical of the smart brand. On the smart forfour they are positioned above one another in the C pillar with a plastic surround. The side indicator lamps are located in the door mirror housing. Three colours are available for the tridion safety cell and these are complemented by bodypanels in eight typical smart colours which can be selected for all equipment variants.
Extremely flexible interiors are becoming standard for new small cars and the forfour is no exception. The multivariable rear bench of the smart forfour can be adjusted over a 150 mm (5.9") range to maximise the space available for either the rear passengers or luggage. Each section of the rear seat back, divided in a 60:40 ratio, can be reclined separately. If desired, comfort levels can be increased by a central armrest which is integrated into the backrest as well as by "sofa cushions" which match the interior trim. The standard rear seat bench is designed for two people but a version for three rear seat passengers is also available at an additional charge. In order to ensure the same level of safety for the fifth passenger on the three-person rear seat bench, it is equipped with a third headrest and an integrated three-point belt. On the other hand, in the event that additional room is needed for a large amount of luggage rather than rear-seat passengers, the folding mechanisms enable you to fold the backrests forwards — either individually or together — into a horizontal position and to fold the entire rear seatback into a vertical position. In the middle position, the luggage compartment holds just under 270 liters. By folding down the rear seatbacks or folding forward the seat system, this can be increased to a volume of up to 620 or 910 liters. The lounge concept, available as an option, is intened to give the new smart a living room feel. The backrests of the two front seats can be folded down so that they are almost level with the rear seats to create a large horizontal seat surface. Lounge pads with a matching trim extend the seat backs of the rear seat bench at the sides and give them a rounded finish at the rear side doors. While the passengers in the smart forfour relax, they can use the foldable and axially rotatable "twinface" multifunctional armrest located between the front seats as either a storage compartment or a cup-holder.
The interior of the smart forfour is rounded off by a characteristic steering wheel with a three-spoke design. The covering varies according to equipment line — plastic for "pulse" or leather for "passion". In addition, a multifunctional steering wheel with two double spokes featuring push buttons is available as an option. These push buttons can be used by the driver to control a variety of functions — radio, CD player, mobile telephone and the audio and command systems — without having to take his or her hands from the wheel. For the interior features of the smart forfour, a total of four upholstery fabrics are available in different colours and patterns, with exquisite leather trim completing the range.
With a choice of powerful engine versions and the exceptionally agile set-up of its active drive chassis, the new smart forfour meets all the expectations of those looking for a great driving experience. Weighing in at less than 1,000 kilograms, the smart forfour offers a power/weight ratio of up to 12.2 kilograms per kilowatt (9 kg per bhp), which is on a par with the low ratio of the smart roadster and roadster-coupé. The steering of the sporty four-seater is very responsive and can take fast bends with minimal lateral inclination. The roll angle of the smart forfour is also at the low level of the smart roadster and roadster-coupé. The wide track width — 1,460 millimetres at the front and 1,445 millimetre in the rear are decisive for this — along with the spring and shock absorber settings. With a total spring travel of 170 millimetres at the front and 180 millimetres at the rear, the smart forfour has ample reserves for coping with bumpy roads, ensuring a comfortable ride for the passengers at all times.
A total of five powerful engine versions are available for the smart forfour: Besides two diesel engines with three cylinders, a capacity of 1.5 liters and either 50 or 70 kW power output, three petrol variants are also available. These have an engine capacity of 1.1 liters, 1.3 liters and 1.5 liters along with a power output of between 55 kW and 80 kW. The 1.1 litre engine is designed for three cylinders and the other two are four-cylinder models. All engine versions comply with the limit values set out in the EU4 exhaust directive, thus entitling owners resident in Germany to tax exemption for two years. Both diesel engine versions are identical from a mechanical perspective, whereby the 50 kW version was derived electronically from the 70 kW variant.
Available on request for all smart forfour models, the sports package ensures an even more dynamic driving experience and a suitably sporty look. Included in this sports package are a lowering kit and 6.5 x 16 wheels. Added to this are blue-tinted windows and a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, all of which combine to lend the smart forfour an additional sporty touch — both inside and outside.
All smart forfour models are equipped with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard and have disk brakes on both the front and rear axle. ESP uses selective brake intervention to stabilise the vehicle. In addition, ESP offers a Hydraulic Brake Assist and a differential lock function. Furthermore, the Anti-lock Braking System ABS including Electronic Brake-force Distribution is integrated in ESP. ESP ensures that the smart forfour always follows the direction in which the driver steers, even at the stability limit of driving dynamics. In addition to closing the throttle valve, ESP also features selective brake intervention acting on individual wheels. This ensures directional stability and road adhesion when accelerating, braking and coasting.
All versions of the smart forfour are equipped with Electric Power Steering, offering advantages over conventional electro-hydraulic systems in terms of weight, required space and fuel consumption. The lanechanger function for the indicators contributes to road traffic safety and convenience. Briefly pressing the steering column control stalk makes the selected direction indicator flash three times.
The smart forfour comes with a conventional five-speed manual transmission as standard. The automated six-speed transmission, softouch plus, is available as an option. In this case, the smart forfour does not require a clutch pedal, as an electric motor opens and closes the clutch. With this automated transmission, the gearshift lever also allows manual gear shifting — it is pushed forwards to change up gears, and backwards to change down. Additional shift paddles integrated in the steering wheel are available as an option: In this way, the driver can keep his or her hands safely on the steering wheel when changing gear. The shift paddles are located on the back of the steering wheel at both sides — the right-hand paddle is used to change up gears and the left-hand one to change down. Another standard feature is the kickdown function, which allows the driver to change down one or two gears spontaneously using the accelerator pedal. As well as this, the automated transmission of the smart forfour features a crawl function. This makes it possible to drive slowly without pressing the accelerator pedal — not unlike an automatic transmission with a torque converter. The gentle acceleration makes hill starts, parking, or rolling in stop-and-go traffic easier. The pulse models come with 175/65 R 14 T tyres, except for the 1.5 litre petrol version which is fitted with 195/50 R 15 tyres. These are mounted on 5.5 x 14 or 5.5 x 15 steel wheels. The passion models are factory-fitted with 6 x 15 light alloy wheels and 195/50 R 15 H tyres. Light alloy wheels of this size are available as an option for pulse models. Light alloy wheels (6.5 x 16), which require 205/45 R 16 H tyres, can be ordered for both lines as an option.
An optional feature available for the smart forfour is a multifunctional double-spoke steering wheel featuring pushbuttons. The multifunctional steering wheel allows the radio, CD player, mobile telephone or navigation functions to be operated without the driver having to take his or her hands from the wheel. The audio, navigation and telecommunications systems includes Audio 5 with AM/FM receiver as well as CD and telephone input for retrofittable hands-free equipment. Besides radio and CD drive, Audio 20 offers a keypad for dialling mobile phone numbers and composing text messages. In addition to the functions already mentioned, Audio 50 includes a navigation system which depicts the route using arrows on a 4.9 inch colour display. An integrated WAP browser enables mobile internet access via the smart portal. The most exclusive variant is the Command System. As well as complex audio, video and telephone functions, this option includes a navigation system with map representation on a coloured display field, not to mention a DVD and CD player. Also available as an option for the smart forfour: Besides the hands-free telephone function, "smart webmove" — smart's own mobile communication system with its integrated smartphone — now offers a new dynamic offboard navigation system along with an MP3 player linked to the smart soundsystem. The smart forfour sound experience is provided by an interior sound system, which consists of either two or four full-range loudspeakers. The individual converters are located in the front doors, or in all four doors depending on the number of loudspeakers. The most exclusive option is a multichannel system with tweeters in the mirror triangles, low-mid-range speakers in the front doors and wide-band loudspeakers in the rear doors plus an active subwoofer with 2x40 watt power output and active filters under the driver's seat.
A sensor system is available as an option for the smart forfour, allowing windscreen wipers and driving lights to be activated automatically (rain and light sensor). As soon as water hits the windscreen, the rain sensor activates the wipers at an appropriate speed which is determined by the level of rainfall. These sensors are located in the area behind the interior mirror. When the front windscreen wipers are activated and reverse gear is engaged, the rear wiper switches to intermittent mode. The light-on function switches on headlamps and taillamps automatically when darkness falls. Two sensors are responsible for switching the driving lights off and on automatically. One of these registers the ambient light at a wide angle, while the other does likewise in a narrow sensor field. The sensors switch the driving lights on when both register darkness concurrently. For example, this ensures that the lights are switched on when the car enters a tunnel, while also making sure that they remain inactive when driving through an avenue.
Once the car is in motion, the central locking system is activated. This system, which is called "drive lock", protects the passengers in the smart forfour from "uninvited guests". As soon as a door is opened from within, the central locking system releases all locks again. If desired, drive lock can be deactivated at the touch of a button, also when the vehicle is in motion. When the ignition is switched off at the end of a trip, the headlamps are automatically switched off as well. Conversely, turning the ignition key activates the (switched on) driving lights; however, in order to protect the vehicle power supply, not during the starting process. A "follow-me-home" function, increasingly common on European cars, lights up the way from the car to the front door of the house, for example. Both driving lights and parking lamps are switched on when the vehicle is locked if the lights were on before the ignition key was removed. After twelve seconds the lights automatically switch off again. When returning to the vehicle a double click on the door unlocking button activates the exterior and interior lighting of the smart forfour, illuminating the surrounding area.
The steel tridion safety cell forms the outer skin of the smart forfour in the area of the side skirts, A pillar and C pillar and roof bars. The tridion safety cell is a three dimensional structure which surrounds the passenger cell and visualises the modular design of the smart forfour. Together with the plastic bodypanels, the tridion safety cell forms a vehicle body with a design which exudes robustness and suitability for everyday use. In this respect, the bodypanels prove their worth in particular in the event of minor parking bumps — as these leave the bodypanels unscathed.
Like all smart models, the smart forfour has a coordinated, modular safety system and constructional provisions for maximum passenger safety. In crash tests the five-door smart has demonstrated qualities which go beyond the legal requirements and fulfil the high DaimlerChrysler standards. The tridion safety cell, a typical feature of the smart brand, has been modified for the smart forfour. High stability for the passenger cell was achieved by the use of parallel side members running under the whole vehicle floor from the front to the rear. Together with the solid sill sections, these ensure the necessary high degree of rigidity which has an extremely positive effect both when driving on rough roads and in the event of an accident. In addition to the full-size airbags which come as standard for driver and passenger, side airbags are fitted in the backrests of the front seats in all models. Additional window bags can be fitted as an option. The decoupling of the brake pedal when high pressure is applied to the footwell structure also greatly reduces the risk of injury in this area. Soft and large contact areas in the interior, for example in the side doors or the cockpit also ensure maximum occupant safety. All seats in the smart forfour have a three-point seat-belt system and headrests. Pyrotechnic belt tensioners and mechanical belt-force limiters are provided for the driver and front passenger. The seat-belt for the rear centre passenger uses a special system: Its inertia-reel mechanism is anchored to the backrest for optimal belt geometry. The doors made of extruded aluminium sections and aluminium sheets with plastic panelling are also a typical smart construction. Sturdy alloy side members together with solid locks and hinges ensure high resistance against intrusions, especially in the event of side crashes, and a secure connection of the door and the passenger cell.
Special seat and restraint systems are available for young passengers to suit each age group. They have proved their suitability in crash tests carried out by smart. A baby seat is available for babies and small children up to 9 months of age. This can be fastened to the seat with the three-point seat belt. If the baby seat is installed on the passenger seat, the appurtenant front airbag can be deactivated with the car key. The seat for children aged between nine months and four years can be attached with both the car's own three-point belt and also with the Isofix child seat fastener. The Isofix attachment points are located in the outer places on the rear seat bench. There are cutouts in the seat fabric and upholstery which enable the child seat with its Isofix fasteners to be securely and quickly attached to the car. The seat booster for children between the ages of four and 12 years also uses the three-point belt system integrated in the car. The height-adjustable backrest with belt guide ensures that the seat fits the child's body.
Technical data Dimensions Wheelbase 2500 mm / 98.4" Track front 1460 mm / 57.5" Track rear 1445 mm / 56.9" Length 3752 mm / 147.7" Width 1684 mm / 66.3" Height 1450 mm / 57.1" Luggage compartment capacity 268 L / 9.5 cu-ft Engines Power Type Cylinders Capacity 1.1 (55 kW) Petrol 3 / in line 1124 cc 1.3 (70 kW) Petrol 4 / in line 1.5 (80 kW) Petrol 4 / in line 1.5 cdi (50 kW) Diesel 3 / in line 1.5 cdi (70 kW) Diesel 3 / in line