Smart Reviews

Top of the hip hop heap from the day it hit the road, the Jazz has been dethroned as the king of cool by Smart's Forfour.The funk factor starts with the name – Forfour – chosen because Smart's latest model is designed to carry four people.It also works for the Fortwo, which got the brand up and running and has just been approved for two-cars-in-one-space parking in many Australian cities because it is only three metres long.Then again, the sporty Smart is called the Roadster. Whatever.The Forfour's youthful approach is reflected in everything from the car's polycarbonate roof to plastic doors and a fabric-covered dashboard.The design is one of the trendiest on the road today, and turns heads all the time."Wow! What is this?" asks Annette at the tip when she spots the Forfour."This is different. I'm not sure that I like it for me, but it is definitely different," says Todd at the service station.The Forfour is that kind of car.It's for people who want to be seen, who want people to know they are different, and believe the baby Benz brand has something for them.But the Forfour is not what it seems. Not entirely, anyway.It came from a joint development program with the Mitsubishi Colt, which includes everything from the engine to the underbody, and is being bolted together at the Nedcar factory in Holland.But we've driven the Colt, and the Smart is very different. It is more lively, more enjoyable and – no surprise for a Benz brand – more expensive.Make that much more expensive, because the starting price is $23,900 for a Forfour with a 1.3-litre engine. It is possible to go closer to $30,000 for one with a 1.5-litre engine and some additional equipment. This is in a class in which plenty of cars are below $20,000 and even a top-line Jazz VTi-S is $21,790.Still, the price isn't hurting sales and DaimlerChrysler says the Forfour is giving the Smart brand a big shot in showrooms.Sales of Smarts were up 240 per cent last month, from 20 cars in January 2004 to 68 this year.It doesn't sound much, but it shows the brand is getting closer to the critical mass it needs in Australia.It's no good having good cars if no one sees them, but the Forfour is doing the job on both fronts.The Australian Forfour sits closer to the fully equipped model sold in Europe and has everything from airconditioner and CD sound to 15-inch alloys and electric windows.Smart has been surprised by the reaction to the car, particularly the popularity of the costlier 1.5-litre version, and has been forced to mount a special trip to Germany to stock up."Everyone is going for the larger engine," Smart spokesman Toni Andreevski says."We thought people would be more sensitive to the price, so we ordered more 1.3-litre cars, but the reverse is true."He also says the Softouch Plus semi-automatic manual gearbox, which costs $1035, is also more popular than expected.

Smart is the latest to join the fray with its five door, four seater forfour, a "small car" in the true sense.There's a distinctive Smart DNA about its flanks and it has a "funky doo da" interior just like other Smart models sold here – fortwo and roadster.Too much hard plastic though.The funkster formula has lots of appeal and is a welcome change from generically styled stuff that rules the roost.Boring obviously sells but the forfour might have enough "woohoo" value to change some people's thinking.It deserves a look.A progeny of the marriage between Daimler/Chrysler and Mitsubishi, forfour shares its platform, indeed its "philosophy" with the new Mitsubishi Colt. They are different cars with individual body styles and engines but if you drive the two back to back, there is an uncanny similarity between the two.You can also expect a lot of forfour in the new A-Class Benz.Forfour looks fantastic and has a passenger cell featuring that special metal called Tridion. It's light and supposed to be super strong but I wouldn't like to test it. Some body panels are plastic.The 1.3-litre manual was in a superb burnt orange duco with contrast black highlights that looks a million bucks.It is priced up compared with other offerings in the segment selling for $23,990 plus on roads. Only one spec', the high range Pulse, is available in this and the 1.5-litre model.Some necessities were missing from the test vehicle – rear power windows, electrically adjustable mirrors and other stuff you'd expect for the price.On the other side of the coin is ESP (Electronic Stability Program) that selectively brakes each wheel for stability.It delivers strong performance and incredible fuel economy though using premium unleaded. The 1.3 will whizz along sipping less than 6.0-litres/100km.It's a four cylinder petrol model with 70kW/125Nm output.As forfour weighs in at just under 1000kg, it has perky performance and is quite acceptable around town and on the highway though it's raucous at higher revs.The five speed manual transmission is standard fare with a short throw between gears and slick action.A six speed auto is available. Handling has a sportiness to it but can be caught out on bumpy corners. On the straightaway and despite the short wheelbase, it smooths out bumps OK.The interior is impressively spacious even down to a sliding rear seat. It's attractive and functional and the sound system impresses in such a car.Forfour is all about "stylin" but is well built and an honest performer with a weighty price for the market.

Of course, older motorists are not precluded from getting smart. It is just that mature drivers may feel they are giving the impression of trying to recapture their youth by dashing about in one of the brightly-coloured funabouts.The smart car came to market as a two-seater, then a two-door roadster was added.The two-seats concept was an attraction, allowing designers to keep the length down to a couple of strides. But it proved a handicap to those who knew they would want to carry more than one passenger.The entrance of the four-door has done big things to the concept and the range.The original two-door is now called the fortwo, while the four-door is the forfour.The arrival of the forfour called for competitive pricing which, in turn, meant the fortwo coupe and cabrio had to be adjusted downward to maintain sensible separation. This resulted in prices of $19,900 and $22,900 respectively. The forfour is exceptionally well priced at $23,900 for the 70kW, 1.3-litre engined model and $25,900 for the 80kW, 1.5-litre version.The forfour is built on the same principle as the fortwo, around a strong alloy safety cell fitted with coloured, interchangeable plastic body panels.This allows the forfour to weigh in at less than 1000kg which, taking into account the standard features, results in a remarkable power-to-weight ratio.So while the output of the two engines will not send a rocket to the moon, highly respectable performance is achieved. And keep an open mind about a car with plastic body panels. Independent crash testing has given smart good marks.The smart range has been developed and engineered by Mercedes-Benz. As a result, the new brand has the benefit of spare parts from the Silver Star's inventory to curb costs.The styling of the four-seat smart is both cute and endearing. It employs extremely short overhangs front and rear – rather like the original BMC Mini.As a result, while the exterior dimensions are diminutive – 3.7m long and 1.7m wide – interior space is surprisingly generous.All smart models have electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and can be optioned with a number of audio, navigation and telecommunication items common to Mercedes models. So while prices may appear a tad high for a small car with 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines, the total package needs to be costed to get a true picture. And remember, smart is a niche brand of the Merc stable so take it as read that fit and finish is commensurate with a premium product.The forfour comes with a conventional five-speed manual transmission as standard. A sequential six-speed automatic is available as an option.The 1.3-litre engine on test ran the clutchless auto, which will suit those who like tiptronic-style gear changes.It does have a fully automatic mode although this does not work as smoothly as a conventional auto transmission. And the race-car arrangement of pushing the selector forward to change up and backwards to change down is easy to operate. Another feature of the automatic is a kickdown function which allows the driver to change down one or two gears spontaneously using only the accelerator.The car is not particularly quick, taking 10.8sec to accelerate from zero to 100km/h. The 1.5-litre engine does the sprint in 9.8sec. But it feels nippy and gets around town with spectacular ease. And one gets the feeling that if you can see daylight in between two cars, there is a parking space just for you.With electronic stability control keeping everything under control, the car remains well behaved when cornering, and the 15in alloy wheels minimise impact harshness common to small cars with little wheels.Buyers can choose between a plastic roof, a panoramic glass roof or an electric glass sunroof which comes with a two-part sun blind.And finally, the interior is a wonderful study of new design thinking which matches the persona of the vehicle.At a glanceA smart car is not a price challenger to the log-jam of $13,990 econocars. It is a well-specified niche model designed for young drivers looking for something different.The models in the range are not particularly quick but they can be driven for exceptional economy. The forfour drives well and handles nicely. Visibility is good and they are a dream to park.The underlying element when reviewing the car is that it is a baby Merc. And there is ample evidence of this in the fit and finish, quality of componentry, and standard features.

The question is just how smart the latest derivative from the makers of Europe's favourite inner-city car is for Australia.When Mercedes-Benz, under whose umbrella the smart brand operates, bit the bullet and launched the original smart, the diminutive fortwo, into Australia last year there was a quiet confidence that its stand-alone looks and quirky functionality would find favour with a niche market.While sales haven't exactly been brisk, they have been running close to the 25 a month Mercedes predicted.Whether the forfour will add significantly to volume for smart is debatable.What is not in question is that the little car that grew is certainly more practical.The external styling is less eye-catching and in many way less attractive than either the fortwo or roadster.The stretching of the car to accommodate the 1.3- and 1.5-litre engines – a variation on the engines used in Mitsubishi's Colt – and rear seats changes the proportions significantly.The 15-inch alloys help keep the car from looking like a toy and also assist in ride quality. However, the longer wheelbase is the forfour's greatest friend.Gone is the choppy, dinky-car feel from the fortwo. Still present is the harshness over sharply broken surfaces.The forfour certainly feels significantly better planted on the road and for many potential buyers the more "usual" feel of the car will be confidence-inspiring.That confidence is well placed as the standard electronic stability program is enough to control all but the most gross excesses. For a light car – tipping the scales just under 1000kg – the all-round disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution provides a sure and stable set of anchors.Inside the cabin the forfour is every bit as style-driven as its siblings.The colours are bright and fresh, the style engaging and the use of innovative materials – woven cloth on the dash – is refreshing.The seats are comfortable and supportive, – if a little narrow for larger passengers – but head room is good and rear space surprisingly so. The rear seats can be slid forward and backwards to accommodate additional leg room or extra boot space.There is airconditioning, a CD player and electric front windows as standard. The manual wing mirrors make adjustment difficult. Dynamically the forfour is the equal of the majority of cars in the light segment, although certainly not class-leading.The steering is direct, if a tad light, and the forfour follows input well. The 1.3-litre engine, as tested, is a willing unit which applies its limited 70kW output well.Torque through the mid-range is goodwith 125Nm on tap at and around 4000rpm. All good so far. Then we come to the six-speed automatic box – a $1035 option. Driven as a full automatic you can fall out of love with this thing within a kilometre.Every up-shift is accompanied by a distinct pause and jolt. Choose the sequential manual option and things do get better.The gears hold well towards redline and the shifts are far less intrusive. It can all become a little messy on the way down when a delayed shift could find the rather agressive override shifting a gear when you don't want it. With a five-speed manual as an option you'd need a compelling reason to spend extra on the auto.

What's even more amazing however is the price, because at a starting figure of $23,900 the ForFour is within cooee of main stream models.We stop short of calling the funky four-seater "ordinary", because the ForFour is anything but ordinary – but you can see what we are getting at here?The philosophy is simple – if you must drive an econobox, it doesn't have to be a boring one – not when you can have a Smart for around the same price.To wit the car is available in 30 different combinations of colour.Readers will no doubt be familiar with the funny little Smart ForTwo that has been getting around for 12 months.Designed for the narrow, congested streets of Europe's cities, the tiny two-seater works well in its element, but doesn't translate particularly well to the Australian environment – not when you can buy a Japanese hatch for less, that is not much bigger and seats four.The ForFour on the other hand is an entirely story, as we discovered this week.Before going on we should explain that Smart is part of the DaimlerChrysler#comcorrect empire which also owns Mercedes-Benz.Previously the company was a little coy about publicising the Benz connection but is happy to play it up this time.We should also explain that DaimlerChrysler owns Mitsubishi and that the Smart ForFour and recently released Mitsubishi Colt share many components.Mitsubishi was responsible for the vehicle underbody, exhaust and tank system, while Smart was took care of the electricals, front axle, crash management and lighting system.The two cars sit on a different chassis but about 40 per cent of components are shared, including a 1.5-litre engine – but with many differences.Two versions of the ForFour are available – a 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre model – equipped to sporty European Pulse specifications, but with some extras thrown in.We're still not sure that two models are really necessary, given Aussies' penchant for larger, more powerful engines, but both models have much to offer.While the Colt's 1.5-litre engine delivers 72kW of power and 132Nm of torque, ForFour's 1.5-litre cranks out 80kW and 145Nm.ForFour's 1.3-litre engine meanwhile is good for 70kW and 125Nm.Transmission is a choice of either five-speed manual or six-speed "soft touch" auto.We were able to sample both models at the Australian launch this week and can report the ForFour is an exciting and lively addition tot he range.The look and feel is sporty, with torquey engines that like to rev, a good power to weight ratio and tyres that hang on.Suspension travel is limited and the car jumps around a bit on bumpy roads, bottoming out from time to time.Inside rear legroom is good but is at the expense of luggage space.However the rear seat can be moved backwards or forwards 150mm for more room and tumbles and folds for carrying larger items.Weighing in at less than 1000kg, the ForFour is a light sipper too, with both engines returning around 6.0L/100km or better using premium unleaded.It will run on standard unleaded but with a decrease in power.Standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, airconditioning, CD player, electric windows for driver and front passenger, 3-spoke steering wheel with electric power steering, remote central locking including drive lock, immobiliser and anti-theft alarm system, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Hydraulic Brake Assist, anti-lock braking system (ABS) including electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), disc brakes at front and rear, tridion safety cell and side airbags in front.The Smart ForFour is available from selected Mercedes-Benz dealers.

Weighing in at under 1000kg, fine-tuned for a sporting drive and with individual style, the smart forfour is no average small car.And for a cute, five-door European machine, to be bought and serviced alongside the local Mercedes-Benz dealer, the $23,990 starting price is a fair deal.That money buys the 1.3-litre, five-speed manual version. The 1.5-litre machine starts at $25,990. The six-speed auto option costs $1035.The price here is leaner than in Europe, to give this "premium" light car a better chance in a hot market of compact Japanese and European rivals.Yet Australian targets are small with 300 forfours expected to be sold in the next 12 months. An expected 600 smarts – forfours, cabrios, coupes and roadsters will be sold in 2005; the two-door smart fortwo now starts at $19,990.There are a couple of questions over this fresh smart. The ride can be sharpish over small road lumps – like cat's eyes – and the "soft touch" automatic transmission can be occasionally be a tad hesitant on changes.But there is much to like, not the least its high-spirited engine, chassis balance and excellent fuel economy.This front-wheel drive smart forfour arrives with a raft of safety, comfort and convenience features.Standard gear for Australian cars includes 15-inch alloy wheels, airconditioning, CD player and electric front windows. Options include the six-speed automated gearbox, the choice of two sun-roofs, a six-stack CD player and a navigation system.Clever inside touches include the 21st century trim and style, fresh and natty dashboard and instruments, plus a rear seat which can be slid forward and back for extra rear luggage or back seat space.There are driver and passenger airbags, electronic stability program, ABS with brake force assist and disc brakes all around.Much of the electric and electronic systems are borrowed from its big brother, Mercedes-Benz.And some components, such as the rear axle, five-speed gearbox and petrol engines, are shared with Mitsubishi's new Colt, also built under the DaimlerChrysler umbrella.But the smart forfour sets its own agenda.The engines have higher compression ratios for more power over the Colt, there is a different chassis and there is that 'tridion' safety cell, highlighted by the choice of three different colours on this exposed body frame.Combine that with 10 different body colours and there are 30 combinations – from classic styles to bright and breezy combinations – to choose from.The forfour has a road presence that breaks the current mould for small cars.On the road there is good accommodation for four adults and maybe a slab of beer in the boot. Head and leg-room are good front and back, although taller occupants need to bend their head a little below the curved roof line.The alternative is to shift the back seat forward to accommodate two adults, two kids and a weekend's gear.The driving position is good. Sitting a little high, there is good visibility and the instruments, including trip computer, are all easily read.Both motors fire with enthusiasm and do not mind running hard to the 6000rpm redline.The "soft-touch", six-speed auto option works best with the floor-mounted stick shift. The optional paddles on the steering wheel column appear to take a little longer to find the next ratio.Wound up and running, the smart forfour is an entertaining drive.The turn-in to corners is positive, even if the electric steering can sometimes feel a touch soft on straight sections of road.There is little hint of under-steer, perhaps that arrives with higher velocities. The 1.3-litre is claimed to jump from 0 to 100km/h in 10.8 seconds and run to 180km/h; the 1.5-litre car takes 9.8 seconds to hit 100km/h and tops out at 190km/h.At all legal speeds, the 2500mm wheelbase smart is well-balanced, with decent grip all around from 15-inch rubber.Ride quality is good for a small, light car with limited suspension travel. Even the sharpness over small edges and bumps does not upset the car's balance or body, although it can be heard and felt on rougher patches.For the most part, the smart's suspension and balance are smooth, supple and encouraging. This may not be a Lotus Elise but the smart forfour has that type of exuberant road manner.And pushing along through town and over the hills in a 1.5-litre, six-speed auto smart forfour saw average fuel consumption just over seven litres per 100km.The 1.5-litre pushes out 80kW, the 1.3-litre engine has 70kW. Both are more than adequate with two adults aboard.And for an extra $2620, there is a sports suspension package with 16-inch wheels.The smart forfour is a somewhat rare, good-looking compact with style, substance and soul.

It was developed as a Swatch for the world of wheels and aimed at youngsters who could see the potential for a compact runabout in the overcrowded cities of Europe.Australia Smart was rejected twice before the booming DaimlerChrysler empire realised it could take a place Down Under, and that the baby brand would eventually become a full-line car company with solid youth support.It probably also helped that private importers were bringing the phonebox-on-wheels Smart cars to Australia outside the official channels, and doing it at prices which were doing nothing for any long-term success. Too costly, basically.Now we've been through the City coupe and cabrio start-up, with 58 sales through the first two months of 2004, and face the sporty Roadster.This is the first car that puts Smart up against real rivals.Honestly, there's nothing that competes with the City twins, which are so small they can be parked nose-first to the kerb without bumping into traffic. If you want a City car then that's what you get. Game over.But the Roadster, even with a $37,990 bottom line and stand-out styling, will have to win customers against a wide range of rivals.It still has only a 700cc suprex turbo engine, but the body has plenty of room for two, with a lift-out sunroof and plenty of equipment including airconditioning, alloy wheels, remote central locking and electric windows and mirrors.Potential rivals are both sporty and trendy, since the Roadster will still be a fashion item for many owners.So, though the Roadster looks a fair bit like a Lotus Elise, it will also be lined up against the VW Beetle cabrio, the Peugeot 206CC and even the really silly Daihatsu Copen.It will also be shopped against the Toyota MR2, which has a similar objective but does it with more size and weight at a higher price.The design of the Roadster is just what you'd expect for a sports car, with a low plastic body that's pulled tight around wheels at each corner.It has some nice curves and the two-piece hardtop is intended to be stored in a shallow boot space behind the cabin and above the engine.Smart makes a big deal about the car's rigid Tridion safety cell, with claims of superior crash protection.The mechanical package starts with the 60kW engine paired with a sequential manual gearbox.It is rear-wheel drive and Smart engineers have even put wider wheels on the tail to improve the cornering, which is controlled from electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering.On the roadIF you jump into the Smart roadster expecting a full-on sports car experience then . . . well, you're going to be disappointed.It's fun and functional but won't remotely keep pace with a Nissan 350Z. Smart says it takes 10.9 seconds to reach 100km/h and there are a lot of fairly ordinary family sedans that can do better.But the roadster has a sharp edge and it looks really, really good.You have to work hard – if you're beyond your 20s – to get down into the cabin, but it's a great fit and there is plenty to keep you entertained.The seats are supportive, the wheel feels good and the design of the instruments shows a lot of smart thinking with a youthful twist.The location of the key is a surprise, because it is tucked away on the centre column behind the gear lever. But it works well enough.Turn the key and you hear a gruff little three-potter fire into action, right behind your head. The sound performance includes a selection of chuffs and whistles and burps when you get going, and anyone who likes the blow-off whoosh of a Subaru WRX will enjoy the noise. We found it entertaining.The Smart coupe is not all that powerful or swift, but it feels good as it gets along. There is good response, provided you're in the right gear, and you always feel that the car is keen to help.The gearbox, though, is recalcitrant. If you use it manually it's slow to answer any commands, and completely ignores low-ratio demands by shifting up at the redline.Not good if you're rushing between turns and want to hold a gear.The automatic mode is also frustrating, with slow-pace shifts and a reluctant kickdown. We used it in city traffic, but Smart really needs to do some work to make it a better match for the rest of the Roadster package.Smart says it revives the purist feel of an earlier era and that's true.It feels shrink-wrapped around you and – a lot like the costlier Lotus Elise – you always know what's happening at the wheels.It also encourages you to tackle a corner, any corner, with a quick flick on the wheel and plenty of throttle.It has a good cornering balance and good grip. So it's an impressive chassis that also defeats most bumps, though it will crash through potholes and there is more noise from the chassis than we would like.It's tough to rate the Roadster against rivals as a lot of people will buy it because they like the look.It's tight on space and doesn't have much luggage capacity, but it is much nicer to drive than a Beetle Cabrio or a Peugeot 206CC.It comes closest to the MR2 but has a much more focused feel.As a stepping stone to the future, it also proves that Smart is more than just a telephone box on wheels.