Smart #1 Reviews

THE condemned Smart Forfour is going out with a bang. Smart has announced it will kill off the four-seater hatch that stands out in a crowd with its plastic panels and unique style. But the decision to end the production of the Forfour came after German tuning house Brabus had its way with the car. Only 50 of the Forfour Brabus cars have come to Australia, with a hefty $39,990 price. Smart is better known for tiny city cars that are both light on petrol and driving thrills. But the Brabus uses a turbocharger with the subtlety of a sledgehammer to smash any pre-conceptions. The super Smart is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder that pumps out 130kW when the turbo is spinning and 230Nm of torque. That's enough herb and spice to sling the 1090kg Forfour from 0-100km/h in only 6.9 seconds. Though most new turbo engines have a smooth powerband spread through the rev range, the Brabus Smart is decidedly sluggish down low, but goes on to unleash a brutal rush of power when the tacho spins past 2500 revs. It might go against the new turbo trend, but the Smart's power delivery is a lot of fun, accentuating how much poke the car really has. The turbo fun also comes at a reasonably low cost, because the official fuel economy figure for 100km of mixed highway and city driving is only 6.8 litres. The boosted front-wheel drive is fitted with traction control to try to tame the engine. The traction system tries hard to react quickly enough, but you still have to be careful feeding on the power in slippery conditions. The Brabus could do with a limited-slip differential, which quickly switches power across the front axle for the best possible traction, because it tends to lift the inside wheel and spin coming out of tight turns. The Brabus ride height has been lowered by 30mm, the suspension is much stiffer and it runs on big 17-inch alloy wheels that look great. The harder suspension is designed to help the Brabus car sit flat in turns and Smart says ride comfort has not been sacrificed. "The car's agile and very sporty handling does not mean you are in for a rough ride," reads a Smart statement. Sorry, Smart. That simply isn't true. Few cars have a ride as harsh as the Brabus Forfour's. It's fine on smooth roads, but crashes and thumps over bumps and potholes with such severity that you soon tire of it. The interior has plenty of standard equipment, including a big sunroof. Heated seats, trimmed in nice leather, are also appreciated on freezing Melbourne mornings. There are extra dashboard gauges, an aluminium gearknob, new instrument cluster and a thick leather sports steering wheel. The Brabus Forfour is available with a five-speed manual gearbox only. It is quite a slick shifter, but an extra gear would be nice to stop the engine buzzing at highway speeds. The Brabus also misses out on cruise control, which should be standard on a $40,000 car. Exterior details including the six-spoke alloy wheels, twin-pipe exhaust, body kit and Brabus-branded engine rocker cover also help the special Smart stand out from standard models. The Forfour has a reasonable amount of interior room, given its size, and has some intelligent features, including a rear seat bench that can slide back and forth.

Had a friend not promised us a dawn ride on a steam train we would have stayed snug inside. With a scraper, enough snow is scooped away to allow us to get into the car. That's one challenge taken care of, but the next is daunting. Snow is thick on the road, but I think the Smart should be OK to drive if I take it easy – no sudden braking, accelerating or turns. Driving in the snow before the sun rises is eerie. There are few vehicles around, but several snow ploughs work to keep roads open. Other cars are travelling under 40km/h – the locals know how treacherous these conditions are. We are close to Aviemore train station, but aren't sure because signs are covered in snow. Luckily, the Forfour has satellite navigation which is not affected by weather. We find the station in time for a run on the black and red steam train. Throwing out huge clouds of smoke and steam, it trundles through snow-covered fields on the Strathspey line. We are in the engine room, the best place on a day such as this. After the train ride, we want to make it over a mountain range to the western seaside town of Kyle of Lochalsh, just across from scenic Isle of Skye. It is one of the most awesome roads you could drive, with mountains, cold dark lakes and expanses dotted with small stone huts. Eilean Donan castle, on a small rocky island not far from Kyle of Lochalsh, is a must-see for tourists. The scenery along this road is so stunning it is tempting to stop, pull over to the verge and take a photograph. That can be dangerous because of the snow. It is hard to judge what is under it and whether it is safe to put a wheel there. We see one embarrassed man and his partner walking to a phone box to call for a tow truck. He parked his car at the side of the road, misjudged, and his hatchback slid into a ditch. Half an hour later we came across three cars facing different directions on a slippery corner. Somehow they had not connected. The Smart handles conditions well. The standard stability control doesn't seem to come on too much, but it is nice to know it is there, along with the anti-skid brakes and front and side driver and passenger airbags. The snow turns to rain the next day so we decide to head south, over some of the same winding roads, this time covered in streams of water rather than snow. The twisty tarmac turns into the major highway that runs through Glasgow and we drive to Coventry late that night, an 820km trip. We arrive at Brighton, on England's south coast, after stopping at Salisbury Plain to see Stonehenge monument. At the start it seemed a daunting distance in a small car such as the Smart, but it is a pleasant surprise. The interior is comfortable and the rear seats fold to fit luggage. So the Smart is not great for families on holiday, but is perfect for two. The 1.5-litre engine has plenty of go and is nothing like the underpowered engines in the rest of the Smart range. The test car has a five-speed manual that works well. Fuel consumption is a strong point of the Smart which often comes in at less than 6l/100km, a real plus when fuel in Europe often pushes past $2 a litre. THE seats stand up well to our lap of Britain: there is not a numb-bum report for the whole journey. The only thing missing in the test car is cruise control, but it is not an issue. The car's red and grey paint is a traffic-stopper in northern Scotland, but quite at home in Brighton. The Smart attracts plenty of interest and questions. Most people are surprised that much of the Forfour is made of plastic, which explains why it is 975kg. The doors have extruded aluminium components and intrusion beams inside, but the skin is plastic. Then there is the Tridion safety cell – in silver, black or titanium – to absorb impact energy and channel it away from occupants. There are 10 panel colours in the Smart range, including the test car's Phat Red.

That was, a guide who spoke Italian and English.The second smart thing I did was borrow a car economical enough for Rome's $2.50 a litre petrol wallop, and small enough to squeeze through the traffic yet big enough, so I'm visible to the smoke-belching trucks and erratically zig-zagging scooters.That clever option was a Smart.Built in France and the child of a fractured marriage between Swiss watchmaker Swatch and Mercedes-Benz, the Smart forfour, that is, for four people, is the biggest of the maker's four-car range.Smart is probably best known for its diminutive fortwo – you guessed it, for two people – that in Perth can share a single car bay with another fortwo.The forfour is a different animal because it uses mechanical components shared with the new Mitsubishi Colt. It also has four doors and excellent interior room. Which is all good.The road to the Pope's summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, sits high on the hill with its fortress-like stance overlooking a lake.From Rome the road is incredibly busy, but the Smart forfour picked its line well through the metallic weave.Surprisingly, the Smart drove more like a zippy sports car than a family chariot.It was upset by the rough cobblestone roads, especially at low speeds, though enjoyed a rev on the open highways.I knocked repeatedly on the wooden doors of Castel Gandolfo in the hope that the owner was home but was told, curtly, that he wasn't and to go away.So I did. All the way to Perth where I had a chance to drive the Smart forfour in Australian trim.The four-door is sold here with two engines, the 1.3-litre as tested and a 1.5, and two transmissions and a harlequin of body colours.With a conventional five-speed manual, the cheapest model was also the most fun to drive.Unlike the Euro-spec forfour, the Aussie car had excellent ride characteristics at all speeds.The engine may be small but it's willing, revving cleanly to give spirited performance while being pleasantly economical.While it will get excellent fuel economy around town and even better in the country, the engine is a bit weak on torque and requires lots of gearshifts to keep the performance on tap.It also starts to fall away when you have more than two people aboard so if you're a regular children's taxi driver, the bigger 1.5-litre engine is advised.But it is clear that the Smart 1.3 was made for someone who enjoys driving. Take it for a blast and you immediately notice the taut chassis.It was so much fun and such a delight to drive that it was one of the hardest cars to return after the test.Like the other Smarts, the fortwo, cabrio and roadster, the car has fresh styling that, though a bit tacky and plasticy, is extremely appealing.The cloth-covered dash has goggle-eyed vents, ancillary gauges sprouting from stalks, a cute, little steering wheel and an underdash tray with glovebox.The CD sound system is clean and simple, as is most switchgear.Visibility is excellent and there's plenty of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel.The rear seat slides on runners to boost boot space. With leg and headroom for a 1.8m backseat passenger, the boot space is minimal though with kiddies on board it deepens to hold lots of shopping.The basic 1.3-litre Pulse as tested has airconditioning, electric front windows, central locking, two airbags, alloy wheels and a CD player.The electric sunroof is a $1620 option, though you can have a full-length fixed smoked-glass roof for about $800.It's a superb little car and if you're in the market for a small four-door hatch, this must at least be seen.

"Have faith," I insisted, with fingers crossed. "It's a smart car."I had heard great things about this "Mini-Me" vehicle: tough, comfortable, reliable, revolutionary even, part of the Mercedes-Benz group.And, after all, it's called a forfour ... for four people ... so why not put it to the test?Well, aren't I just the smartypants. The forfour passed the test with flying colours.The only place the smart car struggled (and only a little) was pushing up through the Adelaide Hills. But, don't forget, the 1.3-litre engine was working overtime with the car loaded to the brim. It's surprising what you can fit into a car that measures just 3.7m long and 1.7m wide ... four people plus enough gear for a weekend away, including liquid refreshments.Yes, there is enough room in the boot for an Esky. Just. In fact, the entire back seat moves forward or back to allow for more leg room or luggage – depending on how nice you want to be to your passengers.The 2/3 split seat also folds all the way down so you have a mini version of a station wagon.A common misconception with this little car is that driving it will make you feel vulnerable because it's so small.Not so, thanks to a lot of smart ideas. The roomy interior makes you feel like you're in a much larger car.Safety was obviously a big consideration in the smart design, starting with the tridion safety cell (sounds like something out of a Dr Who series).Then, add dual front and side airbags, integral safety seats (whatever that means), seat-belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and a whole ABC of safety features, including ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and ESP (electronic stability program).As for looks, this little car is a smart dresser, thanks again, in part, to that tridion cell – the frame on which the forfour is built.The cell is also the base for some pretty snazzy colour co-ordination. Pick one of three frames and then chop and change the other panels (from a choice of 10 colours) to create the look you want – sleek silver, bold red and black, trendy black or adorable panda. The panels are made from scratch-resistant plastic, robust enough, Mercedes says, "to withstand light bumps virtually unscathed".Unfortunately, I can vouch for that – thanks to some smart alec who hit me and then took off.Barely a scratch on the bumper.But the smart ideas don't stop there. Here are just a few more to whet your appetite:Automatic windows in the front but manual in the back.A tray by the side of the front seats ... how often have you dropped something down the side of the front seat and then struggled to find it?Removable ashtray.A four-way interior light with a soft glow or stronger individual reading globes.LOVE ITEverything – the look, the size (small on the outside but big on the inside), easy on the juice and especially the fact that other cars seem to "bounce off" those special body panels.LEAVE ITHaving to give it back.

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.