Smart ForFour 2015: In-Depth City Car Review And Buying Guide

The 2015 Smart ForFour marked a bold evolution for the Smart brand, extending its iconic two-seater Fortwo formula into a four-door package without sacrificing urban prowess. Sharing its platform with the Renault Twingo, this rear-engined hatchback promised tight turning circles, easy parking, and surprising rear-seat usability, making it a contender in the crowded city car segment against models like the Skoda Citigo and Hyundai i10. Starting at around £11,620, it carried a premium price, but delivered unique style and engineering quirks that set it apart.

Design and Dimensions: Compact Yet Practical

Measuring just over 3.5 meters long, the ForFour retained the brand’s diminutive footprint ideal for squeezing into tight spots. Its boxy, upright shape with short overhangs and a high roofline maximized interior space while keeping the exterior footprint small—80cm longer than the Fortwo but still nimble. The Tridion safety cell, a signature Smart feature, provided a rigid steel skeleton visible under colorful plastic panels, allowing personalization through swappable body kits.

LED daytime running lights, bold front grille, and fiber-optic accents gave it a modern, premium look. Narrow track and tall sidewalls contributed to stability, though the slab-sided profile invited crosswinds—countered by standard ESP and optional Crosswind Assist. Inside, the dashboard echoed the Fortwo’s with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, circular air vents, and high seating position for excellent visibility.

Engine Options and Performance: Punchy in Town, Modest on Highways

Power came from two three-cylinder petrol units: a 71bhp 1.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and an 89bhp 0.9-liter turbocharged variant. The base engine suited urban jaunts, feeling willing around town but requiring downshifts for motorway overtakes, with 0-62mph in about 15.9 seconds. The turbo option shaved time off that sprint and handled longer trips better, though neither matched rivals’ urgency.

Rear-mounted engines drove the rear wheels via a five-speed manual (or optional automated manual), but tuning mimicked front-drive behavior for understeer rather than tail-happy dynamics. Noise from the engines rose under hard revs, but sound deadening—88 pounds more than the Twingo—kept cabins quiet on rough roads. Fuel economy hovered around 65-70mpg in mixed driving, bolstered by auto start/stop.

Data compiled from period tests; real-world figures vary.

Handling and Ride: Urban Champion, Highway Compromiser

The ForFour’s party piece was its 8.65-meter turning circle—the tightest in class—paired with light, quick steering for effortless city navigation. Tall sidewall tires and a longer wheelbase than the Fortwo smoothed out potholes and speed bumps, delivering a supple ride that absorbed urban imperfections.

On faster roads, body roll emerged in corners due to the high center of gravity, and steering lost some precision. Stability control rarely intruded, but narrow tires limited grip for enthusiastic driving. Brakes were sharp and firm, demanding adaptation. Overall, it prioritized comfort over sportiness, excelling where most time is spent: congested streets.

Interior Space and Practicality: Room for Four, Versatility for All

Rear doors swung wide for easy access, accommodating adults for short trips with adequate legroom and headroom. The 50:50 split-folding rear bench expanded cargo from 185 liters to 975 liters, aided by a fold-flat front passenger seat—a rarity in the class. This flat load floor handled bulky items better than most rivals.

• Front seats: Supportive with optional heating and leather.
• Rear seats: Usable for adults on brief journeys; ISOFIX points standard.
• Boot: 185L seats up, 975L folded; slightly less than Fortwo with seats up.

Tech included a multimedia system with app integration, JBL audio option, cruise control, and parking aids like rear camera and sensors. Build quality impressed with solid door shuts and Mercedes-derived finishes.

Safety and Reliability: Solid but Not Class-Leading

Euro NCAP awarded four stars, matching the Hyundai i10, thanks to the Tridion cell, ESP, and options like lane-keeping and collision warning. Crosswind Assist suited the narrow body. Long-term reliability drew from Renault roots, with few major issues reported, though automated manuals could be finicky.

Running Costs and Value: Premium Priced, Niche Appeal

At £11,620 entry, it undercut some but topped Skoda Citigo and Hyundai i10 bases. Road tax and insurance were low (group 1-3), with cheap parts via Renault sharing. Residuals held decently due to Smart’s cult status. Trims like Prime and Proxy added luxury without excess cost.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Who Should Buy the 2015 Smart ForFour?

Ideal for urban dwellers needing occasional rear seats—young families, couples, or city commuters valuing maneuverability over speed. Skip if highways dominate or budget is tight; Citigo offers better dynamics cheaper. Used prices now dip under £5,000 for low-mileage examples, enhancing value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the 2015 Smart ForFour rear-wheel drive?

Yes, with rear-mounted engine, but tuned for front-drive-like handling.

How reliable is the Smart ForFour?

Generally solid, inheriting Renault Twingo durability; watch automated gearbox.

What’s the fuel economy like?

Up to 70mpg claimed; real-world 55-65mpg mixed use.

Can adults fit in the back?

Comfortably for short trips; better than expected for class.

Is it good for parking?

Exceptional—8.65m turning circle and sensors make it a city star.

Final Verdict: A Smart Step Forward

The 2015 ForFour expanded Smart’s appeal without diluting its urban DNA, offering practicality rivals lacked while retaining fun. Not the quickest or cheapest, its charm lies in effortless city life and unique character. For used buyers, it’s a quirky, capable choice.