Smart ForFour Review 2025: 975L Boot And City Agility

The Smart ForFour redefines what a small car can achieve, offering a perfect mix of compactness for tight city streets and enough room for four passengers. This five-door hatchback combines quirky styling, clever packaging, and nimble handling to make daily commutes enjoyable rather than stressful.

Design and Exterior Appeal

From the outside, the ForFour captures attention with its bold, playful aesthetics. Its short body length—under 4 meters—makes parking effortless in crowded urban areas, while the high roofline hints at the generous headroom inside. Distinctive features like the round headlights and hexagonal grille give it a modern, friendly vibe that stands out from typical city cars.

Available in various trims, the ForFour offers customizable options such as vibrant color schemes and contrasting roof panels. Alloy wheels ranging from 15 to 16 inches add a sporty touch without compromising ride quality. Aerodynamic elements, including a subtle rear spoiler, contribute to its efficiency, especially in electric variants.

Interior Space and Versatility

Step inside, and the ForFour surprises with its roomy cabin. Despite its diminutive size, it comfortably seats four adults, with ample legroom in the back thanks to a 2.5-meter wheelbase. The raised driving position provides excellent visibility, enhancing safety in traffic.

One of the standout features is the flexible seating arrangement. The 50:50 split-folding rear seats create a flat load floor with up to 975 liters of cargo space—rivaling larger superminis. The front passenger seat folds completely flat, accommodating lengthy items like a 2.2-meter flat-pack or a large TV screen. This practicality extends to everyday use, with clever storage cubbies and optional extras like heated front seats for comfort in cooler weather.

• Rear seats fold flat for 975L boot space
• Front passenger seat tips forward for long loads
• Multiple cup holders and smartphone integration
• High-quality materials with Mercedes-inspired dashboard

Performance and Driving Experience

The ForFour delivers engaging dynamics that belie its size. Traditional models feature a rear-mounted engine driving the back wheels, providing balanced handling and minimal understeer. The tiny turning circle—around 8.65 meters—makes U-turns and maneuvering in tight spots a breeze.

Petrol options like the 0.9-liter turbocharged unit produce around 90 horsepower, with peppy low-end torque for city sprints. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes about 10-11 seconds, adequate for urban overtakes. Ride quality is firm over bumps but composed, absorbing cat’s eyes and potholes reasonably well. Electric EQ versions add instant torque (160Nm), making them lively in traffic with a 0-62mph time of 12.7 seconds.

Wind sensitivity is a minor quirk due to the tall stance, but electronic aids like stability control keep it planted. Overall, it’s fun to drive with a neutral chassis that encourages confident cornering.

Safety and Technology Features

Safety is paramount in the ForFour, built around a rigid tridion safety cell—a high-strength steel skeleton that protects occupants. Standard kit includes multiple airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, and electronic stability program. Higher trims add crosswind assist and lane-keeping aids.

Tech shines with a Mercedes-sourced infotainment system. The central touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while digital gauges evoke premium feels. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and USB ports, with auto on/off lights saving fuel.

Running Costs and Efficiency

Owning a ForFour is wallet-friendly. Petrol models achieve 50+ mpg in mixed driving, undercutting many rivals. Electric EQ variants benefit from low running costs—around 2-3p per mile—and qualify for grants, starting under £18,000 after incentives.

Insurance groups are low (8-10), and maintenance is straightforward due to shared Renault Twingo parts. Residual values hold decently, making it a smart used buy from 2015-2023 models.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Pros: Ultra-maneuverable, versatile interior, fun handling, low costs
• Cons: Firm ride, limited rear space for tall adults on long trips, electric range (~80 miles)

Who Should Buy the Smart ForFour?

Ideal for young professionals, city dwellers, or small families needing a second car. It’s less suited for motorway hauls or heavy loads. Compared to VW e-up! or Fiat 500, it offers unique rear-drive fun and better space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Smart ForFour good for parking?

Yes, its short length and tiny turning circle make it one of the best for tight spaces.

How much boot space does it have?

185 liters with seats up, expanding to 975 liters folded—excellent for its class.

What’s the electric range?

Around 80-95 miles WLTP, perfect for urban use.

Is it reliable?

Generally yes, with shared components from Renault boosting dependability.

Can it seat four adults comfortably?

Yes for short trips; back legroom suits most but not marathon journeys.