Smart ForFour Review: Features, Performance & Value

The Smart ForFour represents a significant evolution in the compact city car segment, offering more practicality than its smaller two-seater sibling while maintaining the brand’s distinctive character and nimble handling. As the larger member of Smart’s lineup, this five-door hatchback combines thoughtful interior design with innovative space-saving solutions that make it an compelling choice for urban drivers seeking versatility without compromise.

Design Philosophy and Exterior Presence

Smart’s approach to the ForFour demonstrates a commitment to maximizing utility within a compact footprint. The vehicle’s styling deliberately echoes the aesthetics of its smaller counterpart, creating visual continuity across the brand while presenting a more mature, refined appearance that appeals to a broader demographic. The overall proportions strike a balance between distinctive character and practical functionality, with dimensions measuring 3.49 metres in length and 1.66 metres in width.

The compact exterior dimensions belie the engineering ingenuity beneath. Rather than simply scaling up the ForTwo, Smart engineers developed a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration that maximizes interior volume and improves handling dynamics compared to conventional front-wheel-drive competitors. This architectural choice influences everything from passenger comfort to maneuverability, creating measurable advantages in urban environments.

Interior Versatility and Spatial Intelligence

One of the ForFour’s standout characteristics is the thoughtful approach to interior organization and adaptability. The designers implemented multiple configurations that transform the cabin from a comfortable passenger carrier to a surprisingly spacious cargo hauler. Rear seats fold completely flat, while the squabs can flip forward to create an expansive storage area capable of accommodating unusual items, such as flat-pack furniture up to 2.2 metres in length.

The front passenger seat hinging mechanism provides an additional storage solution, allowing taller items to be transported with minimal fuss. These practical touches demonstrate Smart’s understanding of real-world usage patterns among city dwellers who frequently need flexible cargo capacity. Beyond storage solutions, the interior incorporates bold color schemes and quality materials that create an upmarket atmosphere unusual for the segment.

Dashboard design elements draw inspiration from Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with gauge layouts and display aesthetics that evoke considerably larger automobiles. The touchscreen interface is shared with the Renault Twingo, ensuring modern connectivity without unnecessary complexity. For those seeking additional comfort enhancements, Smart offers a £295 package that includes height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel, along with heated door mirrors.

Seating Comfort and Passenger Accommodation

While the ForFour clearly prioritizes urban commuting over long-distance touring, the rear seating area provides reasonable accommodation for adult passengers. The improved legroom compared to earlier generations makes the vehicle noticeably less cramped, though occupants over six feet tall may find extended journeys somewhat uncomfortable. The raised driving position benefits all occupants by providing superior visibility compared to lower-slung rivals, which translates to enhanced situational awareness in congested urban settings.

Heated front seats add luxury touches that appeal to drivers in cooler climates, with convenient control panels integrated into the door architecture. These features suggest Smart’s recognition that city car purchasers increasingly expect quality-of-life amenities regardless of vehicle size.

Driving Dynamics and Maneuverability Excellence

The Smart ForFour demonstrates exceptional agility in urban environments, with engineering specifically designed to maximize cornering ability. Smart engineers optimized the crash structure to provide additional space for front wheels to articulate beyond competitor capabilities, enabling the vehicle to complete a kerb-to-kerb U-turn in just 8.65 metres. This superior turning radius gives the ForFour a decisive advantage when navigating tight city streets and compact parking areas.

The rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture contributes to engaging handling characteristics that distinguish the ForFour from conventional front-wheel-drive competitors in its class. However, this configuration does introduce some compromise in terms of body lean during aggressive cornering and increased susceptibility to crosswind effects. Drivers should be aware that the vehicle’s narrow track and raised center of gravity require slightly more deliberate steering inputs during highway driving.

Engine Performance and Real-World Driving Experience

The ForFour’s powertrain options determine its suitability for different driving environments. The 0.9-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivers 110 horsepower, providing adequate performance for urban driving while maintaining respectable fuel economy. This turbocharged unit represents a significant step up from earlier naturally aspirated engines.

The base naturally aspirated engine, producing 71 horsepower, performs admirably at speeds up to 40 mph, displaying a tuneful character and willingness to rev. Beyond town driving speeds, this engine requires maximum throttle input to maintain momentum on inclines, making overtaking a carefully coordinated maneuver requiring commitment and planning. Buyers intending primarily highway driving should consider the turbocharged variant, which provides meaningful performance improvements without excessive fuel consumption penalties.

Both engine options demonstrate refinement on smaller wheel sizes, with the 15-inch wheel setup contributing to a composed ride quality that belies the vehicle’s compact dimensions.

Safety Performance and Protective Features

Euro NCAP testing validated the Smart ForFour’s protective capabilities, awarding the vehicle a creditable four-star safety rating that places it among the best performers in its class. The vehicle demonstrates particularly strong performance in whiplash protection tests, earning maximum ‘good’ ratings for both front and rear passenger protection. Front impact testing results show the ForFour outperforming even direct competitors including the Renault Twingo.

Beyond structural protection, the raised driving position and superior visibility created by larger windows enhance driver safety by reducing blind spots and improving awareness of surrounding traffic. The compact dimensions, while advantageous for parking and maneuverability, require drivers to become comfortable with the vehicle’s profile to optimize safety perception during highway driving.

Value Proposition and Pricing Strategy

The Smart ForFour’s pricing strategy positions it as a premium offering within the city car segment. Used examples currently start from approximately £3,995, reflecting reasonable depreciation after several years of ownership. When new, the vehicle commands competitive pricing against comparable offerings, with the original price point starting from £13,080.

Compared to Smart’s own smaller ForTwo, the ForFour represents reasonable value, costing just £495 more than an equivalent smaller model when both vehicles were new. This modest premium for two additional seats and substantially increased interior volume makes compelling financial sense for buyers prioritizing passenger capacity and versatility.

Practical Considerations for Prospective Buyers

The ForFour’s appeal extends to drivers who value distinctive character combined with genuine practicality. The vehicle succeeds as a commuter car for urban professionals requiring occasional passenger capacity and flexible cargo space. Its small footprint makes parking straightforward, while the exceptional turning radius simplifies navigation through congested city streets.

Potential drawbacks center on highway performance limitations with the base engine and the compact rear seating area for taller passengers on extended journeys. Highway crosswind sensitivity may also concern drivers in particularly exposed locations. Additionally, while pricing proves reasonable compared to competitors, the ForFour remains more expensive than basic alternatives in the segment.

Practical Features Checklist

• Flexible rear seating configurations with flat-fold capability
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering column (optional)
• Heated front seats and exterior mirrors (optional)
• Exceptional 8.65-metre turning circle for urban maneuverability
• Superior visibility from raised driving position
• Quality interior materials and Mercedes-influenced dashboard design
• Modern touchscreen connectivity interface
• Efficient turbo and naturally aspirated engine options

Common Questions About Smart ForFour Ownership

Is the Smart ForFour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, the five-door layout and rear seating area make the vehicle suitable for family use within urban environments. The flexible interior allows accommodation of child car seats with reasonable ease, and the raised driving position benefits safety-conscious parents monitoring traffic situations.

What fuel economy should owners expect?

The naturally aspirated engine delivers superior fuel efficiency at lower speeds and urban driving patterns, making it ideal for city commuters. The turbocharged variant provides improved highway performance while maintaining respectable economy when driven sensibly.

How does the Smart ForFour compare to its predecessor?

The modern ForFour represents a genuine transformation compared to earlier generation models, offering substantially more interior space, improved driving dynamics, and contemporary safety features. The Twingo-derived platform provides superior engineering compared to the original model.

Can the Smart ForFour accommodate cargo for a weekend trip?

Yes, the flexible seating and cargo configuration allows accommodation of weekend luggage and personal items. The example of fitting a 2.2-metre flat-pack bookcase demonstrates the vehicle’s surprising cargo versatility.