Smart ForFour Euro NCAP 4 Star
Although more conventional than other Smart models the funky Forfour's distinctive exterior styling will still immediately identify it as a member of the smart family.
With a contemporary design this surprisingly roomy car has all the build quality you would expect of DaimlerChrysler. Available with either four or five seats (although the five seat option is best really for kids) the front seats fold forwards until flat allowing the rear
seats to become a lounge, complete with scatter cushions if so desired!
All Forfours come with power steering, central locking and electric front windows. Passion models gain a height-adjustable drivers seat, air-con, a full-length sunroof, alloy wheels and front fog lights. The Brabus versions have leather a interior. Plastic body panels resist dents and are available in ten different colours.
The three petrol engines on offer (1.1, 1.3 and 1.5-litre units) are the result of cooperation between DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi, whilst the two diesel engines (both three-cylinder 1.5 litres ) are built by Mercedes-Benz . Transmission is either manual five speed or six speed semi automatic. All versions are impressively frugal, particularly the 1.5 CDi with a combined mpg of 64.2mpg and an incredible 74.3 mpg extra urban. Emissions are also very low at only 116 g/km, which means it gets a VED Band B and is exempt
from the London congestion charge.
Completing the range, the Mercedes tuning firm Brabuss have been let loose to produce a high performance turbocharged 177bhp version that loves to be thrashed. You also get a number of sporty touches including a meaty steering wheel.
Four airbags as well as the impressive Tridion safety cell have helped the Forfour achieve a good four star rating in the Euro NCAP tests. It also has a stability control system fitted as standard on all models as well as remote central locking and an immobiliser.
Every Smart Forfour comes with a 2 year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, as well as a minimum 12 year anti-perforation warranty. In addition Smart also provide 24 months Smartmove Assistance breakdown cover within UK and Europe
About the manufacturer
Smart have always looked at ways in which they could use environmentally friendly materials in the production of their cars, subjecting each Smart component to a continuous ecological improvement process. Smart state that all harmful substances like lead, chromium, mercury and cadmium are banned from the production process, whilst PVC is avoided wherever possible.
Recycling is clearly on area affecting us all as well as the manufacturers of motor vehicles. Smart are no exception and trying to do its part building all its vehicles from pre assembled modules which makes the dismantling much simpler. By introducing smart centre recycling across Europe it has established a comprehensive workshop disposal system in all
distribution countries . Smart is even trying to ensure that as many of its parts as possible are delivered in reusable packaging.
Energy savings are also high on the companies priorities, not only are all Smart buildings thermally insulated but where possible energy released during production is recycled, for example excess heat from injection moulding machinery is used to heat paining cabin air supplies.
Generally regarded as the most environment friendly painting method, Smart uses a powder coating techniques on all its cars. This uses up to 40% less energy than conventional painting methods and involves no water consumption or waste. Whats
more there is zero slurry and absolutely no solvent emissions.
Smart has an official environmental policy which states
Everyone at smart is responsible for fulfilling the ecological demands of today and tomorrow. We regard the environmental compatibility of our products as an essential objective in all phases of the products lifecycle. Together with our partners, we implement the ecological requirements on our products.