Smart is planning a new Forfour to replace the version discontinued in 2007. The new model is likely to surface in the next 15 months, but only in the USA.
The Forfour will be built on a Renault-Nissan platform, shared with the new Micra. The car is intended to satisfy demand from American customers for a 'Smart-typical' car with greater seating capacity. The marque has been present in the USA since 2008, but sales of the Fortwo have tailed off, despite a promising start.
The Nissan-based hatchback is intended as a stop-gap while Daimler develops a new Smart platform. The modular rear-engine, rear-drive set-up will debut in a new Fortwo in 2012. A Forfour will follow in 2014 and the platform may even be shared with the next Renault Twingo.
More details of the new Smart Forfour will be announced at a later date.
John Lambert - 12 Oct 2010