The Smart Forfour is the first car in its segment to combine the functionality of a small car with the emotional appeal of a young car brand. Thanks to its flexible interior, the sporty four-seater is extremely versatile, clearly illustrating that the core brand values of innovation and functionality are consistently implemented by Smart. The Smart Forfour will go on sale in the UK in autumn 2004.

The proportions of the Smart Forfour are typical of the Smart brand. The car is compact and sporty with its extremely short overhang at the rear and large wheels flush-fitted with the wings. In all variants of the Smart Forfour, the body has four side doors and a tailgate.

The Smart Forfour is a car with a concept and design that clearly sets it apart from other vehicles. The Smart Forfour stirs emotions and conveys a sense of joie de vivre. However, above all, it is the first car in the small car segment to offer high-end technology components to customers who are looking for a premium product. The affiliation with DaimlerChrysler and the Mercedes Car Group is particularly apparent in the Electronic Stability Program supplied as standard, the range of audio, navigation and telecommunication technology and the numerous comfort and safety functions.

All Smart Forfour models are equipped with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard and have disc brakes on both the front and rear axle. Whereas other manufacturers in the small car segment do not offer this dynamic handling control system at all, or if they do, it is usually subject to an extra charge, ESP is part of the basic equipment of the Smart Forfour.

With a choice of powerful engine versions and the exceptionally agile set-up of its active drive chassis, the Smart Forfour meets all the expectations of those looking for a great driving experience. Weighing in at less than 1,000 kg, the Smart Forfour offers a power/weight ratio of up to 12.2 kg per kW (9 kg per bhp), which is comparable with the attractive ratio of the Smart roadster and roadster-coupé. Customers can choose between three petrol and two diesel variants, as well as two design and equipment lines (pulse and passion). The Smart Forfour comes with a conventional five-speed manual transmission as standard. The newly developed, automated six-speed transmission softouch plus is available as an option.

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the interior of the vehicle conveys a feeling of spaciousness, which is typical of the Smart brand. The lounge concept, which is available as an option, lends the interior of the Smart Forfour a veritable living room feel: The backrests of the two front seats can be folded down so that they are almost level with the rear seats to create a large horizontal seat surface. As with the Smart city-coupé, customers can choose between a plastic roof, a panorama glass roof and an electric glass sunroof for the Smart Forfour.

Like all Smart models, the Smart Forfour has a modular safety system and constructional provisions for maximum passenger safety. In crash tests, the five-door Smart displayed qualities that go far beyond the legal requirements and meet the extremely high DaimlerChrysler standards.

UK prices and exact specification will be announced nearer to launch date.

Click here to read our Smart road tests to date.

Smart news release - 30 Jun 2003