smart forfour Review
Published: 21st August 2005
smart forfour
Safety and Security 
The smart forfour is equipped with the following safety and security equipment as standard:
ESP (electronic stability programme) with hydraulic brake assist, ABS (anti-lock brakes) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution), disc brakes - front and rear, ASR (acceleration skid control), tridion safety cell, surround light, crash elements front and rear, safety steering column, crash sensor, front fog lights (standard on Passion only), full-size driver and front passenger airbag, side airbags (front), seat belts with belt tensioner and belt-force limiter (front), 2 rear seat belts (3-point seat belts), breakdown kit with compressor, drive lock - automatic central locking when vehicle is in motion, anti-theft alarm system and central locking and immobiliser with key control.Comfort and Refinement
The seats are both comfortable and supportive - one annoying feature is that a height adjustable driver's seat is standard on Passion models only. We feel that this is a serious omission especially as the target market is female and may need to adjust the height of the seat.
The standard 3-spoke steering wheel is height adjustable and a multi-function steering wheel incorporating audio controls and trip computer is available as an option.
A panoramic glass roof with sunblind is standard on Passion models which gives the cabin a light and airy feel. We found that even with the blind across the cabin got very hot and the air-conditioning with automatic temperature control (standard on Passion models) was particularly welcome. An electric glass sunroof is available as as option.
Fabric seat upholstery is standard across the forfour range with the smart leather package which includes black leather upholster and heated seats available as an option. We found the fabric upholstery a bit rough and felt it would hitch with long term family use.
How It Looks - Exterior
The forfour's distinctive exterior styling immediately identifies
it as a member of the smart family. Only smart has the unique two-colour
concept with tridion safety cell and body panels. The proportions
of the forfour are also unmistakably smart with an extremely short
overhang and large wheels filling the wheel arches. The forfour's
unusual 'four-eyed-face' gives it character and an almost human
appeal.
smart also give you the opportunity to personalise your forfour with a choice of 10 body panel colours, 2 tridion colours as well as optional design and model lines.
