What’s good?

• Unlike before, the ForFour has been developed alongside the more compact ForTwo for the first time. So despite it’s obvious size advantage it retains the clever rear-engined packing and rear-wheel drive setup. The first ForFour was largely based on the Mitsubishi Colt.
• Placing the engine over the rear axle makes the ForFour considerably more nimble and agile than rivals. This is highlighted by the 8.65m turning circle, meaning awkward three point turns are a thing of the past.
• To keep running costs down the only powertrains offered to buyers are downsized three-cylinder engines. The cheapest option from launch will be a 70bhp 1.0-litre petrol, while a more powerful 89bhp 900cc turbo is also available.
• Shortly after arriving in showrooms a lesser-powered 59bhp 1.0-litre engine will follow.
• Alongside the new engines, Smart has also introduced new gearboxes. A five-speed manual is standard, while a new dual clutch auto will be a £995 option when it becomes available early next year.
• Around congested city centres the more powerful and costly turbo engine – a £700 premium – delivers decent acceleration. It doesn’t have the in-gear shove you’d expect from a turbocharged engine and above or below the peak power band it feels a little lethargic and lazy with its power delivery.
• The new suspension setup makes it a more relaxing and comfortable way to cover ground. Changes in surface are dealt with little fuss and it doesn’t fidget about or make a meal of things unlike some rivals in this sector.
• It’s not the largest of cars but innovative seating arrangements in the back helps utilize what space is there. The squabs of the rear seats can be tumbled into the floor which frees up space allowing you to transport bulkier items which the boot wouldn’t accommodate.
• Boot space can be increased from the standard 180 litres offered by bolting the rear seats in a more upright position.
• There’s a good range of safety features available on the ForFour, Lane departure warning, front collision assist and crosswind assist – to aid you when overtaking lorries – are all available.
• At only £495 more than the smaller ForTwo, the ForFour represents good value when you consider how much more car you get for your money.

What’s not?

• It’s expensive. Equally capable rivals from the likes of VW and Skoda cost around £2,000 less in similar spec.[contentblock id=10 img=gcb.png]
• Out of its comfort zone on faster roads, the Smart doesn’t adapt as well as rivals. At higher speeds wind noise is excessive and covering long distances is much more relaxing in rival models.
• Despite the rear-wheel drive chassis, the ForFour isn’t as fun or as memorable to drive as some of its front-wheel drive opposition . The skinny front tyres also run out of grip rather quickly.