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2006 smart forfour Preview

Big for smart but Still Tiny for North America

Smarts arent normal cars. No, the Germans who brainstormed the idea of what the ideal city car should be probably had something strange in their drinking water, because the result has been as far from middle-of-the-road as possible.

The fortwo, smarts (the lower case is intentional) first model originally called the City, put the company on the map with its tiny size and unique styling. In a world of boring 2-box hatchbacks and 3-box sedans, which make up the majority of cars on the road in Europe, it was a breath of fresh air. It embodied a cute, UFO-like exterior design, shaped around mountain-bike sized front tires affixed to a rear-mounted, rear-wheel driven chassis that incorporates a DeDion transaxle.

Weird or wonderful, whatever, the European community couldnt, and now the world

In a world of boring 2-box hatchbacks and 3-box sedans, the smart brand is a breath, albeit a quirky breath of fresh air. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

cant get enough of them. What to do? Extend the brand to more models of course. With the addition of the sporty coupe and roadster, smart has added an economical sports car to its lineup, and its been a great success capturing rave reviews.

But while still out in the cold, North Americans wont be without smarts for long. The DaimlerChrysler division will be sold into Canada first, this coming fall with the launch of the long-running fortwo, and then here in the U.S. in about two years, with the advent

North Americans wont be without smarts for long, with DaimlerChryslers Canadian division set to test the market with the tiny fortwo this fall. The U.S. will get the larger forfour the following year. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

of the forfour sedan (really a four-door hatchback) and formore SUV.

You heard it right. Smart will export its new family haulers to North America as soon as it can build them, a process that will pair the quirky brand with fringe mainstreamer Mitsubishi - partially owned and now fully controlled by DaimlerChrysler.

While the upcoming forfour and Mitsubishi Colt share architectural underpinnings, its not like the old days where two cars were built on the

Smart will export its new family haulers to North America as soon as it can build them. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

same fixed platform. Rather, the two will use a variety of like components. Both cars will roll off the NedCar assembly plant in Holland, the ex-home of Mitsubishis Carisma sedan. DaimlerChrysler purchased the plant from the hands of Volvo, which used it for building the outgoing S40/V40, and previous to these the 340/440 models. Important to note, DCX has ensured that both cars will feature distinctive personalities, meaning the Mitsubishi will look and drive differently from the forfour.

As its name suggests the new family-friendly model is for four people, though it will seat five in a pinch. This breaks new ground for smart, a company that

The forfour is the first car from smart that can accommodate four passengers. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

has previously only catered to the aged without grandkids, young adults, or families needing a second car strictly for commuting purposes.

Now able to accommodate more people, smart has made quite a few changes to the forfour when compared to the fortwo, as far as the look and shape of the interior goes. Theres an immediate difference in the appearance of the cockpit, executed in a manner of seriousness and sobriety as opposed to the free-thinking look of the fortwo. Most controls are in their "proper" places, which will help converts to the brand feel at home faster. For instance the instruments are now in front of the driver, rather than having bits and pieces scattered atop the dash. Theres actually

Although more conventional than some of its previous cars, the forfours interior still sports many smart brand characteristics. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

a standard center console - how conventional.

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