A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
3.8
Practicality
4.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a compact city car that offers more space than you’d expect? The Smart Forfour might be exactly what you need for urban adventures. This four door hatchback takes the iconic Smart formula and adds practical rear seats, making it perfect for small families or couples who occasionally need extra passenger space. The Forfour stands out in the crowded city car segment with its tight turning circle, funky styling and surprisingly roomy interior despite its compact footprint.
While rivals like the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto focus on value, the Smart Forfour brings a more premium feel with distinctive design and clever packaging. Built alongside the Renault Twingo, it shares reliable mechanicals but wraps them in Smart’s unique aesthetic that turns heads wherever you park. The rear mounted engine layout creates more cabin space than traditional front engine rivals, giving passengers unexpected legroom in such a small package.
The Smart Forfour appeals to urban drivers who want something different from the mainstream city car crowd. Whether you’re navigating narrow city streets, squeezing into tight parking spaces, or simply want a car with personality, the Forfour delivers an engaging driving experience with car finance options to suit various budgets. It’s proof that small cars don’t have to be boring or compromise on style.
What's the Smart Forfour Like to Drive?
The Smart Forfour prioritizes efficiency and urban agility over outright performance. The standard 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol engine produces around 71 horsepower, which feels adequate for city driving and short trips. Acceleration to 60 mph takes around 14 seconds, making it one of the slower cars in its class. However, the lightweight construction means it feels more responsive than the numbers suggest, particularly in stop and start traffic.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.0L 3-cylinder petrol
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Power Output
71 - 90 bhp
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0-60 mph
14.4 - 11.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
57 - 62 mpg
- Boot Space
- 185 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Smart Forfour?
Step inside the Forfour and you’ll find a surprisingly spacious and well designed cabin. The dashboard features Smart’s signature design language with colorful trim panels and intuitive controls. The materials are mostly hard plastics, but they’re well fitted and feel durable enough for daily use. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help drivers of different heights find their ideal position.
A surprisingly practical city solution, the Forfour cleverly maximizes space within its compact footprint. It’s not thrilling, but its usability and ease of maneuverability are undeniable strengths.
Is the Smart Forfour Expensive to Run?
The Forfour’s running costs are generally reasonable, with fuel economy being a particular strength. Real world fuel consumption typically ranges from the high 40s to low 50s MPG, helping keep your monthly fuel bills manageable. Insurance groups are low, making it affordable for younger drivers or those looking to reduce their annual premiums. Road tax is minimal due to the low CO2 emissions.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Smart Forfour
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Toyota Yaris
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Hyundai i20
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £13,000 | £19,000 | £18,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.0L 71hp | 1.5L 111hp | 1.2L 84hp |
| Power | 71 bhp | 111 bhp | 84 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 14.4 seconds | 9.7 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 60 mpg | 58 mpg | 55 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 185 litres | 286 litres | 352 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Compact dimensions, Urban agility, Distinctive style | Hybrid option, Reliability, Practicality | Long warranty, Good value, Spacious cabin |
Smart Forfour Practicality & Boot Space
Despite its compact external dimensions, the Forfour makes clever use of available space. The 185 litre boot is small by conventional standards, but it’s well shaped and can accommodate a weekly shop for two people. The rear seats fold to expand cargo capacity, though the loading lip is quite high. Cabin storage includes useful door pockets, a decent glove box, and various cubbies for phones and drinks.
Perfect for London living with tight parking spaces everywhere. The back seats are surprisingly roomy for short trips and the fuel economy is excellent. The only downside is the small boot when doing a big supermarket shop.
The Smart Forfour carves out a unique niche in the competitive small car market by prioritizing urban usability above all else. It combines Smart’s city car expertise with genuine four seat practicality, wrapped in distinctive styling that stands out from the crowd. While it may not offer the outright space or performance of mainstream rivals, it excels in the specific requirements of city driving.