The third-generation Smart ForTwo has finally trundled into South Africa, almost two years after debuting on the global stage, and thanks to its ludicrously short wheelbase and seating for just two, again finds itself sans direct rivals.
Is there a market for a 2,69-metre microcar in South Africa? If there is, it’s not a very big one. Indeed, the brand itself admits this particular model is unlikely to sell up a local storm.
Perhaps more significant, though, is the fact that the Daimler-backed automaker has re-introduced the Smart ForFour nameplate, which adds a pair of both perches and portals to the mix to push back into the traditional city car class.
Of course, the Mercedes-Benz Cars division has tried this formula before, with little success. Yes, back in the mid-2000s, Smart introduced the original ForFour supermini, which pilfered its platform from the Mitsubishi Colt, and thus featured a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout and four doors. After about two years and exceedingly slow sales, the project was shelved.
Second time around
But this time, the 22-year-old brand seems to have thought things through a little more. Although the ForFour again shares a high number of components with a vehicle from another automaker (in this case, the latest Renault Twingo, which itself failed to make it to local shores), it stays true to the Smart ForTwo’s rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.
The benefits are palpable, particularly in the city. The turning circle, for instance, is just 8,65 metres kerb to kerb, which makes negotiating increasingly cramped city centres an absolute doddle. Parking, too, is a cinch considering the Smart ForFour’s overall length comes in at less than three-and-a-half metres. And the cabin – up front, at least – is surprisingly airy (although the steering lacks telescopic adjustment).
The two rear seats, meanwhile, will happily accommodate a couple of children, or even a pair of adults of average height, provided the trip is brief. And Smart has managed to squeeze in five airbags and the usual array of active and passive safety features too, with the result being a four-star Euro NCAP rating.
But what about the downsides?
Of course, there are a few drawbacks to this these-days-unusual packaging technique. The luggage compartment, for instance, measures just 185 litres, with the rear-mounted engine taking a serious bite out of practicality (although the back seats can be dropped). And the space freed up under the bonnet is unfortunately reserved for the battery, a few fluid reservoirs, and some suspension bits, rather than luggage.
And don’t let the rear-wheel-drive configuration fool you into believing the ForFour is particularly dynamically gifted. While it’s certainly nimble, it is not at all intended as a mini-sportscar. It does, though, ride noticeably more comfortably than the short-wheelbase ForTwo.
At launch, there’s just one engine available: a 1,0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder married to a five-speed manual gearbox. Emitting a fruity three-pot thrum, the 999 cm3 mill provides the rear wheels with 52 kW and 91 N.m – pretty much on par with cheaper rivals in the city car segment – which translates into a particularly leisurely 15,9-second trundle to 100 km/h.
Round tight city centres, this lack of grunt isn’t really a worry, and is offset by a claimed fuel consumption of 4,2 L/100 km. But away from urban confines, the lack of overtaking oomph is keenly felt, and economy suffers too, with the little engine spinning at a lofty 4 000 r/min in fifth at the national limit.
More power on the way
Those desiring more power will have to wait until July, when a 66 kW 898 cm3 turbo-triple – closely related to the one found in the likes of the Clio, Sandero, and Captur – will join the Smart range, although it will be exclusively mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (a Brabus variant is also under consideration for South Africa).
For the moment, though, the ForFour line-up comprises four trim levels, with plenty of personalisation options and even a number of extra-cost packages on offer.
With prices starting at R179 900 and stretching through to R212 400 before any options boxes have been ticked, the Smart ForFour is perhaps a little more aggressively priced than many may have expected (and interestingly not much more than the ForTwo, like for like), considering its apparent premium positioning.
Built alongside the Twingo
But there are, of course, numerous cheaper – and indeed more spacious – entry points to the city car market. And, since it’s built by Renault alongside the Twingo in Slovenia, a keen eye will spot that a few of the otherwise classy cabin’s bits and bobs (such as the gearknob) have been picked straight from the French automaker’s parts bin.
The boutique exterior styling, though, will likely resonate with urban consumers, particularly when two-tone paint-jobs are specified.
Overall, the Smart ForFour adds a handy degree of practicality naturally missing from the ForTwo recipe, and will doubtless easily outsell its little brother in South Africa. Whether this upmarket take on the humble city car will convince the hordes of typically value-conscious buyers in this segment, however, is another question altogether.
But perhaps, ultimately, it’s not meant to.
