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.
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| Smart will export its new family haulers to North America as soon as it can build them. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
While the upcoming forfour and Mitsubishi Colt share architectural underpinnings, it's not like the old days where two cars were built on the 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 Mitsubishi's 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.
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| The forfour is the first car from smart that can accommodate four passengers. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
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 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. There's 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. There's actually a standard center console - how conventional.