Yet, aside from these changes, a closer look reveals that smart brand characteristics are alive and well in the forfour. Round wide-needle gauges are styled similarly to those in the roadster, and the folded dashboard looks to be an expansion of that in the fortwo. As this is a more expensive vehicle, the quality of materials has reportedly been thoroughly boosted. And just in case forfour owners that traded up from their fortwos find the new interior too mainstream, all they need do is look towards the center hub of the two-spoke multi-function steering wheel and see the HUGE smart logo to know they're still part of the smart family.
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| Although more conventional than some of its previous cars, the forfour's interior still sports many smart brand characteristics. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
While destined to compete with the VW Polo and Ford Fiesta in Europe and Chevy Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Toyota Echo in North America, the forfour is actually a fair deal smaller. Its overall length is just 3,752 mm (147.7 inches). This of course impacts on interior space, so don't expect class leading volume.
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| The forfour's 60/40 split rear seat makes it capable of hauling loads of all sizes. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
You can, however, expect a sense of occasion through the car's individuality and versatility. Cheerful fabric seat trim brightens up the cabin, adding style, while the rear seat's 60/40 split makes it capable of hauling loads of all sizes. The back seat also slides fore and aft to create extra legroom for rear passengers, or additional cargo space if needed. One truly impressive forfour feature is that the front seats can fold flat to create a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Simply crank up the tunes on the powerful subwoofer and tweeter enhanced audio system, turn over the front seat's flip-over armrest, kick back and enjoy. This is a car that can be used for getting from A to B or for personal time, whether the latter is a nap on the car's optional color-coordinated cushions, basking in sunrays streaming through the glass sunroof, or stargazing through the optional 1.4 square meter (15.1 square foot) panoramic glass roof.