Smart ForFour 2005 Review: Snapshot
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Smart ForFour 2005 Review: Snapshot

“Have faith,” I insisted, fingers crossed. "It's a smart car."

I heard a lot about this "Mini-Me" car: tough, comfortable, reliable, even revolutionary, part of the Mercedes-Benz group.

And, after all, it's called forfour... for four people... so why not try it out for yourself?

Well, ain't I just a smartass. Forfour passed the test with flying colours.

The only place where the smart car struggled (and only a little bit) was driving through the Adelaide Hills. But, don't forget, the 1.3-liter engine worked overtime when the car was loaded to the brim. It's amazing what you can fit in a car that's only 3.7m long and 1.7m wide...four people plus enough gear for the weekend, drinks included.

Yes, there is enough space in the trunk for the Esky. Just. In fact, the entire rear seat moves forward or backward to provide more legroom or luggage - depending on how well you want to be with your passengers.

The 2/3 split seat also folds down completely so you have a mini station wagon.

A common misconception regarding this small car is that driving it will make you feel vulnerable because it is so small.

Not so, thanks to a lot of smart ideas. The spacious interior makes you feel like you are in a much larger car.

Security has obviously been a big factor in smart design since the tridion security cell (sounds like something out of a Doctor Who series).

Then add dual front and side airbags, integrated airbags (whatever that means), seatbelt pretensioners, belt force limiters, and a whole slew of safety features including ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and ESP (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). stabilization). program).

In terms of looks, this little car is a chic suit, again thanks in part to that tridion cell — the frame that the forfour is built on.

The cell is also the basis for some pretty spectacular color combinations. Choose from three frames, then cut and swap other panels (from 10 colors to choose from) to create the look you want—sleek silver, hot red and black, trendy black, or adorable panda. The panels are made of scratch-resistant plastic, strong enough, according to Mercedes, "to withstand light impacts with little or no damage."

Unfortunately, I can vouch for this - thanks to some clever Alec who hit me and then fled.

Almost a scratch on the bumper.

But smart ideas don't stop there. Here are a few more to whet your appetite:

  • Front automatic windows, rear mechanical.
  • A tray next to the front seats... how often have you dropped something on the front seat and then tried to find it?
  • Removable ashtray.
  • Four-sided interior lighting with a soft glow or brighter individual reading globes.

LOVE IT

It's all about the look, the size (small on the outside but big on the inside), the light stuffing, and especially the fact that other cars kind of bounce off those special body panels.

LEAVE IT

Have to give it back.

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