2003 SMART ForFour 1.5L CDi 5MT FWD (67 HP)

Vehicle Overview

When DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi joined their forces to produce a supermini hatchback for the European market, the result was the Mitsubishi Colt/SMART Forfour.

With little or zero experience in the segment, Mercedes-Benz trusted the Japanese carmaker to design an appropriate platform for the supermini vehicle. Unlike the ForTwo sibling, the ForFour could carry up to five people inside and still be easy to park.

Unlike the wedged-shaped Colt, the ForFour featured rounded edges and curved body panels. Its four round headlights resembled those installed on the ForTwo’s first generation. On the sides, the silver color that covered the A- and C-pillars, the rocker panels, and the roofline, showed the safety cell built for the unibody construction. The design team took inspiration from the smaller sibling when they made the plastic moldings from the wheel arches and the three-lamp system for the taillights.

Inside, the carmaker created an upscale interior, fit for a premium brand. Apart from the base trim levels, which offered just the minimum comfort features, the upper trim models received a leather-clad interior, wood or aluminum adornments, and a Mercedes-Benz sourced infotainment system. As an option, the carmaker even installed a panoramic glass roof.

Under the hood, SMART installed Mitsubishi engines, either gasoline or turbo-diesel. All versions provided front-wheel drive and five-speed manual gearboxes.