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Smart ForFour

School's out and our ForFour's report card is complete. After 12 months and 14,000 miles we deliver our final verdict

Smart ForFour and report card

By Julie Sinclair

November 2005

When I took over the running of the Smart in August, it had a clear bill of health - so I could start my assessment with a clean sheet. Unfortunately, its behaviour hasn't been perfect. A manufacturing problem meant no oil filters were available at the first service. Eventually it was carried out - more than a month late. Disappointing...

Styling-wise, though, the Smart has been a hit. And it's as distinctive inside as out, with high-quality Mercedes switchgear and comfortable seats. My only complaint is that the twin glass sunroofs and large windows can leave you feeling exposed in the cabin. On the move, the Smart is a pleasant drive... until the traffic grinds to a halt. From a standstill, the two-pedal manual box pulls too hard against the brakes, lurching the car forward.

Out of town, it comes into its own, with sharp steering and tidy body control making light work of twisty B-roads. Excellent economy also means that the ForFour has done more than its fair share of motorway miles, with many colleagues putting up with the shaky ride quality to save on fuel bills.

So, as the Smart heads back to its maker, it's with some disappointment that we hand back the keys. Overall grade? A thoroughly respectable C+.

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Pictures

Smart ForFour and report card
Smart ForFour boot
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Other Reports

REPORT

[+]
Cheap to run, funky styling, quality cabin, twin sunroofs
[-]
Poor mechanical reliability, aftersales service, clunky box, doors need slamming to close properly
On fleet since:October 2004
Price when new:£11,370
Running costs:36.3ppm
Mileage:14,286/42.7mpg
Costs to date:Parcel shelf £45. All repairs were done under warranty

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