Skip advert
Advertisement

Smart ForFour

Smart has taken action, and launched a new version of its ForFour with the focus on value for money.

As with all Smarts, the ForFour makes most sense without frivolous luxuries. The Coolstyle isn't fast, but it has bags of character and ample pace. Pick of the range.

City cars should be small on the outside, roomy on the inside and, above all else, cheap. Smart's models have excellent packaging and compact dimensions, so the firm's recent financial struggles must be down to its pricing policy. Now it's taken action, and launched a new version of its ForFour with the focus on value for money.

The Coolstyle sits near the bottom of the five-door's range, and is intended to slim down the standard equipment list without diminishing the ForFour's appeal. It comes with attractive alloys and air-conditioning as standard, but other luxuries such as electric door mirrors are ignored. A less-is-more approach has also been taken under the bonnet. The Coolstyle has the ForFour's familiar 1.1-litre three-cylinder engine, but the output falls from 75bhp to 64bhp. As a result, the sprint from 0-62mph takes an epic 15.3 seconds - 1.9 seconds behind the higher-powered version. Around town, the performance sacrifice is less noticeable, with the characterful motor eager to rev through its five-speed manual gearbox. Only on the open road does the car begin to feel sluggish.

Inside, the basic trim doesn't look out of place. The five-seater is spacious and practical, and a plain and honest finish to the fabrics and plastics adds to its appeal as a practical urban runaround. At £8,595, the Coolstyle finally gives the ForFour a price which is likely to match the budget of potential buyers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,152 off RRP*Used from £14,700
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,300
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025