Smart ForFour 2014 review - pictures

The previous Smart Forfour only lasted two years in the UK - Smart is hoping this new model, sister car to the Renault Twingo, will do better.

The Smart Forfour shares its rear-engine, rear-drive mechanicals with both the smaller Fortwo and the Renault Twingo.

The Smart Forfour has a quirky interior filled with interesting touches like the temperature slider for the climate control.

Rear seat space is still worse than cheaper citycars, like the Hyundai i10.

Boot space is also down on rivals with only 180 litres - but the split folding rear seats and folding front passenger seat do help alleviate this.

The rear doors open very wide, making access easier when fitting a child seat, for example.

Top spec models get a panoramic glass roof, which looks great - but eats into already limited rear headroom.

The exposed 'Tridion Safety Cell' is a feature carried over through all generations of Smart - and it looks great in a contrasting colour.

Engine choices mirror the Renault Twingo, with a pedestrian 1.0 unit and a perkier 0.9 turbo with 89bhp.

Safety options like Crosswind Assist, lane keeping assist and a forward collision warning are available.

The Smart Forfour's rear engine is intended to increase cabin space.

Without an engine in the way, the front wheel can turn incredibly tightly - the Smart Forfour's turning circle is only bettered by its sibling, the Fortwo, and a London Black Cab.

There are three trim levels - Passion, Proxy, and Prime, with many other personalisation options available.

The Smart Forfour is around £2000 more expensive than rivals like the Hyundai i10, which would be difficult to justify.