Used car check: Smart Forfour (Typ 453)

The second generation of the Smart Forfour has been on the market for almost seven years. How is the little one doing at the TÜV?

A Smart with four seats: The implementation of this idea was not particularly successful at the first attempt. The first generation of the Smart Forfour, developed in cooperation with Mitsubishi, was discontinued in 2006 after just two years. The second generation (Type 453), now with Renault as a cooperation partner, has been at the start since 2014. 

Body and interior: You don't necessarily see at first glance that the Smart Forfour and the Renault Twingo are closely related. The four-seat Smart looks like a clone of the shorter Smart Fortwo from the front. The Tridion safety cell with the steep honeycomb radiator grille and the tight front and rear overhangs are a defining feature of the style. With a length of 3,50 meters, the Forfour exceeds its smaller brother by 80 centimeters. The rear is quite comfortable, at least for a vehicle of this length. The trunk volume varies between 185 and 975 liters depending on the position of the backrest. The seats are comfortable, the workmanship and the interior look okay. Depending on the preferences of the first-time buyer, the inside is either sober or colorful thanks to colorful applications. 
In 2019 the Smart received a facelift. The front has been redesigned, there are LED taillights at the rear. 

Engines and drive: An important difference to the first generation is the placement of the engine. He is now sitting in the stern. As a result, the small four-seater now has a turning circle of 8,65 meters. Ideal conditions for bustling through narrow streets and parking garages in an urban environment. At the market launch at the end of 2014, there was a choice of two three-cylinder engines. The one-liter naturally aspirated engine has an output of 52 kW / 71 hp and a torque of 91 Nm. The more powerful 0,9-liter turbo offers 66 kW / 90 PS and should be the better choice for drivers who value top quality. At least 135 Nm are available here. The turbo can also score at top speed (165 to 151 km / h) and the standard sprint takes 11,2 instead of 15,9 seconds. In terms of consumption, the differences are minor. The vacuum cleaner consumes an average of 4,2 liters, the turbo 4,3 liters. The range is limited, however, as the tank only holds 28 liters. 

Between the beginning of 2015 and mid-2017, Smart offered an offshoot of the suction motor with a reduced output of 45 kW / 61 PS. In all variants, a manual five-speed gearbox provides power transmission ex works, or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission can be ordered for the turbo. Drivers who want a little more power are looking for a Brabus model. The speedster offered between 2016 and 2018 offers 80 kW / 110 PS and 170 Nm and achieves a top speed of 180 km / h. 

The gasoline engines in the Smart Forfour have been history since mid-2019. The only drive is a 60 kW / 81 PS electric motor, which draws its juice from a 17,6 kWh battery. According to the WLTP, a range of around 130 kilometers is possible. 

Equipment and safety: The comfort character of the four-seater does not only depend on the equipment line. The small cars offered in three lines (Passion, Prime and Proxy) can be individually adapted thanks to numerous packages and options. Those interested in used cars must therefore take a close look at which features the desired property has. In the NCAP crash test, the Forfour achieved four out of five stars. Five airbags, including one for the driver's knee, are always on board. First-time buyers could also book a crosswind assistant, a distance warning system with emergency braking function, the lane departure warning system and a cruise control system.

Quality: The Smart Forfour does not pass the TÜV general inspection (HU) with left-hand side. On the one hand, the vehicles that master the general inspection without any problems ensure an overall good result. On the other hand, the TÜV inspectors complain. often the axle suspension as well as brakes and the exhaust system. Interested parties should make sure that the various callbacks have been carried out. In 2017, for example, vehicles had to go to the workshop because of the risk of broken steering knuckles. 

Conclusion: If you are interested in a Smart Forfour, you should take a closer look and look for a fresh TÜV sticker. Used car buyers still have to dig deep into their pockets for older models. At least 5.000 euros are due. At least 9.000 euros are called for e-models. 

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