Which engine

[Colin from Bovey]

Hi Guys. I am tempted to get a forfour and wonder if anyone can advise on engine suitability. I drive like a granny and want something that will pull well (I have a Yaris 1.5 Tsport that goes any and everywhere in top gear) but want something more refined, just as economical (Im getting 47.6mpg on the yaris). I had a 1.3 passion auto with sports suspension and 16" wheels in 2004 and hated it. Too jerky and bumpy (wrong choice) but now want something more refined (the yaris is fairly course) with the character of the Smart but the ease of use and reliability of the Yaris. Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated before I take the plunge. Thanks in advance Colin

[lalli_d1]

Re: Which engine

i have a 1.1 and it does me well. most recommend the 1.3 or the 1.5 diesel.

the 1.1, 1.3 and the 1.5 diesels are 3 pot engines, the 1.5 and the brabus are 4 pot

the 1.1 is out of the question for you as it need to be in the right gear to 'go'. the 1.3 had the go and the economy and then there is the 1.5 petrol and brabus and the 1.5 diesels

im going to get told off for redirecting you to another forum, so ill keep my mouth schtum

[madDan]

Re: Which engine

Just plum for the 1.5 diseasil

[Evilution]

Re: Which engine

Agreed, either of the 1.5l diesels.

[problemchild1976]

Re: Which engine

diesel but unfortunately smart hasn't upgraded the suspension since they stopped making them.......

if you hated the ride then, you will hate it now!!

sports suspension being an aftermarket kit??

JJ

[Colin from Bovey]

Re: Which engine

Thanks guys. I will try to get the opportunity to try a diesel but had discounted it because I have in the past had Audi A2's both petrol and 3cyl diesel which were chalk and cheese. The petrol was prob the most refined car I ever had (nitemare electrics) and the diesel the worst, like a speedy tractor which is why I am tempted by the 1.5 petrol. My 1.3 was a pre launch car bought untried and unseen and came with sport suspension & 16" wheels. I was lent a 'black' while it was having its one and only service and I seem to remember that was fine. However the 'Itch' remains. Will just have to be patient and wait for something 'local' to crop up. Thanks again. Colin

[Thrumbleux]

Re: Which engine

Finding a decent one will surely be an issue. They're all getting long in the tooth by now. Better I'd have thought to consider a hatch from any of the other manufacturers - something more up to date - possibly still in production even.

[problemchild1976]

Re: Which engine

LOADS of quality ones around.

You will have no issues finding one that is lovely and has been well looked after.

JJ

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Which engine

I have owned both a 1.1 and currently own a 1.3 model.

The 1.3 is very adequate for tootling around and if you want a bit of go its not bad. I seem to remember when looking that the 1.3 is supposed to be slightly better with mpg than the 1.1 as well.

In any case if you were not impressed with the auto box stick with a manual, ive found it to be one of the best gear changes ive used

[lalli_d1]

Re: Which engine

In any case if you were not impressed with the auto box stick with a manual, ive found it to be one of the best gear changes ive used

its not a proper auto, its an automated manual just like every smart on the market

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Which engine

If it chages gear for you and doesnt have a clutch then i class it as an automatic.

I drive semi-auto HGV's which have a clutch so there not strictly automatic.

Tomato/ Tomata

[lalli_d1]

Re: Which engine

it has 2 pedals so its an auto i know but there is a normal clutch which is operated by an actuator instead of a conventional torque converter in conventional auto systems. which is why the gear changes are 'jerky' and slow

[Jimmyrinse]

Re: Which engine

Seems a pointless system to incorporate when you could just have a proper automatic, I am yet the experience this style of box but am in the process of getting my roadster ready to use, I understand this is one of the main flaws on the roadster, why they didnt offer a manual option is beyond me.

Although until you have driven a hgv with 8 or 12 gears you dont know the meaning of the word 'slow gear change' !

[davros7760]

Re: Which engine

I suspect there are members who can elaborate, but Smart were restricted with the roadster to having no traditional centre tunnel
for a traditional gear linkage and time was of the essence.......

As to your original question get a 1.5l diesel - no question.

My partner's is a manual, which is an excellent gearchange and very economical.

But that's not the main reason - it has more torque comparative to its size than any
engine I have come across.

My roadster has almost every conceivable 'improvement' imaginable but the plain fact
is the forFour will beat it low end and top speed all day.

Its so flexible through all the rev range which makes it such a usable car

[problemchild1976]

Re: Which engine

^^^^ what he said!!

JJ