New Smart Fortwo 453 launches today at 18:00pm GMT.

[RacingSnake]

I'm interested to see what the brabus cabrio version looks like

[TallOrder]

I don't really like it, I've seen a few comments in different places that it looks like a Chinese copy, and I can see what they mean. The separate indicators on the front below the headlights, why? It looks off, they could have put them in the headlights, and it's probably going to be a pain in the arse to change those bulbs. The base of the windscreen pillar, where it meets the bonnet, front wing and side window, is a mess. I think this is actually done the same way on one of the Chinese copies. No mention of panel swapping, just lots of colour options when you buy the car. In the shots of the ForFour with the doors open, the inside of the door frame is the same colour as the outside panel. Mercedes, please say the panels are still removable/swappable.

I know what you mean - at first I was like "hmm ok, not great but not to bad either, but the more I look at the details in the pictures (may feel different in front of me), the more I'm going off it...

Just to add to what you have said ajprice - I don't like the rear opening either...
On the 450, clean look and you had to open it from inside or with the key (turn or fob).
On the 451, you pressed a hidden button under the number plate 'cowl' like most other cars.
On this you get a crappy plastic lever on the glass itself, with an even crappier looking button.

Looks like they've tried to develop it as cheap as possible but still want to sell it at premium prices...

[ajprice]

I don't really like it, I've seen a few comments in different places that it looks like a Chinese copy, and I can see what they mean. The separate indicators on the front below the headlights, why? It looks off, they could have put them in the headlights, and it's probably going to be a pain in the arse to change those bulbs. The base of the windscreen pillar, where it meets the bonnet, front wing and side window, is a mess. I think this is actually done the same way on one of the Chinese copies. No mention of panel swapping, just lots of colour options when you buy the car. In the shots of the ForFour with the doors open, the inside of the door frame is the same colour as the outside panel. Mercedes, please say the panels are still removable/swappable.

[cougar7609]

I really like the design of that renault, what is its name if it even has a name? you are right that car looks good and would have been a perfect replacement for the smart. You are also right in asking who its aimed at, its too expensive there are many other cars out there that look better and are cheaper. The 450 may have been a loss maker, but at least it looked good and was unique! They should have used better and cheaper suppliers, the radios were **** and they were damned expensive that would have made the loss lesser than it was.

[Evilution]

I don't believe you are. Remember, the Smart Fortwo 451 is/was a loss maker so they need to captivate the young family market, hence why the ForFour is at the top,.

Incorrect. The 450 lost money, the 451 was the only car they were selling when they started making a profit. The Forfour lost money faster than the fortwo, that's why it only lived for just over 2 years.

[S700TRB]

Longer bonnet , does this mean we get to change a headlight bulb with ease ?

[Ocracoke]

Just finished reading the Autocar article. This came from the final verdict...

For the first time, a two-seat Smart feels like a normal car.

And thus, the ship has sailed. I don't want my car to feel "normal" - dammit I want a Smart. Normal can exist somewhere else, thank you very much.

[ColSmart]

3rd gen Smart...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD3QjlUFeCo

[lalli_d1]

its not going to slam on the brakes. it will only apply brakes on the opposite side of the crosswind and gently at that! your getting your pants in a twist before you have even driven it. wait till you drive it and then make your mind up.

[Thrumbleux]

What I'd hoped it might look like...



and what we actually got...was a rehash of a once pretty car full of the compromises of a joint effort with a mainstream manufacturer.
Take a look at the above. Small car can be sharp. Ditto the BMW i3. Flying out the showrooms by all accounts. Their boldness being rewarded. Smart, conversely appear to have attempted to appease all and are appealing to no one.
The inclusion of a clutch pedal on a city car is just a ridiculous step backwards. Apart from the extra chore, it completely removes the option of left foot braking, which, once mastered, makes the necessity of shifting your right foot to the brake pedal from the pedal you'll need seconds later as sensible as operating the gear lever with your hand that's closest the door.
Yes, auto is available. Add another grand to the price, a heavy (often unreliable) gearbox, and another layer of electronic sensors and you can have what smart offered for free since 1999. Progress?

Progress? Yes, according to Autocar (who have driven it) it rides much better and offers better straight line stability - achieved by the wider tracks. Which, for a city car is a questionable move. That's about all I can see though. The interior doesn't strike me as too shabby (but nowhere close to being as sharp and fresh as the i3's) and I have to agree with Kane re the steel rear arches. The complete absence of blistering rust on the wheel arches of my nine year old 450 is feat this model wont match.

The most confusing thing here for me is who smart are targeting with these models. The ForFour market is saturated with capable four seaters and the four door Mini will sell. Many four seaters are nearly as compact as the ForTwo. They aren't cheap enough to hit the burgeoning budget sector. Neither do either offer anything that implies 'premium' - unless derivative conservatism is the benchmark. Not sharp enough to draw a younger crowd. . Who's it aimed at? Pensioners fancying a change from their Honda Jazzes? Jesus...

[zimzimmer]

for me atm it looks kinda odd like one of those aixam things.... it may grow lol

[cougar7609]

If that is the case they are too expensive, for a tiny little car they want far too much and limits the audience which is why dachia and so many other cheaper cars are being bought where as you dont see many of the others on the roads. Quality may not be there, but I really do think that major manufacturers are relying on finance to get people to buy their cars but then there are so many other options out there and there really is no reason to buy one of these when you can go and buy a Mazda 2 or fiesta for sub £10000 and they are much bigger. Where they think their customer market is going to come from I have no idea. The 451 was far too overpriced for a 2 seater and the prices should have ranged from £6000 to £12000 as opposed to £10000 to £19000. This is why you dont see many being sold for their actual price. We bought our 451 for the equivalent of £5500 slightly used (120km on the clock) book price it was supposed to be £9000... There is no way I would have paid the £9000 for it. They are taking the mickey with those sorts of expected prices. There are so many other options that are cheaper. The fiesta we bought last month was top of the range and only cost £11000. Thats a basic smart by those prices and Id rather by the stylish fiesta judging by the pics and video of the new smart.

[Ocracoke]

I don't know if I am seeing too much into things...but has anyone noticed that they put the ForFour first on the main Smart website?

Possibly hoping that most of the sales will come from the ForFour in the "very small but holds 4 people" market currently crowded with the Twingo, Aygo, C1, 107/8, iQ, etc...as I've said before, pricing will be key...


Just read this which kinda confirms my theory...
"At launch, prices for the new ForTwo are expected to start at about £11,000, with a sub-£10,000 entry-level model due to follow later next year. The Forfour is likely to command a premium of about £600"

I don't believe you are. Remember, the Smart Fortwo 451 is/was a loss maker so they need to captivate the young family market, hence why the ForFour is at the top. Also, the public remember the name ForTwo so if that was at the top, they won't see the new ForFour, which is probably going to be more appealing because it is more practical and looks (ehhh...) "normal".

I can't get the words "hipster trendy car" out of my head since the reveal for either of them. Smarts are meant to be different, not follow the trend. I was rather hoping the W453 (The New ForFour) would be a nice bridge into the Smart world but this feels... wrong.

[ColSmart]

Another side view...

[TallOrder]

I don't know if I am seeing too much into things...but has anyone noticed that they put the ForFour first on the main Smart website?

Possibly hoping that most of the sales will come from the ForFour in the "very small but holds 4 people" market currently crowded with the Twingo, Aygo, C1, 107/8, iQ, etc...as I've said before, pricing will be key...


Just read this which kinda confirms my theory...
"At launch, prices for the new ForTwo are expected to start at about £11,000, with a sub-£10,000 entry-level model due to follow later next year. The Forfour is likely to command a premium of about £600"