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smart issued the following press release on the forfour:
The smart forfour is the first car in its segment to combine the functionality of a small car with the emotional appeal of a young car brand. Thanks to its flexible interior, the sporty four-seater is extremely versatile, clearly illustrating that the core brand values of innovation and functionality are consistently implemented by smart. The smart forfour will go on sale in the spring of 2004 starting at a net price of approximately ’ 11,000 in the euro countries.
The proportions of the smart forfour are typical of the smart brand. The car is compact and sporty with its extremely short overhang at the rear and large wheels flush-fitted with the wings. In all variants of the smart forfour, the body has four side doors and a tailgate.
The smart forfour is a car with a concept and design which clearly sets it apart from other vehicles. The smart forfour stirs emotions and conveys a sense of joie de vivre. However, above all, it is the first car in the small car segment to offer high-end technology components to customers who are looking for a premium product. The affiliation with DaimlerChrysler and the Mercedes Car Group is particularly apparent in the Electronic Stability Programme supplied as standard, the range of audio, navigation and telecommunication technology and the numerous comfort and safety functions.
All smart forfour models are equipped with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard and have disk brakes on both the front and rear axle. Whereas other manufacturers in the small car segment do not offer this dynamic handling control system at all, or if they do, it is usually subject to an extra charge, ESP is part of the basic equipment of the smart forfour.
With a choice of powerful engine versions and the exceptionally agile set-up of its active drive chassis, the smart forfour meets all the expectations of those looking for a great driving experience. Weighing in at less than 1,000 kilograms, the smart forfour offers a power/weight ratio of up to 12.2 kilograms per kilowatt (9 kg per bhp), which is comparable with the attractive ratio of the smart roadster and roadster-coup’. Customers can choose between three petrol and two diesel variants, as well as two design and equipment lines (pulse and passion). The smart forfour comes with a conventional five-speed manual transmission as standard. The newly developed, automated six-speed transmission softouch plus is available as an option. — smart fortwo rebranding.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the interior of the vehicle conveys a feeling of spaciousness which is typical of the smart brand. The lounge concept, which is available as an option, lends the interior of the smart forfour a veritable living room feel: The backrests of the two front seats can be folded down so that they are almost level with the rear seats to create a large horizontal seat surface. As with the smart city-coup’, customers can choose between a plastic roof, a panorama glass roof and an electric glass sunroof for the smart forfour.
Like all smart models, the smart forfour has a modular safety system and constructional provisions for maximum passenger safety. In crash tests, the five-door smart displayed qualities which go far beyond the legal requirements and meet the extremely high DaimlerChrysler standards.
Driving pleasure as a standard feature:
Power/weight ratio of the smart forfour
on a par with the smart roadster and roadster-coup’
With a choice of powerful engine versions and the exceptionally agile set-up of its active drive chassis, the new smart forfour meets all the expectations of those looking for a great driving experience. Weighing in at less than 1,000 kilograms, the smart forfour offers a power/weight ratio of up to 12.2 kilograms per kilowatt (9 kg per bhp), which is on a par with the low ratio of the smart roadster and roadster-coup’. The steering of the sporty four-seater is very responsive and can take fast bends with minimal lateral inclination.
The roll angle of the smart forfour is also at the low level of the smart roadster and roadster-coup’. The wide track width – 1,460 millimetres at the front and 1,445 millimetre in the rear are decisive for this – along with the spring and shock absorber settings. With a total spring travel of 170 millimetres at the front and 180 millimetres at the rear, the smart forfour has ample reserves for coping with bumpy roads, ensuring a comfortable ride for the passengers at all times. — Smart Roadster's open-air motoring experience.
A choice of five powerful engine variants
A total of five powerful engine versions are available for the smart forfour: Besides two diesel engines with three cylinders, a capacity of 1.5 litres and 50/70 kW power output, three petrol variants are also available. These have an engine capacity of 1.1 litres, 1.3 litres and 1.5 litres along with a power output of between 55 kW and 80 kW. The 1.1 litre engine is designed for three cylinders and the other two are four-cylinder models.
All engine versions comply with the limit values set out in the EU4 exhaust directive, thus entitling owners resident in Germany to tax exemption for two years. The new family of petrol engines, which was specially created for the smart forfour, is the result of cooperation between DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi. The petrol engines are produced in the MDC Power engine factory in K’lleda (Thuringia), which was specially constructed for this purpose. Both diesel engine versions are identical from a mechanical perspective, whereby the 50 kW version was derived electronically from the 70 kW variant. Both diesel engines are built by DaimlerChrysler in Stuttgart-Untert’rkheim.
Exclusive sports package available as an option
Available on request for all smart forfour models, the sports package ensures an even more dynamic driving experience and a suitably sporty look. Included in this sports package are a lowering kit and 6.5 x 16 wheels. Added to this are blue-tinted windows and a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, all of which combine to lend the smart forfour an additional sporty touch – both inside and outside.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as a standard feature in all models — 2003 smart updates.
All smart forfour models are equipped with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard and have disk brakes on both the front and rear axle. ESP uses selective brake intervention to stabilise the vehicle. In addition, ESP offers a Hydraulic Brake Assist and a differential lock function. Furthermore, the Anti-lock Braking System ABS including Electronic Brake-force Distribution is integrated in ESP.
ESP ensures that the smart forfour always follows the direction in which the driver steers, even at the stability limit of driving dynamics. In addition to closing the throttle valve, ESP also features selective brake intervention acting on individual wheels. This ensures directional stability and road adhesion when accelerating, braking and coasting.
All versions of the smart forfour are equipped with Electric Power Steering. This leads to a notable increase in steering comfort as well as a significant reduction in the effort required to turn the steering wheel, particularly during manoeuvring. At the same time, Electric Power Steering offers considerable advantages over conventional electro-hydraulic systems in terms of weight, required space and fuel consumption.
The lanechanger function for the indicators contributes to road traffic safety and convenience. Briefly pressing the steering column control stalk makes the selected direction indicator flash three times.
