Fortwo/Forfour Comeback Planned for Smart ForFour

[Bartek S.]

The Smart brand has just been launched in the U.S. and with preorder sales already beating expectations Mercedes officials think it’s time to bring back the ForFour. The original model was quickly dropped from the Smart lineup following lackluster sales but with carmakers around the world desperate to launch new eco-friendly models we’re likely to see Mercedes launch a second-generation version of the car in the not too distant future.

Speaking with reporters from Germany’s DPA at last month’s Detroit Auto Show, Smart COO Rainer Schmückle said planners were still deciding on what the new model should look like and whether it should be badged as a Smart or a Mercedes-Benz.
The previous ForFour was built from 2004 and 2006 and was based on the FWD Colt platform from Mitsubishi and was built in the Netherlands. When the next-gen Smart ForTwo was launched last year, the four seat, four door version was dropped.
There are plenty of competitors just around the corner as well. Volkswagen is currently developing its new up! family of minicars and even Mitusbishi’s own Colt and ‘i’ minicars are selling beyond expectations.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/hatchbacks/comeback-planned-for-smart-forfour/

 

[Gullwing]

No reason why it wouldn't sell well, if they designed it right.

 

[tennmb]

this would actually make more sense in the US than the four2.

I'd buy this, with a diesel.

We are a Smart dealer. I am very dissapointed that there is no diesel. 41 mpg highway is not great for such a dinky car.

 

[bmer]

this would actually make more sense in the US than the four2.

I'd buy this, with a diesel.

We are a Smart dealer. I am very dissapointed that there is no diesel. 41 mpg highway is not great for such a dinky car.

What are your driving impressions on the fortwo?

 

[rev]

Preview: Second-generation Smart ForFour

The Smart brand has just been launched in the U.S. and with pre-order sales already beating expectations Mercedes officials think it’s time to bring back the ForFour. The original model was quickly dropped from the Smart lineup because of lackluster sales but with carmakers around the world desperate to launch new eco-friendly models we’re likely to see Mercedes launch a second-generation version of the car in the not too distant future.

Mercedes-Benz exec Rainer Schmückle revealed during January’s Detroit Auto Show that officials were considering relaunching the car but were unsure whether to badge it as a Smart or a Mercedes-Benz.

As this latest rendering suggests, the four-door Smart will likely be a stretched version of the current ForTwo. This also suggests the car would mimic the current model’s engine lineup, including both petrol and diesel three cylinder engines and the upcoming hybrid-drive. There could also be a zero-emission electric version of the car. Mercedes is currently testing an electric ForTwo concept, which features a 30kW electric motor and has a range of about 115km.

There are plenty of competitors just around the corner as well. Volkswagen is currently developing its new up! family of minicars and even Mitsubishi’s own Colt, which the previous ForFour was based on, is selling beyond expectations.

Second-generation Smart ForFour rendering



Source: Motor Authority Preview: Second-generation Smart ForFour


LOL at that rendering