SMART FORFOUR

Sometimes you need a little bit more room than just a passenger seat and two backpacks, and Smart’s alternative for those who absolutely must have its city car style is the Fourfour. But while it looks nothing like its predecessor, it’s a little bit cleverer than just a stretched wheelbase and two extra doors.

In fact, a welcome side effect from the increased dimensions over the Fourtwo (800 mm bumper to bumper) is extra resistance to the gusts experienced during autumn in Cape Town – which troubled this model’s smaller sibling slightly earlier on in the same day. Both models are equipped with the company’s Crosswind Assist system as standard – not that I felt any particular assistance in either model.

As I mentioned earlier, there’s more to the Forfour than just the size. Smart lived up to its name by making optimum use of the available cabin space, with rear seatbacks that fold down to create 975 litres of utility room, “readyspace” rear seat cushion that can be reversed to allow for 120 mm more loading height, and rear doors that open to nearly 90 degrees.

The normally aspirated engine it shares with the Fortwo is peppy, but with four adults in the Fortwo, I’m guessing its performance will fall short of zippy. Fortunately, Mercedes-benz is bringing a 0,9-litre turbopetrol motor with six-speed dual- clutch transmission as this magazine hits the printers. That’d be the one I’d go for. From: R210 400