Smart is more than just a two-seater fortwo. The history of the brand is full of vehicles that tried to expand the concept of urban transport, even though it didn’t necessarily exist.
Then there is the smart sports car. It was a small sports car. You sit very low. You drive a smile on your face. I find this platform not only practical, but also fun. But having fun doesn’t always pay.
Smart Forfour tried a different perspective. It was a 4-door hatchback. It’s basically a traditional small car with four seats and a tailgate. It feels more like an economy supermini than a city wagon. Sales were disappointing. This streak ended in 2005. But things are getting weird in America. Since the US does not officially get the Roadster from Mercedes-Benz USA, the Forfour was also imported via the same route as the Fortwo. So even though global production ends, you can still find Forfours on US roads for a while.
The SUV plans continued. Also. Small 4×4. It was supposed to be built in Brazil. This plan is bold. Half of Formoaz’s production is sold to the US market. It never happened. The Fomorian remains a ghost. This suggests what Smart could have achieved had it embraced the compact SUV trend earlier.
Fomor was originally planned to be manufactured in Brazil, half of which was sold to the US market.
These styles reflect the brand’s hesitation. They want to be everything to everyone. Roadster is designed for enthusiasts. Forfour is for families who still want something a little quirky. The Fomor is perfect for anyone looking for a small SUV. Nothing conquered the mass market like the Fortwo. They are now relics. to a large extent.
BRABUS Fortwo: More style, less speed?
Mercedes tuner Brabus doesn’t just slap a logo on a Smart and call it a day. They got to work, but the results were somewhat paradoxical. The power of the standard BRABUS Fortwo rises to 74 horsepower. You’d think that’s a win. It isn’t.
The car became heavier as Brabus added body styling and interior updates. The extra weight cancels out the increase in power. The BRABUS version actually accelerates more slowly than the base models Pulse and Passion. Don’t forget the governor. The speed remains at 84 mph.
But when you step inside, you find something interesting. It has a three-spoke steering wheel with a push-button shifter. It’s a small change, but it sets the tone for Brabus’ efforts.
Next comes the Black Star version. This is different. Horsepower increases to 101 horsepower. This is real growth. But you can’t just buy it. Mercedes limited production to 101 cars. The rarity attracts interest, even if the numbers seem arbitrary.
BRABUS didn’t stop there. They also make exclusive versions of the Fourfour and Roadster. special. limited. expensive.
