Still, most buyers will be using it to get to and from work, and this is where it proves super useful. It has a turning circle of 8.65m, which is insanely tight. Indeed, only a London black cab can really rival it. The new model also benefits from Direct Steer, which improves stability at higher speeds.
The ride is much comfier than previously, and the Smart ForFour now absorbs bumps and lumps like a pro.
In terms of the engines, there are no diesels so your choice is restricted to a pair of petrols. Not much separates them in terms of pricing, with the range-topping 0.9-litre model costing just £600 less than the 1.0-litre unit.
It seems odd that a range-topping model develops just 90bhp, but that’s what we have here. It’s nimble and sprightly, and can do 0-62 in 11.2 seconds with the manual gearbox.
The 1.0-litre engine, meanwhile, takes 15.9 seconds to cover the same 0-62 sprint when paired up with the manual. Opt for the automatic gearbox, and it takes almost 17.0 seconds. Painful.
Despite there being no diesel option, running costs are low. The range topping engine can return as much as 67.3mpg economy, which is what the 1.0-litre petrol also manages. Insurance, meanwhile, is dirt cheap, with the car sitting in groups 2 and 3 out of 50.
Inside, the Smart ForFour is as cosy, cute and customisable as ever. It’s bright and colourful, and has more standard kit than last time. The overall quality is better, too, and with more sound deadening materials it isn’t as loud (it’s still fairly loud, though).
The dashboard is easy to get used to, and while there are one or two darker plastics, there are far more brighter ones.
No one expects this car to be super duper practical, but six-foot tall adults should have more than enough room upfront. Access is made easier by wide-opening doors, but taller adults will struggle for both leg and headroom in the rear. You can adjust the rear seats, but this adjustability is primarily in place to make the boot bigger. It measures 185-litres, and can be increased to 975.
There is no lip and its opening is large. Apart from that, storage spaces in the car are sparse and decidedly small.
Price:
Mitsubishi – £12,175 – £14,755
Smart – £10,500 – £20,700