The New Smart ForTwo and ForFour Are Quirky Rear-Engined, Rear-Wheel Drive City Cars

You’re looking at Smart’s new ForTwo and ForFour city cars, two of the most important cars in the miniature runabout segment. According to parent group Daimler, the new cars have overhauled everything that was rubbish about previous generations, while keeping everything that people loved.

That means the cars are just as tiny as before, but an all-new suspension system and new gearboxes - in the form of a five-speed manual and six-speed dual clutch auto- mean it should be a much better drive. Both cars also look a lot less top heavy than before, owing to a wider track and shrunken height.

The engine’s out back, and powers the rear wheels through a choice of three three-cylinder petrol engines. On launch, there will be a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre 70bhp option as well as an 89bhp turbo’d 900cc engine. Shortly after launch a 59bhp engine will also be available.

The interior has been overhauled and its design is pretty funky, and this is where the fact this car was developed alongside the new Renault Twingo is most evident. Opt for the manual and you’ll get a Renault gearstick, while the multimedia controls are the same as those in the Twingo.

Both cars will go on sale in November.