2015 smart fortwo and forfour Make World Debuts at Paris

These are basically the first completely new models to be unveiled by the Mercedes-owned company in 16 years after the introduction of the original fortwo model. Every model that came in between was basically some sort of facelift compared to its predecessor. Not anymore, these two are completely new from chassis to the headlights.

The design might be a bit controversial when you first look at it. Sure, that’s a subjective matter but keep in mind that they are supposed to be practical first of all while looks come seconds.

Only two drivetrains are available for now

At launch, the German manufacturer will deliver only two drivetrains for both models. The lower-spec version is a 999cc naturally aspirated unit with 3 cylinders making 71 HP and 91 Nm (67 lb-ft) of torque while the higher-spec one has a smaller displacement at only 898 cc but has a turbocharger attached to it, forcing it to make 90 HP and 135 Nm (100 lb-ft) of torque. The might not seem like much but they will do the trick.

Both cars will share these two units as well as the transmission, the Achilles’ heel of their predecessors. While the older gen model came only with a semi-automatic gearbox that was borderline terrible, the new ones can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic called twinamic.

The layout was kept intact, with the dynamic duo having the engines mounted above the rear axle just like before, powering the wheels beneath them exclusively. That means you can also have some fun driving them around town as well.

What about the pricing?

Deliveries are scheduled to begin on November 22 and the smart fortwo will have a price tag of €10,895 ($14,590) to begin with, while the forfour starts at €11,555 ($15,474). Therefore for the two extra doors and different body style you have to pay just €660 ($833).

However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Sure, you can get them with just like that, as standard but dive into the optionals list and you’ll soon be looking at a different price tag. There are three equipment lines available ranging between Passion, Prime and Proxy, the latter being the most expensive.

Cool new features?

Thanks to its longer wheelbasse (2,707 mm), the forfour offers 975 liters of storage with the rear seat backrests folded down into the floor, while the fortwo offers 350 liters for all your bits and bobs from behind the front seats to roof level. In terms of safety, an updated tridion cell protects occupants from harm's way thanks to ultra-high strength hot-formed steels and maximum-strength multiphase steel construction.

Standard safety features include Crosswind assist, airbags all around, Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, a new front axle as well as an optimized De Dion rear axle.