Smart is still working toward launching a four-door model, which could debut by 2015. According to Automotive News, the new Smart ForFour would have a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive.
The new ForFour would be built on the same platform as the new ForTwo. That two-seater is expected to be redesigned for 2014. It will be co-developed with Renault-Nissan, and AN suggests the new ForTwo might even ride on the Renault Twingo platform. The new ForTwo should arrive in 2014.
Daimler, which owns Smart, partnered with Renault-Nissan in April 2010. Along with plans for a commercial van and engine sharing, the alliance also called for two companies could co-develop a small car platform.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard Smart plan on a new four-door model. In fact, last Summer, Smart announced its interest in selling a subcompact four-door hatchback based on the Nissan Micra in the United States. Those plans were scuttled shortly after Daimler wrestled control over the Smart USA operations back from Penske Automotive.
The original Smart ForFour was sold only in Europe from 2004 2006. Based on the same platform as Mitsubishi’s Colt subcompact, the ForFour was a five-door hatchback that provided a modicum more space and practicality than the cramped ForTwo.
