Smart EQ Forfour 60kW EQ Premium 17kWh 5dr Auto [22kWch] Review
Category: Electric car
Section: Version review
The model
Read full Smart EQ Forfour reviewThe Smart EQ Forfour has undoubted plus points. For a start it's one of the least expensive electric cars on sale to buy outright, undercutting the Renault Zoe (if you don’t lease the battery) and the Volkswagen e-Up. It's also zippy and easy to drive in town, thanks in part to its super-tight turning circle, and it's pretty well equipped, too. However, the ride and handling aren't very good, the boot is tiny, there's not a vast amount of space inside, and worst of all for an electric car, the range is very poor next to its best rivals. Unless you need an electric car solely for town, the range issue is the biggest reason that we’d suggest going for the Zoe instead.
The trim
See full equipmentEntry-level Premium trim is our pick of the range. That’s because it keeps the Forfour cheaper than its rivals while still giving you 16in alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a panoramic roof, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, rear parking sensors, a central armrest, a rear-view camera and an 8in touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
The engine
See full engine specsThe 80bhp electric motor powered by a 17.6kWh gives you plenty of shove off the line. Its 0-62mph sprint is sufficient for nippy city driving but it struggles when it comes to motorway driving, with the rate of acceleration dropping rapidly the closer you get to the 81mph top speed. The Forfour’s range will be the biggest problem for anyone who doesn’t have a short commute with access to a charger at each end.
