Smart Fourjoy

The Smart Fourjoy concept car that makes its debut at the Frankfurt motor show previews the new Smart range.

By Leo Wilkinson


Smart has given the best idea yet of how its new range of cars will look, in the shape of the Smart Fourjoy concept car that will make its official debut at the Frankfurt motor show next week.

With doors and window added to the Fourjoy's body, and with some of the wilder concept car details toned down, this is how the new Smart Forfour will look when it goes on sale in 2014.

Whereas the previous Forfour model was based on the Mitsubishi Colt, the next model is part of a joint development programme between Renault and Smart's parent company Mercedes-Benz that will also result in a new Smart Fortwo and Renault Twingo.

All three models will share the same rear-wheel drive, rear-engined platform, although the Fortwo is expected to use a shorter version.

Renault has hinted at the look of the next Twingo with the Twin'Z and Twin'Run concept cars, which were both revealed earlier this year.

Smart has created a number of concept cars that hint at the look of the next Fortwo and Forfour models, but the Fourjoy appears to be the most representative yet.

The Fourjoy incorporates many familiar Smart design cues, such as short overhangs and a "tridion" central cell with contrasting panels at either end. In this case the central section is in polished aluminium, while the rest of the car has a pearlescent white finish.

Although the Fourjoy's one-piece front seats and unusual colours and materials won't make it to the production Forfour, the overall shape of the dashboard is likely to be retained.

A version of the current Smart Fortwo Electric Drive's electric motor is used for the Fourjoy – it develops 74bhp and is powered by a lithium-ion battery.

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

What is it? The seventh-generation of Volkswagen’s iconic hatchback is slightly larger, yet lower and lighter than the outgoing model. VW says it’s also more aerodynamic and will get 15 percent better fuel economy.  The increased dimensions translate into 0.6 inches more rear legroom, a little more shoulder and elbow room front and rear, and more cargo space.
VW has mercifully dropped the base 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine in favor of a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 170 hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque. Transmission choices for this engine have not been specified. The Golf TDI gets an all-new 2.0-liter diesel engine that produces a little more power than before: 150-hp and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. The GTI gets VW’s established 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo, now made in Mexico. Both the GTI and the TDI will be available with a choice of six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. All Golfs get the limited-slip differential, previously optional in the old GTI.
What is new or notable? Infotainment systems include 3D navigation and a touch screen that uses swipe controls like a smart phone and has a proximity sensor that can detect when your hand is near. (Sounds clever, with shades of the tricky Cadillac CUE system.) And unlike other recent Volkswagens designed specifically for North America, Volkswagen promises this Golf will continue to have high-quality soft-touch plastics through out the interior.
CR’s take: With the possible exception of the proximity sensing touch-screen radio, this sounds like a thorough improvement on the practical Golf. The Golf has a lot going for it as a do-everything all-around car. It offers hatchback practicality, compact efficiency, and luxury car features for a relatively affordable price. Somehow, Americans remain hesitant to embrace a car form that is so popular in Europe.
When will it be available? Early 2014.