Preview: Second-generation Smart ForFour

The Smart brand has just been launched in the U.S. and with pre-order sales already beating expectations Mercedes officials think it’s time to bring back the ForFour. The original model was quickly dropped from the Smart lineup because of lackluster sales but with carmakers around the world desperate to launch new eco-friendly models we’re likely to see Mercedes launch a second-generation version of the car in the not too distant future.

Mercedes-Benz exec Rainer Schmückle revealed during January’s Detroit Auto Show that officials were considering relaunching the car but were unsure whether to badge it as a Smart or a Mercedes-Benz.

As this latest rendering suggests, the four-door Smart will likely be a stretched version of the current ForTwo. This also suggests the car would mimic the current model’s engine lineup, including both petrol and diesel three cylinder engines and the upcoming hybrid-drive. There could also be a zero-emission electric version of the car. Mercedes is currently testing an electric ForTwo concept, which features a 30kW electric motor and has a range of about 115km.

There are plenty of competitors just around the corner as well. Volkswagen is currently developing its new up! family of minicars and even Mitsubishi’s own Colt, which the previous ForFour was based on, is selling beyond expectations.

Second-generation Smart ForFour rendering