We asked Smart about the report and they confirmed that production of the forfour has officially ended, though there is still stock available in their online showroom. In their email they didn’t mention anything about a planned successor. [Updated 1/5/2022]
The smart EQ forfour, which is the four-door longer-wheelbase model and a sibling to the Renault Twingo, went out of production in December according to a report from Electrive. This means that smart is among the automakers with the smallest range, since it is only offering the eq fortwo in coupé and cabrio forms.
The first generation smart forfour was sold between 2004 and 2006. The supermini based on the Mitsubishi Colt, was smart’s first four-door model. After a long hiatus, smart unveiled the second generation forfour in 2014, which became a longer derivative of the popular fortwo. The fully electric versions followed in 2017, and in 2019, smart became an all-electric brand by unveiling the facelifted EQ fortwo/forfour and discontinuing the ICE-powered models.
Read Also: The Twingo Won’t Live Past Its Current Generation, But Renault Won’t Abandon Segment
The EQ forfour was one of the most affordable electric models in the European market however its powertrain was outdated, especially the 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery providing it with a limited range between 145-159 km (90-99 miles). Just like in the Renault Twingo E-Tech, the rear-mounted electric motor produced 80 hp (60 kW / 82 PS) of power and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque, allowing a 0-100 km/h in 12,7 seconds and a top speed limited to 130 km/h (81 mph).
While in some markets you can still buy one of the remaining units of the eq forfour, the model is not listed anymore on the UK website. As reported by Electrive, the eq forfour that was produced in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, had not been available for order since August. While the death of the forfour is sad news for smart fans that wanted a model with rear seats, the automaker will soon have a new and exciting addition in its range.
Smart’s brand new fully electric SUV developed in collaboration with Geely is expected to debut in 2022 signaling a new era for the brand. The model was previewed by the smart Concept #1 SUV last September with leaked patient pictures showing most of its design in production form. Mind you, Daimler retains a 50% stake of smart with Geely acquiring the other 50% in 2019.