It may be big for a Smart – at 3,547mm it’s a full meter longer than the ForTwo – but the ‘for-us’ (for the US, geddit?) is small enough to piggyback on most domestic pickups.
It builds on the themes introduced in last year’s ForSpeed and ForVision concept cars, with its eyelashes, repeated hexagon motif and unique plastic-fantastic product design qualities. But what the for-us adds is a new format for the brand in the shape of a jacked-up, pick-up/roadster mash-up.
Its side profile is reminiscent of the old Smart Roadster and, more recently, Volkswagen Buggy Up concept. Its interplay of concave and convex surfaces and neatly fluid lower body cladding adds a little visual muscle without detracting from the Smart’s friendly nature.
And yet again, this Smart’s interior is a joy. Wonderful use of materials, unique design solutions such as the exposed fan behind the instrument binnacle and fresh color and trim execution make this a thoroughly well-rounded showing from Daimler’s junior brand.
By Owen Ready
