First came the fortwo, then the forfour. Now Smart is preparing the formore.
This is the first illustration of Smart's SUV entrant, based on information from within the German firm and images snapped by our spies.
Using the underpinnings of the recently launched forfour, the newcomer will feature higher and more sturdy suspension settings, chunkier styling, flared wheelarches and larger rims.
Tracing its heritage back to the TRIDION4 concept unveiled at Frankfurt in 2001, the formore follows Smart's favoured design technique - bolting interchangeable plastic panels to a steel frame.
It will boast the safety cell for which Smart has become famous, while the easy-swap panels make any off-road knocks simple to repair.
The look isn't the only talking point: the formore stands out from anything else Smart has offered because it will get a new engine and a permanent 4x4 system.
Its 1.5-litre four-cylinder motor is expected to deliver 100bhp, while sources have suggested that a diesel is also on the cards.
The all-wheel-drive set-up has been co-developed with Mitsubishi, alliance partner of Smart's parent, DaimlerChrysler. It will go on to underpin some of the Japanese company's products, starting with a Colt-based estate due in 2006. The transmission will be mated to a choice of two boxes: a standard five-speed manual or Smarts trademark six-ratio sequential unit.
The formore will have a more rough-and-ready inside appearance than the forfour on which it's based. Seats will be trimmed in a wipe-clean material to make mud stains easy to remove. The dash will have compass and altitude meter as a nod to off-road ambitions. The formore is expected to debut at Frankfurt next year.
The newcomer is likely to spearhead Smart's assault on the US. American versions of the fortwo have already been spotted testing, but it's the SUV that's expected to become a best-seller there.
Smart has introduced its first four-seater here, with forfour prices starting at €14,995 for the special launch black edition. The Pulse version of the 1.1-litre, 3 cylinder petrol engine model is available from €16,395, while the 3 cylinder 1.5 cdi (95 bhp) in passion trim is at €23,495. The car comes with 30 exterior colour combinations, and two trims: the entry level pulse and the passion model.