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The 'Softip' clutchless six-speed transmission (optional in 1.3, 1.5 and CDI diesel models) slows things down a little in fully-auto mode, though it does adapt well to driving style when choosing an upshift or downshift; it's best in sequential mode, however, when you can flick up and down the ratios, and it's quick to react. It's a lot smoother than the earlier system fitted in the Fortwo, and more refined than many other such gearboxes in rivals' cars - it doesn't lurch like Citroen's SensoDrive 'box, for a start. Steering wheel-mounted paddleshifts are optional - a feature not offered in Mitsubishi's Colt, though the gearbox is the same. Manual models have an easy-to-use self-shift lever and light, incisive clutch, so are really no more onerous to pilot in stop-start traffic; gear ratios are set low, however, ideal for quick progress around town but inspiring a search for a non-existent sixth gear at higher speeds. An option for the future Brabus-tuned version, Smart? Otherwise, the Forfour is utterly user-friendly, with clearly-defined corners, good all-round visibility and confidence-boosting responses to cope with the cut and thrust of urban life. It may not be a car for keen drivers, but for most, it will be amusing enough with its quick reactions, nippiness and general joie-de-vivre. The Forfour doesn't give quite the same degree of interactive feel as the MINI, however; its electrically-assisted power steering is on the light side and lacks feedback, and its handling, set up to be entirely predictable, errs on the side of caution. The ESP is not intrusive, though, and the optional sports suspension does sharpen things up a fraction. We suspect that for many buyers the Forfour fun will come from waving to fellow owners, joining in Smart Club activities such as the annual London-Brighton run and enjoying the general ownership experience - which can only be a positive outcome.
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