New Smart models to incorporate JBL in-car audio system

JBL and Smart designers have collaborated on the creation of the system, which is designed to deliver "optimal sound" despite the compact interiors of the cars. The first cars are due to hit the roads later this year.

MORE: JBL Flip 2 review

One of the features of the new system is a removable subwoofer should more space be needed in the boot – something that's described as a "clever solution that is a perfect fit with the smart driving experience".

The Smart fortwo will have a six-channel DSP high-performance amp and eight speakers, with the centre speaker in the middle of the dashboard and two tweeters located to the left and right of the A pillar.

Low mid-range speakers are fitted on the bottom of the front doors, with the two surround speakers placed at head height. The Smart forfour will feature two extra pairs of high-frequency and low mid-range speakers and an eight-channel amp.

Michael Mauser, president of Harman's Lifestyle Division, said: "Drivers of the new Smart can look forward to a thrilling sound experience when they take their new car onto the roads."

MORE: Beats and Fiat collaborate on new 500L in-car audio system

Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist. 

Latest in AV
Amazon Spring Deal Days 2025 promotional image with Amazon boxes
Amazon Big Spring Sale live: our TV and headphone experts’ real-time buying advice
A render of a couple watching TV in a living room with green beams used to illustrate the sound coming from the soundbar and various other speakers.
Eclipsa Audio: everything you need to know about Samsung’s new Dolby Atmos rival
Samsung QN990F 8K TV with Rewind logo
A sneak peek at Samsung’s futuristic projector, OLED TV’s next evolution, a new Audiolab stereo amp and more
Sony RGB arrangement with Rewind logo
A sneak peek at Sony's next-gen TV tech, our love letter to hi-fi shops, a high-end amp tested and more
LG C5 on stand with Rewind logo
The LG C5 OLED TV tested, a world first for headphones, new hi-fi speakers and more
Pick Of The Month March 2025 5-star products on grey background
WiiM strikes again, the B&W Zeppelin Pro impresses while Technics' latest turntable earns five-stars
Latest in News
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
A flower on a TV screen with a gem in the middle.
TCL's new Mini LED TV range comes with huge brightness gains, reduced blooming and souped-up sound
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) small TV
My favourite kitchen TV has dropped to under £100 for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Sony XR-48A90K
Amazon has slashed the price of this five-star Sony OLED, but we have found an even better deal
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position