Smart is going back to its roots as a city car brand with a fourth generation of the tiny Fortwo - due in UK dealerships next year as the smallest electric car on the market.
Revealed today in concept form ahead of a debut at the Beijing motor show, the new car – called #2 in line with Smart's current naming strategy – is designed to offer what the brand calls "uncompromised urban capability".
The two-seater is based on a bespoke 'Electric Compact Architecture' developed by Geely, which co-owns the Smart brand with its original founder Mercedes-Benz, which took the lead on the design.
Full technical details remain under wraps until the production car is revealed at the Paris motor show in October, but Smart has confirmed it will offer a range of nearly 186 miles and be capable of charging its battery from 10-80% capacity in less than 20 minutes.
The Concept #2 also features vehicle-to-load 'reverse-charging' capability, which is expected to be rolled out to the final car - unusual for such a small EV.
Although clearly influenced by Smart's newer SUVs, the #2 retains the "wheels-at-the-corners" and ultra-compact footprint that defined its forebears - helping to give a turning circle of just 6.95m.
At just 2792mm long, the concept is only around 100mm longer than the previous Fortwo, so it will reclaim its position as the shortest electric car on sale, undercutting the Fiat 500e by almost a metre. Anything smaller, like the Citroën Ami or Micro Microlino, officially fits into the quadricycle category.
Smart said the new #2 will move its entry-level model upmarket while "brilliantly maximising interior space" within its compact dimensions - a product of moving onto a bespoke EV architecture, as the old electric Fortwo was based on an ICE car platform.
The Concept #2 "elevates the city car beyond mere utility" according to Smart - and while it hasn't yet revealed the cabin, it promises to be much plusher and more luxuriously appointed than the sparsely furnished original.
It will still be minimalist, in keeping with an exterior design that's been "reduced to its essence", but liberal use of leather, translucent surfacing and two-tone gold paintwork will help to cultivate more of a premium aesthetic.
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I’ve had 8 smarts, partner has had 2, currently have a roadster. I’m a massive fan of the fortwo in general, was always a fun car to be in. This looks like it will be too, and with a decent range that will be enough for most people. I have hopes!
However, I also have concerns about the costs. I suspect this will be priced against the Renault 5 rather than the Twingo, especially when I see "upmarket" constantly being mentioned. Unless smart get the PCP/Leasing deals right, I can’t see this being super popular.