Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Now that is something fresh, I like it.
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New Smart fortwo & forfour
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Daimler to ditch Smart, build Mercedes U-Class instead?
A fresh report suggests Daimler is considering phasing out its Smart brand and filling the void with a new small Mercedes-Benz model tentatively dubbed the U-Class.
According to Automobile, “various sources” suggest the Smart brand will be axed by 2026 at the earliest.
Why? Well, the platform underpinning both the ForTwo and the ForFour was developed in partnership with Renault (which runs the Twingo on the same architecture), but the French brand is apparently planning on pulling out of the deal at the end of the vehicles’ current life cycles.
Daimler, meanwhile, seemingly isn’t keen to go it alone on such a project, particularly since the Smart brand – which is interestingly in the process of going fully electric – isn’t exactly a roaring financial success. The only way the Smart brand could survive, the report adds, is through a partnership with a “strong” Chinese brand such as Geely.
If Smart is indeed axed, the publication furthermore reports Daimler will make a decision by 2021 on whether or not to replace these products with a Mercedes-badged model, which would likely be based on a next-generation modular platform (also expected to underpin the next A-Class).
The resulting U-Class – Automobile suggests the “U” would stand for both “urban” and “universal” – would be offered as a small hatchback positioned below the A-Class.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/daimler-to-ditch-smart-build-mercedes-u-class-instead/
A fresh report suggests Daimler is considering phasing out its Smart brand and filling the void with a new small Mercedes-Benz model tentatively dubbed the U-Class.
According to Automobile, “various sources” suggest the Smart brand will be axed by 2026 at the earliest.
Why? Well, the platform underpinning both the ForTwo and the ForFour was developed in partnership with Renault (which runs the Twingo on the same architecture), but the French brand is apparently planning on pulling out of the deal at the end of the vehicles’ current life cycles.
Daimler, meanwhile, seemingly isn’t keen to go it alone on such a project, particularly since the Smart brand – which is interestingly in the process of going fully electric – isn’t exactly a roaring financial success. The only way the Smart brand could survive, the report adds, is through a partnership with a “strong” Chinese brand such as Geely.
If Smart is indeed axed, the publication furthermore reports Daimler will make a decision by 2021 on whether or not to replace these products with a Mercedes-badged model, which would likely be based on a next-generation modular platform (also expected to underpin the next A-Class).
The resulting U-Class – Automobile suggests the “U” would stand for both “urban” and “universal” – would be offered as a small hatchback positioned below the A-Class.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/daimler-to-ditch-smart-build-mercedes-u-class-instead/
Brieuse
Expert Member
Honestly, I do not get this car
FiestaST
Honorary Master
TheStraightPipes review of the Smart fortwo EQ cabriolet
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Smart forease plus Concept
It is more than a roof, it is #rooflove. It is more than an addition, it is form and function. The smart forease+, which will be presented at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, is just as scaled back and dynamic as its predecessor - and is more than suited to all weather conditions in cities.
The smart forease+ is more than a showcar, it is the embodiment of the smart brand itself: individual, dynamic, sustainable. The smart forease+ shares the uncomplicated, consistent solutions for urban mobility with its predecessor model, the smart forease, which unapologetically leaves the top down and is scaled back to the essentials. It had its world première at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
The smart forease+ logically develops the predecessor's minimalistic idea with additional form and function. Its flat fabric roof that extends far towards the rear turns the showcar into a cosmopolitan with classic speedster attributes. Drawn down deeply and only just about reaching over the two characteristic domes on the rear, the roof demonstrates what the designers call #rooflove: a completely new look.
The roof's construction demonstrates a loving attention to detail. A light yet firm fabric hard shell covered in a textile soft top fabric combines many benefits. It is light, robust and yet suitable all year round. The roof is designed to be removable and engages in two cut-outs on the rear which provide an apt reference to the model designation with the "+ push" lettering.
"As a stylish and well-thought-out idea, the smart forease+ shows the spirit of the brand: individual, scaled back and sustainable. The showcar is also an impressive statement of coolness and urbanity typical of smart", states Katrin Adt, head of smart.
"The smart forease+ projects its technical and creative intelligence in one clear emotion: #rooflove", explains Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. "The unconventional concept, the self-confidence and the dynamics: the smart forease+ is a statement for urbanity."
The lack of any form of side windows and the open rear in combination with the shortened windscreen ensures a pure driving experience.
https://www.netcarshow.com/smart/2019-forease_plus_concept/
It is more than a roof, it is #rooflove. It is more than an addition, it is form and function. The smart forease+, which will be presented at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, is just as scaled back and dynamic as its predecessor - and is more than suited to all weather conditions in cities.
The smart forease+ is more than a showcar, it is the embodiment of the smart brand itself: individual, dynamic, sustainable. The smart forease+ shares the uncomplicated, consistent solutions for urban mobility with its predecessor model, the smart forease, which unapologetically leaves the top down and is scaled back to the essentials. It had its world première at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
The smart forease+ logically develops the predecessor's minimalistic idea with additional form and function. Its flat fabric roof that extends far towards the rear turns the showcar into a cosmopolitan with classic speedster attributes. Drawn down deeply and only just about reaching over the two characteristic domes on the rear, the roof demonstrates what the designers call #rooflove: a completely new look.
The roof's construction demonstrates a loving attention to detail. A light yet firm fabric hard shell covered in a textile soft top fabric combines many benefits. It is light, robust and yet suitable all year round. The roof is designed to be removable and engages in two cut-outs on the rear which provide an apt reference to the model designation with the "+ push" lettering.
"As a stylish and well-thought-out idea, the smart forease+ shows the spirit of the brand: individual, scaled back and sustainable. The showcar is also an impressive statement of coolness and urbanity typical of smart", states Katrin Adt, head of smart.
"The smart forease+ projects its technical and creative intelligence in one clear emotion: #rooflove", explains Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. "The unconventional concept, the self-confidence and the dynamics: the smart forease+ is a statement for urbanity."
The lack of any form of side windows and the open rear in combination with the shortened windscreen ensures a pure driving experience.
https://www.netcarshow.com/smart/2019-forease_plus_concept/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Smart Forease+ concept gets the speedster treatment
New Forease+ adds a roof to earlier open-top concept, and will make public debut at Geneva show next week
Mercedes-Benz’s Smart city car division has revealed an updated speedster version of its Forease concept car, dubbed the Forease+, ahead of its public debut at next week’s Geneva motor show.
The revised two seater, first unveiled in open-top guise at the 2018 Paris motor show, receives a reinforced fabric roof that fits over its cabin, providing protection from the elements for its occupants, together with other subtle styling revisions.
Like the original Forease, the new concept is based on the Smart EQ Fortwo cabriolet and is intended to underline Smart’s “uncomplicated solution to urban mobility” with a pure electric driveline and compact dimensions.
Changes over the standard Smart Fortwo cabriolet include a shallower windscreen and prominent domes at the rear behind the seats for added roll over protection.
The new roof, described as a hard shell cover in a textile fabric, is designed to be removable. It is light, robust and yet suitable all year round, says Smart.
“The Smart Forease+ shows the spirit of the brand: individual, scaled back and sustainable. It is also a statement of urbanity typical of Smart,” says Katrin Adt, head of Smart.
The Forease+ borrows heavily from two previous open top Smart concept cars: the Crossblade revealed in 2002 and the Forspeed shown in 2011.
The Crossblade boasted an even more minimalist design ethos than the Forease+, eschewing doors, roof and windscreen. Although it was conceived as a concept car, it was placed into limited production.
The Forspeed was created to showcase Smart’s first-generation electric driveline. It featured a wind deflector in place of a windscreen as well as roll over hoops integrated into its body structure behind its seats.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...mart-forease-concept-gets-speedster-treatment
New Forease+ adds a roof to earlier open-top concept, and will make public debut at Geneva show next week
Mercedes-Benz’s Smart city car division has revealed an updated speedster version of its Forease concept car, dubbed the Forease+, ahead of its public debut at next week’s Geneva motor show.
The revised two seater, first unveiled in open-top guise at the 2018 Paris motor show, receives a reinforced fabric roof that fits over its cabin, providing protection from the elements for its occupants, together with other subtle styling revisions.
Like the original Forease, the new concept is based on the Smart EQ Fortwo cabriolet and is intended to underline Smart’s “uncomplicated solution to urban mobility” with a pure electric driveline and compact dimensions.
Changes over the standard Smart Fortwo cabriolet include a shallower windscreen and prominent domes at the rear behind the seats for added roll over protection.
The new roof, described as a hard shell cover in a textile fabric, is designed to be removable. It is light, robust and yet suitable all year round, says Smart.
“The Smart Forease+ shows the spirit of the brand: individual, scaled back and sustainable. It is also a statement of urbanity typical of Smart,” says Katrin Adt, head of Smart.
The Forease+ borrows heavily from two previous open top Smart concept cars: the Crossblade revealed in 2002 and the Forspeed shown in 2011.
The Crossblade boasted an even more minimalist design ethos than the Forease+, eschewing doors, roof and windscreen. Although it was conceived as a concept car, it was placed into limited production.
The Forspeed was created to showcase Smart’s first-generation electric driveline. It featured a wind deflector in place of a windscreen as well as roll over hoops integrated into its body structure behind its seats.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...mart-forease-concept-gets-speedster-treatment
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Smart reveals Forease+ Concept, complete with ducktail!
Dubbed the Smart Forease+ Concept, this small EV project takes the stage at this month’s Geneva motor show showcasing future technologies from the Daimler subsidiary. That plus the fact that it features a unique canvas roof and charming ducktail spoiler.
Based off the current production Smart EQ ForTwo cabriolet the fabric roof is designed to make the Forease+ look like a classic speedster and covers the domes behind the driver and passenger seats. The fabric is both light and easy to remove yet robust enough for most weather conditions.
Maintain a “pure” driving experience, the Forease+ forgoes side- and rear windows. It also does away with glass lenses for the headlamps leaving three LED elements naked. The taillamps have been given a rhombic geometry similar the current ForTwo production model.
The cabin adopts rough amber-coloured Nappa leather while the seats are upholstered in contrasting black Nappa leather. The steering wheel looks suitably futuristic, too.
Smart promises a dynamic driving experience with this concept, its agility showcased by the prominent ducktail spoiler.
Smart promises that by 2020, all of its cars will be electric.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/smart-reveals-forease-concept-complete-with-ducktail/
Dubbed the Smart Forease+ Concept, this small EV project takes the stage at this month’s Geneva motor show showcasing future technologies from the Daimler subsidiary. That plus the fact that it features a unique canvas roof and charming ducktail spoiler.
Based off the current production Smart EQ ForTwo cabriolet the fabric roof is designed to make the Forease+ look like a classic speedster and covers the domes behind the driver and passenger seats. The fabric is both light and easy to remove yet robust enough for most weather conditions.
Maintain a “pure” driving experience, the Forease+ forgoes side- and rear windows. It also does away with glass lenses for the headlamps leaving three LED elements naked. The taillamps have been given a rhombic geometry similar the current ForTwo production model.
The cabin adopts rough amber-coloured Nappa leather while the seats are upholstered in contrasting black Nappa leather. The steering wheel looks suitably futuristic, too.
Smart promises a dynamic driving experience with this concept, its agility showcased by the prominent ducktail spoiler.
Smart promises that by 2020, all of its cars will be electric.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/smart-reveals-forease-concept-complete-with-ducktail/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
It’s official: Geely buys 50 percent of Smart from Daimler
Chinese automotive group Geely Holding has acquired a 50 percent stake in the Smart brand from Daimler, with the two firms confirming the deal in a joint statement.
Described as a “50:50 globally focused joint venture”, the two companies say they will own, operate and “further develop” the Smart brand together.
Under the agreement, the next generation of Smart electric vehicles will be assembled at a new purpose-built electric car factory in China, with global sales scheduled to begin in 2022.
Interestingly, though, the new vehicles will be styled by Mercedes-Benz with engineering coming from Geely. The statement furthermore revealed the Smart product portfolio would expand into the B-segment.
The board of directors of the new Smart joint venture will comprise six executives with equal representation from both parties.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/indus...-geely-buys-50-percent-of-smart-from-daimler/
Chinese automotive group Geely Holding has acquired a 50 percent stake in the Smart brand from Daimler, with the two firms confirming the deal in a joint statement.
Described as a “50:50 globally focused joint venture”, the two companies say they will own, operate and “further develop” the Smart brand together.
Under the agreement, the next generation of Smart electric vehicles will be assembled at a new purpose-built electric car factory in China, with global sales scheduled to begin in 2022.
Interestingly, though, the new vehicles will be styled by Mercedes-Benz with engineering coming from Geely. The statement furthermore revealed the Smart product portfolio would expand into the B-segment.
The board of directors of the new Smart joint venture will comprise six executives with equal representation from both parties.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/indus...-geely-buys-50-percent-of-smart-from-daimler/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Smart turns 21 with two-tone ForTwo
German microcar brand is changing direction at 21.
Smart is celebrating an important milestone and massive changes in its future strategy, all at the age of only 21. Mercedes-Benz’s city car subsidiary has seen sales wane in the last few years and admitted that its future is now contingent on e-mobility. Smart even has a new part owner, Geely, to help it refocus.
The Chinese industrial powerhouse has already confirmed that Smart’s future will be battery powered, instead of internal combustion and with Geely commanding 50% of Smart’s equity, what the Chinese product planners want, will be crucial.
To bid farewell to the brand’s petrol-powered cars, Smart has collaborated with German aftermarket engineering specialist Brabus, to build a series of 21 Final Edition ForTwos. Fittingly, these Final Edition range will be limited to only 21 cars.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/smart-turns-21-with-two-tone-fortwo/46679/
German microcar brand is changing direction at 21.
Smart is celebrating an important milestone and massive changes in its future strategy, all at the age of only 21. Mercedes-Benz’s city car subsidiary has seen sales wane in the last few years and admitted that its future is now contingent on e-mobility. Smart even has a new part owner, Geely, to help it refocus.
The Chinese industrial powerhouse has already confirmed that Smart’s future will be battery powered, instead of internal combustion and with Geely commanding 50% of Smart’s equity, what the Chinese product planners want, will be crucial.
To bid farewell to the brand’s petrol-powered cars, Smart has collaborated with German aftermarket engineering specialist Brabus, to build a series of 21 Final Edition ForTwos. Fittingly, these Final Edition range will be limited to only 21 cars.
https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/smart-turns-21-with-two-tone-fortwo/46679/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Updated Smart Fortwo and Forfour EQ to be revealed in September
Smart will use the Frankfurt motor show to reveal upgraded versions its all-electric city cars
Smart is readying a facelift for its Fortwo and Forfour, and electric prototypes have been spotted testing ahead of the city cars' Frankfurt motor show debut.
The German maker is expected to be using the update, likely to go on sale towards the end of the year, to remove all of its petrol engine options and go electric-only. It follows on from an announcement last year that the brand would become “a fully electric urban mobility brand” under new leadership.
With combustion engine variants gone, Smart will be looking improve the current weaknesses of the EQ models - namely the uncompetitive electric range. Under the new WLTP system, the current models promise just 70 miles from their 22kWh battery, far below that of any of the latest crop of small electric cars.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...t-fortwo-and-forfour-eq-be-revealed-september
Smart will use the Frankfurt motor show to reveal upgraded versions its all-electric city cars
Smart is readying a facelift for its Fortwo and Forfour, and electric prototypes have been spotted testing ahead of the city cars' Frankfurt motor show debut.
The German maker is expected to be using the update, likely to go on sale towards the end of the year, to remove all of its petrol engine options and go electric-only. It follows on from an announcement last year that the brand would become “a fully electric urban mobility brand” under new leadership.
With combustion engine variants gone, Smart will be looking improve the current weaknesses of the EQ models - namely the uncompetitive electric range. Under the new WLTP system, the current models promise just 70 miles from their 22kWh battery, far below that of any of the latest crop of small electric cars.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...t-fortwo-and-forfour-eq-be-revealed-september
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Updated Smart Fortwo and Forfour EQ previewed in design sketch
Smart will uncover upgraded versions its all-electric city cars at the Frankfurt motor show
Smart is readying a facelift for its Fortwo and Forfour, and has previewed the updated design ahead of the city cars' Frankfurt motor show debut.
Although the drawing shows off wider arches, larger wheels and a more rounded cabin than is likely to be the case with the production model, we can see how Smart intends to modernise its styling as it transitions into a maker of only electric vehicles.
Among the most significant revisions are a reshaped bonnet and new front and rear bumpers. The front grille looks to have been enlargened, but features the same honeycomb-style vent pattern as the outgoing Electric Drive models.
The German maker is expected to be using the update, likely to go on sale towards the end of the year, to remove all of its petrol engine options. It follows on from an announcement last year that the brand would become “a fully electric urban mobility brand” under new leadership.
With combustion engine variants gone, Smart will be looking improve the current weaknesses of the EQ models - namely the uncompetitive electric range. Under the new WLTP system, the current models promise just 70 miles from their 22kWh battery, far below that of any of the latest crop of small electric cars.
www.autocar.co.uk
Smart will uncover upgraded versions its all-electric city cars at the Frankfurt motor show
Smart is readying a facelift for its Fortwo and Forfour, and has previewed the updated design ahead of the city cars' Frankfurt motor show debut.
Although the drawing shows off wider arches, larger wheels and a more rounded cabin than is likely to be the case with the production model, we can see how Smart intends to modernise its styling as it transitions into a maker of only electric vehicles.
Among the most significant revisions are a reshaped bonnet and new front and rear bumpers. The front grille looks to have been enlargened, but features the same honeycomb-style vent pattern as the outgoing Electric Drive models.
The German maker is expected to be using the update, likely to go on sale towards the end of the year, to remove all of its petrol engine options. It follows on from an announcement last year that the brand would become “a fully electric urban mobility brand” under new leadership.
With combustion engine variants gone, Smart will be looking improve the current weaknesses of the EQ models - namely the uncompetitive electric range. Under the new WLTP system, the current models promise just 70 miles from their 22kWh battery, far below that of any of the latest crop of small electric cars.
New Smart Fortwo EQ and Forfour EQ priced from £16,850 | Autocar
Electric-only two and four-seat city cars arrive in UK as brand transitions to mobility service provider
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Smart EQ fortwo
The new generation smart is one thing above all: authentically electric. The brand returns to its origins with the systematic switch to emission-free, battery-electric powertrains. In combination with progressive design and intelligent connectivity, smart already offers a sustainable and comprehensive concept for urban mobility today.
Rethink - "The car of the future must question existing notions and inspire with radical and ground-breaking technology ideas", as Mercedes-Benz studio engineer and visionary Johann Tomforde put it in a nutshell back in 1972.
Since then, Mercedes-Benz has worked on a concept of a purely urban vehicle whose powertrain needs to be not only electric, but also a solution for future urban mobility challenges.
The smart with environment-friendly electric powertrain finally became a reality in 2007 with the concept of visionary Nicolas Hayek. Since then, smart has offered an all-electric option in every generation. With the new fortwo and forfour models, the time has finally come: smart is switching to emission-free, battery-electric powertrain technology across the board.
"As a pioneer of urban mobility, it has always been part of smart's credo to rethink things. The switching of the entire product range to all-electric powertrains marks the start of a new chapter in the story of the smart brand. In concert with innovative sharing concepts and digital services, we are the first manufacturer to switch completely and systematically from combustion engines to solely electric powertrains", as Daniel Lescow, Head of Brand and Product Management smart, explains the motivation behind the dawn of a new era for the brand.
The new generation smart is one thing above all: authentically electric. The brand returns to its origins with the systematic switch to emission-free, battery-electric powertrains. In combination with progressive design and intelligent connectivity, smart already offers a sustainable and comprehensive concept for urban mobility today.
Rethink - "The car of the future must question existing notions and inspire with radical and ground-breaking technology ideas", as Mercedes-Benz studio engineer and visionary Johann Tomforde put it in a nutshell back in 1972.
Since then, Mercedes-Benz has worked on a concept of a purely urban vehicle whose powertrain needs to be not only electric, but also a solution for future urban mobility challenges.
The smart with environment-friendly electric powertrain finally became a reality in 2007 with the concept of visionary Nicolas Hayek. Since then, smart has offered an all-electric option in every generation. With the new fortwo and forfour models, the time has finally come: smart is switching to emission-free, battery-electric powertrain technology across the board.
"As a pioneer of urban mobility, it has always been part of smart's credo to rethink things. The switching of the entire product range to all-electric powertrains marks the start of a new chapter in the story of the smart brand. In concert with innovative sharing concepts and digital services, we are the first manufacturer to switch completely and systematically from combustion engines to solely electric powertrains", as Daniel Lescow, Head of Brand and Product Management smart, explains the motivation behind the dawn of a new era for the brand.
Smart EQ fortwo (2020)
4.8 seconds for 0 to 60 kmh when the light turns green makes the Smart EQ fortwo coupe quick enough to draw astonished looks and provide low-noise driving enjoyment.
www.netcarshow.com
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Smart EQ fortwo cabrio
Smart EQ fortwo cabrio (2020)
Premium package additionally includes a panoramic roof or rather a draught stop on the fortwo cabrio, a reversing camera and a stowage net at the centre...
www.netcarshow.com
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Smart EQ forfour
Smart EQ forfour (2020)
With the new fortwo and forfour models, the time has finally come: smart is switching to emission-free, battery-electric powertrain technology across the board.
www.netcarshow.com
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Smart EQ Fortwo and Forfour begin brand’s EV future
Updated two and four-seat city cars are now electric-only, with styling and technology upgrades
Smart has become the first mass market manufacturer to go electric-only with the new EQ Fortwo and Forfour, revealed ahead of their Frankfurt motor show public debut next week.
The updated EQ models are said to allow the brand to “return to its origins”: sister firm Mercedes-Benz first envisaged an urban vehicle powered by a local emissions-free powertrain long before Smart was even formed.
After offering EV versions of its models in every generation since 2007, Smart announced in 2018 it would transition to a “fully electric urban mobility brand” as its leadership was overhauled, ditching the three-cylinder petrol options.
The exterior of the new EQ models, described as “radically simple” by Daimler design boss Gorden Wagener, is an evolution of the outgoing car’s look. The grille has been lowered and grows in size, albeit with much of the surface area blanked off as EVs require less air cooling.
For the first time, the Fortwo and Forfour have different front-end looks, with Smart giving the four-seater a more “dynamic” profile than the “familiar friendly face” of the Fortwo. New rear tail-lamp designs also feature, while full LED headlamps are optional, as are variety of colour combinations.
We’ve yet to see a shot of the interior, but Smart claims a revised centre console brings a new compartment in front of the drive selector to accommodate smartphones or two removable cupholders. More significantly, a new, simplified infotainment system offers better smartphone and wearable tech compatibility at the expense of some on-board functions, making greater use of a devices own apps and immediately introducing new apps or features when the customers downloads them or upgrades their phone. There’s also a redesigned phone app that displays the car’s charge level and allows pre-entry climate control to be programmed.
One thing hasn’t changed much, however, and that’s the urban-focused electric powertrain. Like the outgoing EV models, a rear-mounted motor makes peak outputs of 79bhp and 118lb ft of torque, allowing a 0-37mph time of 4.8sec (4.9 for the cabrio, and 5.2 for the Forfour) and a 0-62mph time of 11.6sec (11.9 for the cabrio, and 12.7 for the Forfour. The top speed is 81mph for all models.
www.autocar.co.uk
Updated two and four-seat city cars are now electric-only, with styling and technology upgrades
Smart has become the first mass market manufacturer to go electric-only with the new EQ Fortwo and Forfour, revealed ahead of their Frankfurt motor show public debut next week.
The updated EQ models are said to allow the brand to “return to its origins”: sister firm Mercedes-Benz first envisaged an urban vehicle powered by a local emissions-free powertrain long before Smart was even formed.
After offering EV versions of its models in every generation since 2007, Smart announced in 2018 it would transition to a “fully electric urban mobility brand” as its leadership was overhauled, ditching the three-cylinder petrol options.
The exterior of the new EQ models, described as “radically simple” by Daimler design boss Gorden Wagener, is an evolution of the outgoing car’s look. The grille has been lowered and grows in size, albeit with much of the surface area blanked off as EVs require less air cooling.
For the first time, the Fortwo and Forfour have different front-end looks, with Smart giving the four-seater a more “dynamic” profile than the “familiar friendly face” of the Fortwo. New rear tail-lamp designs also feature, while full LED headlamps are optional, as are variety of colour combinations.
We’ve yet to see a shot of the interior, but Smart claims a revised centre console brings a new compartment in front of the drive selector to accommodate smartphones or two removable cupholders. More significantly, a new, simplified infotainment system offers better smartphone and wearable tech compatibility at the expense of some on-board functions, making greater use of a devices own apps and immediately introducing new apps or features when the customers downloads them or upgrades their phone. There’s also a redesigned phone app that displays the car’s charge level and allows pre-entry climate control to be programmed.
One thing hasn’t changed much, however, and that’s the urban-focused electric powertrain. Like the outgoing EV models, a rear-mounted motor makes peak outputs of 79bhp and 118lb ft of torque, allowing a 0-37mph time of 4.8sec (4.9 for the cabrio, and 5.2 for the Forfour) and a 0-62mph time of 11.6sec (11.9 for the cabrio, and 12.7 for the Forfour. The top speed is 81mph for all models.
New Smart Fortwo EQ and Forfour EQ priced from £16,850 | Autocar
Electric-only two and four-seat city cars arrive in UK as brand transitions to mobility service provider
www.autocar.co.uk
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
That's not the cars fault.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Electric-only brand going forward.
MBSA should bring a few units to SA I say.
Test the market on an (relatively) affordable EV.
MBSA should bring a few units to SA I say.
Test the market on an (relatively) affordable EV.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Smart EQ Fortwo and Forfour begin brand’s EV future
Electric-only two and four-seat city cars seen in public for the first time at Frankfurt Motor Show
www.autocar.co.uk
Electric-only two and four-seat city cars seen in public for the first time at Frankfurt Motor Show
New Smart Fortwo EQ and Forfour EQ priced from £16,850 | Autocar
Electric-only two and four-seat city cars arrive in UK as brand transitions to mobility service provider
www.autocar.co.uk