Smart has returned to its roots with the dinky new Smart #2—and all is right with the world once again.
Okay, perhaps we’re getting ahead of ourselves a little there, but the return of the original Smart car—first known as the City-Coupe before it became the ForTwo in 2004—is a cause for celebration. And it hasn’t even grown! Well, it’s 51mm longer than the previous third gen, but we’ll let it off.
Not least because its stats are significantly better than before. While the old ForTwo EQ deployed a 17.2kWh battery for just 135km of range, this new Geely-era version manages to squeeze in a 35.8kWh LFP unit for up to 290km of WLTP range. It’ll fast charge at 65kW, too, and gets vehicle-to-load capability as standard.
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Much like the previous version, an 82hp motor drives the rear wheels, which in turn allows a ridiculously tight curb-to-curb turning circle of just 6.95 meters. There’s also a five-link rear suspension setup and a reengineered version of the old Tridion safety cell with 78% of the body structure made from high-strength steel. We’re told the cell can withstand a roof load of more than 4,000kg, so just think of all the things you’ll be able to put in your roof box.
Seven airbags look after passive safety, while we’re also promised ‘Smart Pilot Assist,’ adaptive cruise control, and plenty of other active bits. LED lights are also standard, and the handy split tailgate returns. The design was apparently the work of the Mercedes-Benz Global team.
A two-tone paint job is available once again, while inside, you’re looking at a 10.1-inch central infotainment screen and an 8.8-inch driver display. That’s plenty of screen for such a tiny thing. More premium trim levels also get a glass roof, heated leather seats, and a seven-speaker Sennheiser sound system.
No word on pricing just yet, but Smart has already announced a special ‘Couture Edition’ that’ll likely sit at the top of the tree and is limited to just 999 units in Europe. That one gets all of the techy toys, Atelier White Matte paint, a Platinum Gold roof, and 16-inch wheels with gold detailing. It also gets a special grille that makes it look a little like it’s vomiting up a duffel bag.
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NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
