Too bad: the Smart ForTwo is out of production. The ultra-short two-seater, the model that everyone thinks of when they hear the brand name Smart, did not survive the introduction of new European safety requirements. That moment actually came at a good time for Smart, because the third generation ForTwo appeared in 2014 and was therefore already ten years old. During that period, some modifications were made to the model, which was also available as a convertible, but between the brand new #1 and #3, those ForTwos really stand out. Not surprising, because these are cars from a different era. The ForTwo was developed entirely under the direction of Mercedes-Benz, the ‘hashtag’ models are the first consequences of the sale of half of the shares to the Chinese Geely. That’s right, Volvo’s Geely, which explains how #1 and #3 end up on the EX30’s platform. In terms of sales figures, the ForTwo does not make a big difference, but the model is still missed. Smart started in 1998 with just such a unique two-seater, which was then called City-Coupé. With its visible Tridion cage – present until the end -, its tiny engine behind the rear bumper and its car length of only 2.54 meters, it was unique. The first Smarts looked futuristic and aimed to revolutionize city traffic, including the option to park across a parking space. This option is used extensively, especially in Rome, but the two-person Smart has never been a great success. Apparently it lacked the charm that alternatives such as the Mini and the Fiat 500 have, or the lack of seats is too great a disadvantage for the general public. Smart #2 (Illustration: Larson). #2 It is therefore not surprising that Smart has been trying to do it in a more traditional way for a long time. A ForFour came in two generations and with the new electric models the gates are completely closed, because these are full-fledged family cars with crossover properties. Yet Smart does not want to let go of his history. There will be a new two-seater, it has been confirmed, and it will be called #2. Indeed: the #2 will soon be smaller than the existing #1 and, just like with Polestar, the numbers seem to be separate from the format, although there is no question of any chronology. Smart would like to use the number 2 because of the historical connection with the ForTwo, but it doesn’t make much sense. Apart from the fact that he is coming, we actually know very little about #2. The sketches you see on this page are therefore only an indication of what a modern ‘real’ Smart will look like. Of course it will be an EV, just like the last ForTwo was exclusively in the end. Count on a much more modern drivetrain and reasonable consumption, although it will be difficult to provide a car with such a short wheelbase with a serious battery pack. About 300 kilometers already seems like a lot. However, for a car that will primarily be used for shorter journeys, that is more than enough. A high fast charging capacity still makes it suitable for the occasional road trip. A #3 reaches a maximum of 150 kW, so that seems to be fine. #2 also undoubtedly uses a Chinese base, although we don’t know which one yet. It is clear when the successor to the ForTwo will appear on the scene: in 2025, about a year after the farewell to its illustrious predecessor.
Source: www.autoweek.nl
