Smart has recently, under the joint ownership of Mercedes and Geely, been reinventing itself with a lineup of all-electric SUVs and crossovers, ranging from the compact #1 to the chunky #5. Now, though, the brand is headed back to its roots…
Does this mean we're getting a new ForTwo?
Yes, it does! Although this time around, in line with Smart's TikTok-friendly naming policy, it will be badged #2. That might make it sound as if it will somehow slot between the current #1 and #3 in the lineup, but these are much bigger cars, and from the silhouette Smart has shown us of its new car, that's definitely not the case for the #2.
What do we know so far?
We know that, as with the rest of Smart's new lineup, the #2 will be a fully electric model. We know that it's being designed by a team based at Mercedes, but will be built in China, just as with the other new Smart models. We know that the car was given the production green light after a top-secret 'Project:Two' team within Smart got all the car's ducks lined up. And we know from the silhouette that the #2 will take on many, maybe even most, of the design cues of the original, revolutionary Smart CityCoupe (latterly the ForTwo).
Anything else?
Well, according to Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe: “The confirmation of our 'project: two' and the upcoming launch of the smart #2 marks a milestone moment for the smart brand on a global scale. The smart #2 will shape a new era of individual urban automobility, especially in classic smart cities like Rome, London or Paris. The decision comes at the right time, as we benefit from the respective strengths of our main shareholders Mercedes-Benz and Geely, and strong backing by new investors, along with the successful market launch of the smart #5. The new smart #2 will be a unique, authentic addition to the all-electric product portfolio of smart in Europe.”
When can I have one?
Smart is gearing up for #2 production by the end of next year, with Europe as its primary market. Will Irish buyers take to the dinky two-seater more than they did before? We shall find out…