Smart #2 returns as an all-electric successor to the Fortwo

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInMotoring StaffEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandThe new Smart #2 is still the cute city car with two-tone body colours and 2,746mm total length. Picture: Smart Vehicle brand Smart has introduced the all-new Smart #2, the contemporary reinvention of the compact Smart Fortwo city car that launched 28 years ago, now fully electric.

The brand is owned through a 50-50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Smart was on sale in South Africa from 2003 until 2019.

The new Smart #2 retains the original’s signature two-tone body colours and 2,746mm length, maximising interior space by pushing the wheels towards the corners. Three trims have been announced for the UK market: Pure, Premium and a limited Couture Edition.

The new Smart #2 retains the original’s signature two-tone body colours and 2,746mm length. Picture: Smart All variants feature a bench-style seating arrangement, a 10.1″ central touchscreen paired with an 8.8″ driver display, and 4G connectivity, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The entry-level Smart #2 Pure comes standard with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality to power compatible external electrical devices, Smart Pilot Assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, highway assist and automatic high-beam headlights.

The Premium adds 11kW AC charging, a heated driver’s seat, a comprehensive advanced driver assistance systems (Adas) package including blind-spot detection, rear collision mitigation and rear cross-traffic alert, a glass roof, heated faux-leather seats and a seven-speaker sound system. Two-tone body colour finishes are also available as an option.

All variants feature a 10.1” central touchscreen paired with an 8.8” driver display. Picture: Smart Limited to 999 units in Europe, the Smart #2 Couture Edition features Atelier White matt exterior paint with a Platinum Gold roof, 16” Lyra rims with gold details, a glass roof, ambient lighting, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging, navigation and a numbered interior badge.

The range is powered by a rear-mounted 60kW electric motor delivering 130Nm of torque to the rear wheels. The 35.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides a claimed range of up to 290km. Using a DC fast charger, it can charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. Safety features include the Tridion Cell Evo safety cell, seven airbags and an Adas package.

Sales are expected to begin in 2027, with prices starting at £20,000 (about R437,060).

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