Photo: SB-Medien
The first generation smart forfour was based on a normal supermini, the Mitsubishi Colt or something along those lines, but for the second model, the switch was made to the rear-engined platform shared with the Renault Twingo.
If you're from North America, chances are you won't understand any of that. However, you may know about one of the smallest electric cars in the world, the fortwo Electric Drive or EQ, as it later became known.
These spyshots show the five-door model undergoing testing. It's obviously larger than the fortwo, but the concept and technology are the same. The problem is that even though Daimler's sub-brand appears to have a head start, its European rivals are pretty good. We're talking about the VW e-Up! and its affordable relative from Skoda, the Citigo iV.
Facelift-wise, this 2020 model obviously sports a new look. We could tell you that it's been previewed by several smart concepts, but even we forget what they were called. The main one is the forease from 2018, though we doubt the production headlights will be anywhere near as cool.
Its new front bumper also houses a radar system for auto emergency stops, perhaps even smart cruise control.The interior is getting some upgrades too. That larger infotainment screen could be of Renault making, while the green accents on the dash hint at the eco ambitions of this car. When we drove the forfour a few years back, we enjoyed the funky dash and retro air conditioning units, but the design is beginning to show its age.
It's not until the next generation of smart cars comes out that we'll have a true improvement. At the beginning of the year, Daimler negotiated a deal with China's Geely where the two are 50:50 partners. The new EVs have been pledged for 2022, so this forfour EQ will have to just limp along until then.
These spyshots show the five-door model undergoing testing. It's obviously larger than the fortwo, but the concept and technology are the same. The problem is that even though Daimler's sub-brand appears to have a head start, its European rivals are pretty good. We're talking about the VW e-Up! and its affordable relative from Skoda, the Citigo iV.
Facelift-wise, this 2020 model obviously sports a new look. We could tell you that it's been previewed by several smart concepts, but even we forget what they were called. The main one is the forease from 2018, though we doubt the production headlights will be anywhere near as cool.
Its new front bumper also houses a radar system for auto emergency stops, perhaps even smart cruise control.The interior is getting some upgrades too. That larger infotainment screen could be of Renault making, while the green accents on the dash hint at the eco ambitions of this car. When we drove the forfour a few years back, we enjoyed the funky dash and retro air conditioning units, but the design is beginning to show its age.
It's not until the next generation of smart cars comes out that we'll have a true improvement. At the beginning of the year, Daimler negotiated a deal with China's Geely where the two are 50:50 partners. The new EVs have been pledged for 2022, so this forfour EQ will have to just limp along until then.
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