SMARTEQ fortwo Cabrio 2019 - Present

　　Smart introduced a new electron-powered version of its well-known Fortwo product in 2019 and offered it in coupe and convertible shapes.

　　The smart brand was born after a short marriage between the German giant Mercedes-Benz and the Swiss watchmaker Swatch. Right from the start, the idea was to develop an electric-only small-sized vehicle fit for cities. After a while, the German automaker said that it couldn’t be done and their partners should reconsider their position and accept, at least for a while, fuel-efficient tiny vehicles fueled by gasoline or diesel. After many negotiations, the marriage was dissolved in 1998, even before the first product could reach the market. Two decades later, in 2008, Mercedes-Benz produced in a limited edition an electric version of the tiny vehicle, and after that, the EV era began. But Swatch was no longer onboard.

　　The 2019 model came with a new look and a daring proposal for the market. Instead of trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, it was just a city vehicle fit for two with a range that should be enough for the daily commute. It was stylish and could charge in about eight hours at a regular home outlet. Its front fascia featured organic-shaped headlights swept back on the sides and included LED daytime running lights. Moreover, the lower bumper featured a chicken-wire-style pattern for the grille and was flanked by a pair of round fog lamps. There was also a set of side scoops, but their main purpose was to look good. From its profile, the open-top smart featured a tilted windshield extended almost above the front seats. At the back, the wide B-pillar also served as a safety measure protecting the car’s occupants in the event of a roll-over accident. Behind it, the automaker offered customers to fold down the rear side of the roof, while the top panel could’ve been concealed under the trunk’s floor.

　　The cabin was refreshed compared to the 2016 model and featured tall seatbacks with integrated headrests. Fronting the driver was a classic smart instrument cluster with a TFT display surrounded by an analog dial for the speedometer. Mercedes-Benz added a new infotainment unit on the center stack, supporting Bluetooth connectivity. The standard version came well-equipped and included AC and heated seats. Underneath it, on the center console, the automaker placed the gear selector, two cup holders, and a tiny drawer on the side for some coins or headphones. Behind the tiny cabin was a briefcase-sized trunk placed above the rear axle and the electric motor.

　　A 60 kW (80 HP) motor powered this tiny vehicle for up to 159 kilometers (99 miles) on a single charge in ideal conditions. The car boasted a 4.8-second acceleration time from zero to 60 kph (45 MPH) and a top speed of 130 kph (81 MPH). Still, it was designed as a city vehicle and mostly for driving with the top down, so not in winter conditions too much.

　　load press release