Beatrice Lang
The Smart Fortwo is an electric car that is perfect for city driving. It's small, easy to drive, and a breeze to park. With its compact size and amazing turning circle, it can squirt through traffic and fit into tiny parking spaces. The electric drive provides smooth and almost silent acceleration, although the initial response isn't as instant as some other EVs. The rear-wheel drive and short wheelbase give it a dodgem car feel, and the single-speed transmission mated to the electric powertrain is an improvement over the previous DSG 'box in the petrol model. However, the Smart Fortwo has a small battery size, which gives it a shorter range compared to other electric vehicles. So, while it's perfect for urban use, it may not be the best choice for long-distance driving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fun to drive? | Smooth and almost silent acceleration, like other electric cars. |
| Initial response isn't as instant as most other EVs, and the rate of acceleration tails off at speeds over 50 mph. | |
| Rear-wheel drive, a short wheelbase, and a low curb weight give it a "dodgem car" feel. | |
| The single-speed transmission mated to the electric powertrain is much better than the DSG 'box in the petrol smart fortwo. | |
| The steering column cannot be adjusted for reach or height. | |
| The interior design is fun, the instruments are clear, and the battery gauges are accurate. | |
| The infotainment system is an improvement over the previous generation model, but getting to the 'home' screen requires pressing the 'menu' button. | |
| The automatic creep function makes it harder to shuffle at parking speeds. | |
| The ride quality is poor, and the structural rigidity is lacking, resulting in rattles and external noise. | |
| Price | Around £20,000-£22,000, or $15,000 for a 2019 model. |
| Range | 58 miles, 84 miles (WLTP), or 75 miles with options and bigger wheels. |
| Suitability | Well-suited for urban use due to its compact size, excellent turning circle, and swift 0-30 mph acceleration. |
| Not ideal for long-distance or open-road driving due to its limited range and lack of power for high speeds. |
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What You'll Learn
Smooth and silent acceleration
The Smart Fortwo EQ's performance is nifty and smooth, with an instant-on 82bhp motor that is more than enough for its 1,100kg weight. The rear-wheel drive, short wheelbase, and low kerb weight of 1115 kg make it like driving a dodgem car. The single-speed transmission mated to the electric powertrain is much better than the DSG ‘box in the petrol smart fortwo.
The Smart Fortwo electric drive offers smooth and almost silent acceleration, similar to other electric cars. While the initial response isn't as instant as most other EVs, and the rate of acceleration does decrease at speeds over 50 mph, it still provides a fun driving experience. The rear-wheel drive and short wheelbase contribute to a dodgem car sensation, especially with the battery weight low down.
The Smart Fortwo's acceleration is swift from 0 to 30 mph, making it ideal for urban use. Its compact size and amazing turning circle of 6.95 meters further enhance its manoeuvrability in tight city streets. The electric powertrain provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, making it a fun and unique choice for city driving.
The smooth and silent acceleration of the Smart Fortwo electric drive is a notable feature, providing a fun and unique driving experience. The instant-on 82bhp motor delivers adequate power, and the rear-wheel drive and short wheelbase contribute to its agility. While the initial response and acceleration at higher speeds may not match some EVs, the overall performance is enjoyable, especially in urban environments.
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Steering and turning circle
The Smart Fortwo EQ's performance is nifty and smooth, making it ideal for city driving. Its rear-wheel drive, short wheelbase, and low kerb weight make it feel like driving a dodgem car.
The steering column cannot be adjusted for reach or height, which is unusual for a car. The steering wheel column-mounted paddles, which were present in the previous generation, are also missing in the new model. These paddles were used to alter the rate of brake regeneration.
The Smart Fortwo has a sharp steering lock and a tiny wheelbase, which gives it a tight turning circle of 6.95m. This allows the car to turn around in almost any road in one go.
The compact size and turning circle, along with its swift 0-30mph acceleration, make the Smart Fortwo well-suited for urban use. It is easy to manoeuvre through tight streets and parking spaces.
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Battery life and range
The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is a small car with a small battery. The battery capacity is 17.6 kWh, which is about a third of the size of the battery in the new electric Vauxhall Corsa and even smaller than those in some plug-in hybrid SUVs. The official range of the Smart Fortwo is between 74 and 84 miles, although the EPA's official all-electric range is 63 miles (101 km). In favourable conditions in a warm, urban environment, the manufacturer claims the range can reach up to 98 miles (158 km). The range is also improved by driving in stop-start traffic in towns.
The Smart Fortwo's battery charges quickly, especially at 22 kW charging points, taking three to four hours to reach a full charge. However, the car is not suitable for long-distance drives due to its small battery. The suitability of an electric vehicle for long trips depends not only on its range but also on how quickly it can charge and its battery capacity and efficiency. The Smart Fortwo can be charged using a regular wall plug or a charging station, and the speed of charging will depend on the charging station used and the maximum charging capacity of the car.
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Interior design and features
The Smart Fortwo ED's interior design and features are focused on functionality and sustainability. The compact size of the vehicle allows it to navigate narrow city streets easily, and the interior space is optimized for passenger comfort. The dashboard features a user-friendly interface with a touchscreen that integrates navigation and media. The interior materials reflect a modern aesthetic that appeals to eco-conscious consumers.
The Smart Fortwo ED showcases a distinctive design that prioritizes functionality. The compact dimensions of the vehicle allow for easy maneuverability in crowded urban centers. The interior space is optimized to provide a comfortable driving experience for passengers, despite the small size of the vehicle. The dashboard is designed with a user-friendly interface, featuring a touchscreen that integrates navigation and media controls.
The interior materials of the Smart Fortwo ED reflect a modern aesthetic that appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. The materials used, such as metal-look accents and cloth upholstery, create a stylish and contemporary feel. Additionally, the dashboard, seats, and other interior components are designed with recyclability in mind, addressing the growing consumer demand for sustainable practices in vehicle design.
The Smart Fortwo ED also offers a range of standard and optional features to enhance the driving experience. The base model includes features such as air conditioning, a CD player, and power steering. Optional upgrades include heated seats, electric wing mirrors, and a premium sound system. The Smart Fortwo ED also offers a range of trim levels and packages, such as the Passion, Prime, and Proxy trims, as well as the BRABUS Sport Package, which adds unique interior appointments and a sport suspension.
Overall, the interior design and features of the Smart Fortwo ED prioritize functionality, comfort, and sustainability. The vehicle offers a user-friendly and modern interior space that caters to the needs and preferences of urban dwellers and eco-conscious consumers.
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Price and value for money
The Smart Fortwo electric car is priced at around £20,000 to £22,000, depending on the offers available. In Canada, a used 2019 model can be purchased for around $15,000. While the Smart Fortwo is one of the cheapest ways to own an electric car, some may argue that the price is still high considering what you get for your money. For instance, the battery size is quite small at 17.2-17.6 kWh, and the car is a two-seater with limited range.
However, the Smart Fortwo's value proposition improves when considering its suitability for urban use. Its compact size, tight turning circle, and swift acceleration make it ideal for navigating through city traffic and parking in small spaces. The electric powertrain also offers zero emissions, making it a sustainable option for city driving.
Compared to other electric vehicles in its price range, such as the Fiat 500e, the Smart Fortwo may offer less value in terms of range and features. The Fiat 500e, for example, is said to have a range of around 80 miles, with the potential to reach over 100 miles on warm days. On the other hand, the Smart Fortwo's range is estimated at 58 to 84 miles, depending on various factors such as options, wheel size, and driving conditions.
Additionally, the Smart Fortwo has been criticized for some design choices, such as the lack of adjustability in the steering column and the average ride quality due to its short wheelbase. However, it's important to note that the Smart Fortwo has improved over the years, with the latest model being the first one truly recommended.
Overall, the Smart Fortwo electric car offers a unique value proposition as a small, electric city car. While it may not provide the same range or features as some of its competitors, its compact size, manoeuvrability, and sustainability make it a niche choice for those seeking an urban electric vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
The Smart Fortwo electric car has been described as being "like driving a dodgem car". It has a smooth and almost silent acceleration, swift 0-30mph acceleration, and an amazing turning circle. However, the initial response isn’t as instant as most other EVs, and the rate of acceleration does tail off at speeds over 50mph.
The range of the Smart Fortwo electric varies from 58 miles to 84 miles. The WLTP range is 84 miles (75 with options and bigger wheels).
The Smart Fortwo electric costs around £22,000 or $15,000 depending on the offers available.
The Smart Fortwo electric has poor structural rigidity, with rattles and external noise when the roof is up, and even more noise and buffeting when the hood is down. It also has a short wheelbase, which doesn't help the ride quality.
The Smart Fortwo electric is rear-wheel drive and has a short wheelbase and a low kerb weight. The rear drive allows a sharp steering lock, and combined with the tiny wheelbase, it gives a tight turning circle.
