Smart announces return of iconic two-seater to 'redefine' city cars

The vehicle manufacturer Smart has announced that it is working on creating a replacement for the company's most iconic model in a bid to boost interest in the city car market.

The Smart #2 is a tiny two-seater hatchback that will be the spiritual successor to the famous ForTwo - the brand's first model that was built from 1998 until 2024.

Much like the original, the #2 will feature just two seats and a small yet functional boot, with the bodywork set to be around 2.7 metres long - nearly a metre less than the Fiat 500e.

Whilst Smart confirmed to be working on the #2 around a year ago, the comany's European CEO, Dirk Adelmann, has recently urged drivers to 'stay tuned' for more information, hinting that the model could be unveiled shortly.

Speaking to Auto Express, Dirk noted that he is a fan of the increasing number of retro-themed cars on the market, such as the Renault 5 E-Tech and latest generation of Minis, but that 'Smart doesn't usually do retro'.

Instead, some motoring experts have speculated that the new Smart #2 will likely mimic the same design features as the larger #1 supermini and #3 compact crossover.

As a result, the new model would likely feature a slim LED light bar running across the front end, separating the bonnet and headlights from the bumper, and a low-mounted trapezoidal grille.

However, in order to make maximum use of such a limited amount of space, the #2 is likely to be much more squared-off compared to its stablemates and feature a slimmer bonnet.

Whilst Smart has yet to confirm any technical details surrounding the #2, including the all-important launch date, it is likely that the model would feature a fully-electric powertrain.

The company has previously outlined hopes that the model will feature a four or five-star safety rating, meaning it will also share plenty of the driver assistance functions found in the brand's larger models.

Moreover, keeping to Smart's routes as a premium vehicle manufacturer, it is likely that the #2 will cost notably more than other electric city cars, such as the Dacia Spring and Leapmotor T03, with an estimated price of around £20,000.

Whilst there are still plenty of questions surrounding the upcoming #2, Smart recently unveiled the #5 - a large electric SUV set to compete against the Tesla Model Y and Audi Q4 e-tron.

At nearly 4.7 metres long, the Smart #5 is the largest model ever made by the company and will be offered with a range of different power and battery options.

The flagship variant, known as the Summit Edition, will feature an impressive 579bhp, taking the SUV from 0-62mph in under five seconds, and a 100kWh battery that is capable of covering up to 366 miles per charge.