Smart #2 News

Smart has officially revived its small two-seat hatchback, and it may be returning to Australian shores. The Smart #2, pronounced ‘Hashtag Two’, is the spiritual successor to the original Smart ForTwo that similarly debuted at the Paris motor show, but 28 years prior. This new two-seat hatchback is now electric-only and based on a new platform called the Electric Compact Architecture (ECA). It’s powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces 60kW and 130Nm. The electric motor is fed by a 35.8kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a WLTP-claimed range of 289km. AC charging is offered at rates up to 11kW, depending on the trim, while DC fast-charging is available at rates up to 65kW. The latter allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge to occur within 20 minutes. The Smart #2 measures in at 2746mm long, 1760mm wide and 1555mm tall, with a 1875mm wheelbase. This makes it roughly 250mm longer, 250mm wider and 55mm taller than the original Smart ForTwo. The Smart #2 also has a kerb weight of 1140kg, which is 410kg heavier than the three-cylinder-powered original. All four wheels are pushed to the corners of the body and the rear wheels are slightly wider than the front. The exterior styling is reminiscent of previous-generation ForTwo models and it retains the classic split-folding tailgate. There’s 305 litres of boot space as standard, which expands to 527 litres with the underfloor section. The Smart #2 is available in a series of trim levels, including Pure, Premium and the limited-edition Couture Edition. A high-performance Brabus version is also in the works. All versions receive LED headlights, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system, bench-style front seat and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. The Premium receives a panoramic glass sunroof, seven-speaker Sennheiser sound system, a heated driver’s seat, as well as synthetic leather upholstery. The limited-edition Couture Edition has Atelier White matte exterior paint with a Platinum Gold roof, plus 16-inch alloy wheels with gold details. All versions have adaptive cruise control and lane centring, while the Premium and up receive blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Smart #2 is set to launch in the UK in 2027 and a wider European and Chinese launch is in the works. A Smart spokesperson has said there is currently no specific details about a launch in other global markets, including Australia. Despite the uncertainty, Smart did paint a mural of the #2 in Melbourne, among other global locations, back in August. This indicates that an Australian launch is at least on the brand’s radar. The Smart ForTwo was discontinued locally in 2015 following declining sales. This revived electric version, if it comes to Australia, will rival the likes of the Hyundai Inster, BYD Atto 1, Geely EX2 and GAC Aion UT, among others. Since the Smart brand relaunched in 2019 as a joint-venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, it returned to Australia in 2024 with the #1 and #3 electric SUVs. The new Smart #5 mid-size electric SUV, which is the brand’s largest vehicle to date, is set to launch in Australia during November.

Smart, the electric brand formed by automotive power couple Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is hinting that the arrival its smallest car the #2 is near as colour murals appear around the world including Australia. Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Melbourne have all seen advertisements in the form of hand painted murals pop up in their cities recently. Melbourne’s version features the small red two-door hatch against a backdrop of the city’s landmarks including Flinders St Station and a tram with the tagline “It’s back #2.” The only Smart models currently available are the #1 small SUV and the #3 mid-sized SUV. The “It’s back” tagline is referring to the original Smart Fortwo tiny hatch which was popular in Australia when the brand first landed here more than 20 years ago. The Smart #2 is only 100mm longer than the original Fortwo at a diminutive 2792mm end-to-end and also has just two seats but this time around it will be a bench seat which the company says creates more cabin room. The little city hatch will be fully electric and is expected to have a 35kWh battery and about 300km of driving range from a full charge. Fast DC charging from 10-80 percent will take just 20 minutes, Smart says. Smart Global CMO Kang Yi, said the Smart #2 was designed to express individuality and playfulness. “The Smart #2 is the evolution of a revolution,” he said  “We designed this vehicle to bring playfulness, premium sophistication, and effortless agility back to the modern urban jungle. By teasing our defining halo product through this unconventional artistic exposure, we are building immense anticipation for its return and showcasing our commitment to creating vehicles that are not just means of transportation, but true expressions of individuality.” The Smart #2 will make its global debut at the Paris motor show in October. As for its arrival locally despite the marketing proclaiming the Smart #2 to be back in Melbourne, Smart's Australian distributor told CarsGuide the vehicle was not confirmed for our market. If it was to launch here it wouldn't be until 2027.