The Smart ForTwo was a much-loved microcar that got here with an array of customization choices through the years, however its greatest energy was its small footprint. It virtually took up half of a parking spot, and I’m pleased to say its successor follows that very same recipe.
Lately unveiled as an idea at this yr’s Auto China Expo in Beijing, the Good #2 picks up the place the ForTwo left off. The 2-seat metropolis runabout might be powered by an all-new Electrical Compact Structure (ECA) developed in-house by Good.
Let me remind you: Smart is co-owned by Mercedes and Geely. So it’s solely pure that the automotive will sport expertise from the German and Chinese language carmakers. And that’s truly the case, with the #2 designed by Mercedes and engineered by Geely. So what all does it get?
Good
Let’s begin with the quirky design. Beware: it’s as quirky, if no more so than the ForTwo. Triangular headlights, a floating roof, and rounded back lights.
The design is maybe a bit extra aggressive than earlier than – largely because of the trick DRLs with #2 lettering. Out goes the gaping grille and in comes a monogram of the model brand on a blocked grille that appears like a Louis Vuitton suitcase.
The automotive’s quirky look is enhanced by a sporty physique equipment and large wheels which might be pushed to the farthest edges. The door handles are leather-based with an embossed “styled by Mercedes-Benz” to be sure to don’t neglect Merc’s enter to the automotive.
The rear finish sports activities a small matrix display screen that may show no matter you select. That matte white and gold shade scheme does give it a present automotive really feel. I feel barring the extra-wide tires and digital lights, most of what’s on there’ll seemingly make it to manufacturing.
Good
With the #2, Good CEO Xiangbei Tong and Head of Design Kai Sieber outlined a plan to take again the micro-vehicle trade by positioning it as a “actual automotive” that may outperform the present wave of low-cost “mini EVs” which might be taking up the Chinese language market.
Sieber additionally identified that the emphasis has not simply been on the outside however the interiors as effectively. He notes that the cabin will preserve a high-end really feel whereas the footprint will keep as small as earlier than to allow a turning radius of lower than 7 meters (23 ft).
The idea is simply 110 inches (2.79 m) lengthy, and that measurement would just about carry over to the manufacturing model as effectively. That also makes it about 4 inches (10 cm) longer than the earlier mannequin, the ForTwo. Nevertheless, even then, it might be round a meter shorter than typical metropolis vehicles whereas nonetheless with the ability to seat 4 individuals … how roomy that might be, I’m extremely uncertain.
At these dimensions, it’s about 33 inches (84 cm) shorter than the Fiat 500e and 39 inches (99.7 mm) shorter than the Renault Twingo E-Tech, making it one of many smallest EVs in Europe’s A-Phase.
Good
“I’ve pushed virtually all of the micro-cars at present in the marketplace, and I can inform you: the Good #2 is an actual automotive; the others aren’t,” feedback Tong. He’s been extraordinarily direct in regards to the competitors, stating that each rival micro-EV at present obtainable in the marketplace lacked the structural and dynamic integrity of a real microcar.
All of that’s simply phrases if the crux of the automotive itself isn’t stable. And it appears like it’s … the Electrical Compact Structure (ECA) apparently is nice for round 250 miles (400 km) CLTC or round 186 miles (300 km) in WLTP figures. If that does become the case, it might be a big enchancment over the Good ForTwo’s 90-or-so-mile (150-km) vary.
The battery on board may even assist DC quick charging, which might allow it to go from 10 to 80% in beneath 20 minutes. A vehicle-to-load (V2L) characteristic may even be supplied.
The manufacturing model of the Good #2 will premiere on the Paris Motor Present in October later this yr, forward of its market launch. The EV will seemingly be launched in Europe and the UK at first, however there’s an actual risk it would ultimately discover its manner into different markets around the globe thereafter.
Good
Truthfully, I like the trajectory Good is on. Small, metropolis EVs make all of the sense on this planet. Ample vary for town, sufficiently small to squeeze by way of tight areas, cute, fashionable styling, and quick charging. Now all that’s left is to see the way it’s priced. Fingers crossed.
Supply: Smart
