2020 Smart EQ fortwo and EQ forfour unveiled

As Smart has totally abandoned the internal combustion engine, every member of the brand’s refreshed range features a pure-electric powertrain.

A rear-mounted synchronous electric motor produces 80 bhp (60 kW / 82 PS) plus 160 Nm (118 lb/ft) of instantly-accessible torque. Accelerating from rest to 37 mph (60 km/h) takes the EQ fortwo coupé 4.8 seconds, which seems nippy enough for city-centre driving. Top speed is 80 mph (130 km/h).

Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio (2020) Front Side

Current is stored in a three-module lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 17.6 kWh. Although an NEDC range of 98 miles (159 kilometres) doesn’t sound particularly impressive, it should be sufficient to cover most daily commuting distances.

Topping-up times naturally depend on the method used, but an optional 22 kW on-board charger can replenish the batteries from 10% to 80% full in around forty minutes. In addition, radar-based regenerative braking is able to automatically slow the car while harvesting kinetic energy.

Smart EQ Forfour Edition One (2020) SideSmart EQ Fortwo Coupé Edition One (2020) Rear Side

Visually, the 2020 models can be identified by a restyled front end. The grille – now body-coloured on all variants except the special Edition One – sits entirely within the bumper panel, and the EQ forfour has been given a slightly different design. A modified bonnet also forms part of the facelift.

Inside, the centre console provides better storage than before and there’s a revised selection of upholstery fabrics. Another key update concerns the novel infotainment set-up. Essentially, the primary role of the built-in 8” touchscreen is to mirror the driver’s smartphone, so the system won’t really function without such a device.

Smart EQ Forfour Edition One (2020) InteriorSmart EQ Fortwo Coupé Edition One (2020) Front Side

The Smart EQ app is probably going to be indispensable, too. As well as remotely gathering information about the battery’s status, this can pre-set the cabin temperature, lock and unlock the doors, locate parking spaces, find the car, combat theft and, in certain markets, enable vehicle sharing services.

Placing an order promises to be a fairly simple process. The regular line-up consists of basic, ‘passion’, ‘pulse’ and ‘prime’ trim grades, and most equipment options are bundled together in three packages. However, UK prices have yet to be announced.

Smart EQ Forfour Edition One (2020) Front SideSmart EQ Fortwo Cabrio (2020) Side

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