Smart #2 electric city car spotted testing before world debut later this year

The successor to the Smart Fortwo city car – the #2 – has been spotted testing ahead of its world debut later this year.

The two-door, two-seater electric city car that will be positioned at the bottom of the firm’s model line-up and will sit on a new ‘Electric Compact Architecture’ platform.

Details on the car’s exterior and interior design have not been revealed, but the prototype was spotted wearing a Mercedes-Benz-style camouflage livery. It also features short front and rear overhangs and a tall, upright body, just like its predecessor.

The car is currently in the process of being put through its paces at one of Smart’s proving grounds with the vehicle undergoing real-world driving manoeuvres including driving around unexpected obstacles, emergency lane changes and low-grip wet road conditions. This is to help refine the car’s chassis to ensure the vehicle remains composed and responsive around town.

Smart’s engineers have also tested the #2 on surfaces such as rough asphalt, grooved concrete and high-speed straights to improve the car’s refinement as well as reduce rolling resistance to maximise the car’s efficiency.

Powertrain details on the Smart #2 have not been released at this stage, though more information will be announced in due course.

The Smart #2 will make its world debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show which runs from October 12 to October 18.