first drive: the smartest smart ever

THE PROS & CONS

    • What’s Best: Snappy looks, solid built quality and good range for such a small electric car.
    • What’s Worst: No tilt or telescoping steering wheel.
    • What’s Interesting: smart is the only automaker to offer all its models with either electric or gasoline propulsion.

MIAMI, FL: The 2017, fourth generation smart is being called the “smartest” version yet, with the new all-electric model easily the smartest of them all.

Debuting at this September’s Paris Auto Show worldwide, and for the first time in North America at the recent LA Auto Show, smart is the only vehicle maker in the world offering all its models with either gasoline or all-electric propulsion.

The first electric smart debuted in 2007 when 100 were tested in London, Eng., which resulted in the second generation being sold in 18 markets around the globe with demand exceeding expectations.

first drive: the smartest smart ever

The 2017, fourth generation smart fortwo electric features some cosmetics changes, but the big news is a driving range of up to 160 km.

Things got serious with the third generation in 2012 where, among others things, it was the first electric car exported to China where it immediately claimed 40 per cent of the market and held top spot for three years.

Outside Canada, smart is used in the car2go fleet with 1,400 in three cities where it racked up more than 35 million km.

The smart is still a viable choice for those in the market for an all-electric, particularly in urban environments where parking is tight and congestion a growing fact of life.

first drive: the smartest smart ever

The agility of the smart is impressive. This two-seater is 2.95 metres long but has a turning circle of 6.95 meters, meaning it can make a full turn in just about twice its own length.

Power comes from a three-phase synchronous electric motor producing 81 hp and 118 ft/lb of torque driving the rear wheels allied to a 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery for a combined energy consumption of 12.9 kWh/100 km and a range of 160 km.

It’s quicker than you’d think at 0-100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 130 km/h or about 80 mph.

first drive: the smartest smart ever

Driving the rear wheels is a three-phase synchronous electric motor (81 hp, 118 ft/lb of torque). A much larger, more powerful 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery sits below the floor of the smart ED.

According to smart, recharging takes about 2.5 hours with a 240-volt wallbox or 13 hours from a 110-volt household outlet. There is also a 7.0 kW charger on board.

Besides the normal CVT transmission gearing, there is an ECO Mode, in which kinetic energy is fed back to the battery while top speed is reduced and pedal pressure optimized for the most frugal operation.

An interesting function that saves energy and extends range is pre-entry climate control that allows the cabin to reach a desired temperature while the car is still charging.

This is done by the “smart control” app that also provides access to vehicle information on any computer, tablet or smartphone.

first drive: the smartest smart ever

A handy analog style power meter is placed on the upper left of the instrument panel giving a running state of charge.

Mounted on the top of the instrument panel on the left is a power meter and battery level analog gauge which gives out instant information and acts like a coach to help the driver get the most out of the system.

The launch of the new smart took place in Miami, a perfect venue, as it has dense populations in the city and environs like South Beach where we were staying.

The drive route was primarily through city streets and through affluent communities near the ocean – definitely smart territory.

first drive: the smartest smart ever

The interior of the 2017 smart fortwo ED remains funky in design. Seats in the 2017 smart fortwo ED are heated as standard.

The only sound you hear is a distant whirr from the rear and the tires on the pavement. The latter magically disappeared with the windows up and the air on.

I watched the power metre with the air both off and on and it did not seem to make a dent when accelerating and using the ECO Mode as well.

I was also surprised to note it had a standard heated steering wheel, which you might think would be an energy hog, as well as standard heated seats.

The centre stack mounted infotainment touchscreen containes everything you need, but my co-driver and I had some initial trouble with the navigation system that tried to send us the wrong way once.

first drive: the smartest smart ever

Cargo volume is 190 litres/350 litres to headliner. You can have a tailgate party with your smart ED, albeit a small one.

As you can imagine with the ultra short wheelbase, cornering was like a dodgem car matched by the immediacy to steering wheel inputs.

The new smart comes in something like 19 exterior colours and a choice of several on the interior.

first drive: the smartest smart ever

There is choice of 15-inch alloy wheels on the 2017 smart fortwo ED.

My only complaint is the smart lacks a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, which I thought would have helped a full-figured soul such as me get an ideal seating position.

There was no pricing released at the press launch but the outgoing model retails at $26,990 for starters (not counting E rebates).

If you’re looking to eliminate gasoline from your life and expect decent electric car range, this just might be the smart choice for you.

first drive: the smartest smart ever

The bobtailed rear helps the 2017 smart fortwo ED get in and out of spaces where others vehicles simply can’t go.

Smart fortwo ED 2017 

BODY STYLE: Two-seat subcompact coupe

DRIVE METHOD: Rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive, CVT transmission

MOTOR: Three-phase synchronous electric motor (81 hp, 118 ft/lb of torque) with 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery.

ENERGY CONSUMPSION: 12.9 kWh/100 km and a range of 160 km

CARGO CAPACITY: 190 litres/350 litres to headliner

PRICE: TBA

WEBSITE: thesmart.ca

Show Comments

Keyword: First Drive: The smartest smart ever

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Nissan, Researchers Working To End Traffic Jams With Smart Highways

Using specially equipped 100 Nissan Rogues, the experiment was done on an open road.

View more: Nissan, Researchers Working To End Traffic Jams With Smart Highways

Everything you need to know about the Smart ForFour

Is the smart forfour a good car?  Who is the smart forfour a good car for? Is the smart forfour a good first car? Is the smart forfour a good family car? Is there a Hybrid smart forfour? What’s it like to drive?  Reviewer’s opinion What does it look ...

View more: Everything you need to know about the Smart ForFour

Elon Musk to make alternative smartphone if Apple or Google bans Twitter

The idea of an Elon Musk-led company creating a smartphone has caught the imagination of many over the years, so much so that some YouTube channels continue to peddle the alleged release of products like the “Tesla Pi Phone” that’s supposedly poised to compete with Apple’s iPhone and other ...

View more: Elon Musk to make alternative smartphone if Apple or Google bans Twitter

Grab the all-new Insignia 32-inch Smart TV for under $100 for Black Friday

Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. If a Fire Stick is just one step too far down the road of “extra devices I definitely don’t need,” but you’re still looking to get into the smart ...

View more: Grab the all-new Insignia 32-inch Smart TV for under $100 for Black Friday

Geely is making a clone of the smart#1

Geely making a smart move by making a Zeekr EV that's exactly like the smart#1? Looks like the smart#1 will have some family rivalry soon as carnewschina.com has spotted the new Zeekr compact EV SUV, which looks to be the same size as the smart#1. Codenamed BX1E, the EV apparently ...

View more: Geely is making a clone of the smart#1

Grizzl-E Smart Commercial Bundle Offers Charging Solutions For Condo And Apartment Dwellers

Over 70 million Americans live in condominiums, rental apartments and other multi-resident homes with shared parking.

View more: Grizzl-E Smart Commercial Bundle Offers Charging Solutions For Condo And Apartment Dwellers

The New Smart #1 Happens To Be Surprisingly Safe: Euro NCAP Results

The Smart #1 gets not only 5 stars overall, but also 96% for Adult Occupant protection.

View more: The New Smart #1 Happens To Be Surprisingly Safe: Euro NCAP Results

First images revealed of the Smart #3

A registration application in China has revealed the first pictures and data on the second model of the Smart brand. Next to a modified body, the model will also have an all-wheel drive with a second electric motor, and at least one more battery option. The second model after ...

View more: First images revealed of the Smart #3

Smart #3 leaked in China, the electric coupe-SUV that will likely arrive in Malaysia

Smart rolls out a slightly larger electric SUV

New 2023 Smart #3 SUV leaked in Chinese homologation filings

Smart #1 scores 5-star Euro NCAP rating – Malaysia-launch in Q4 2023

Terowong SMART berfungsi Baik – Hujan lebat 6 jam, tiada banjir

2022 Honda Civic RS e:HEV hybrid launched in Malaysia; priced from RM 167k, 315 Nm, Smart Key

What New Smart Technology Does the 2023 Honda Pilot SUV Offer?

Can smart charging technology help to alleviate EV grid demand?

Lug+Carrie introduces smart journey app to make electric cycling safer for ‘mums and dads’

Smart Money in 1988 Invested in a Mercury Topaz

This Bugatti smartwatch feels like someone’s missed the point

IIHS: Smartphone apps drive gig workers, parents to distraction

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel