Tiny Smart #2 revealed ahead of Aussie arrival

SMART’S smallest model is edging closer to Australian showrooms following the appearance of the production-ready #2 electric city car in Chinese regulatory filings ahead of its global debut in October.

The diminutive two-seater, which marks a return to the original Smart Fortwo formula, has appeared in documentation lodged with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), revealing its dimensions, powertrain, and key specifications.

An Australian launch has yet to be formally confirmed, but Smart has previously indicated the #2 is being developed for markets including Europe and other global regions, while local reports suggest the model is highly likely to join the Australian line-up in 2027.

Smart has also included Melbourne in an international marketing campaign for the #2, further pointing to Australian availability.

According to the MIIT filing, the Smart #2 measures either 2751mm or 2764mm long depending on configuration, 1669mm wide and 1555mm high, riding on an unusually short 1875mm wheelbase.

Kerb weight is listed at 1130kg.

That makes it considerably smaller than the Smart #1 currently offered in Australia, which stretches to 4270mm in length, and returns the brand to the compact urban dimensions for which it was originally known.

Power comes from a rear-mounted 60kW electric motor supplied by Geely subsidiary InfiMotion, providing a claimed top speed of 140km/h.

The #2 uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with cells supplied by CATL and a battery pack assembled by Geely subsidiary Energee.

While battery capacity was not disclosed in the latest regulatory filing, reports from China indicate a 35.7kWh battery offering approximately 300km of driving range under the more lenient CLTC testing standard.

The filing also reveals several exterior personalisation options, including black, body-coloured, and hard-roof configurations.

The #2 represents a significant departure from Smart’s recent model strategy.

Since Mercedes-Benz and Geely formed their 50:50 Smart joint venture in 2019, the company has expanded into considerably larger vehicles including the #1 and #3 crossovers, both of which are sold in Australia, and the larger #5 SUV.

By contrast, the #2 effectively resurrects the concept established by the original Fortwo – a compact two-seat vehicle designed principally for congested urban environments.

Development responsibilities for the new model are shared between Smart’s two parent companies, with Mercedes-Benz overseeing  exterior and interior design and Geely handling engineering and production in China.

Smart says the #2 will incorporate technology from its larger contemporary models despite its significantly smaller footprint.

The model will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in October before sales commence in China and Europe.

Australian timing, pricing and specification remain unconfirmed, although a 2027 introduction appears likely should Smart Australia add the #2 to its expanding local range.

Smart returned to Australia in 2024 after an absence of almost a decade, initially offering the #1 and #3 electric SUVs.

The original Smart Fortwo was sold locally during the brand’s first stint in Australia, which ended in 2015 following persistently low sales.