Smart EQ 2020: the latest European model will be electric and very connected

• Photo gallery: This is the Smart EQ 2020

The Daimler group chose Valencia to make the international premiere of the new generation of Smart , the brand of its most urban and compact model, which from this year will only have electric propulsion. Smart thus becomes the first global brand that has exclusively electric models and it seems that the elements allied with such a decision because the storm Gloria did not stop throwing rays and liters of water on the small Smart, which did not change despite the attacks Weather

In addition, this will be the latest European generation of Smart. The last one to be manufactured at the French plant in Hambach, where it was born in 1997 (it started selling a year later) and that the German group sells. From 2022, it will be the responsibility of the joint venture created by Mercedes and the Chinese company Geely, Smart Automobile Co, based in Ningbo east of China and 150 km from Shanghai. This company will be in charge of developing the designs created by the Mercedes team, the production and marketing of Smart worldwide.

While the Chinese future arrives, the Smart 2020 generation, the first time exclusively with electric motorization, is characterized by some tweaks in the design of the front and headlights. It has also recovered the name of the brand in the nose, as the first generation had more than 20 years ago. But most of the innovations focus on the development of multiple applications (app) that make it a more connected, 'smart', versatile and practical model.

The electrical technology that imposes it is the same as the previous generation, widely tested and known since it is the one used in different cities in Europe, including Madrid, the group's carsharing service, Share New (formerly car2go).

It is a synchronous electric motor with a continuous power of 41 Kw and a maximum of 60 Kw (equivalent to 81 horses) and a torque of 160 Nm available from the start that allow it to accelerate from 0 to 60 km / h in 4, 8 seconds the two-seater (4.9 the cabrio) and in 5.2 seconds the four-seater. Features that, together with its small dimensions, 2.69 meters long the fortwo and 3.49 the forfour, and a spectacular turning diameter, only 6.95 meters the first and 8.95 meters the second, make it unbeatable in the city.

Despite its small size, the driving position adapts perfectly to the height and volume of any person and visibility is perfect for the large windows. The doors are very large and the rear of the four seats can be opened up to 90 degrees to facilitate the entry of children or load packages. The trunk is also not as short as they would assume its dimensions. The fortwo reaches 360 liters and the forfour at 975 folding seats.

The Smart is perfect both for moving between urban traffic, and for parking in almost impossible gaps or for witching between traffic. Its high torque, available from the start, gives it a surprising acceleration that allows it to be the first to leave when a traffic light is opened, and turns with agility in the narrow streets of the centers of ancient cities. It is an urban animal and totally topical because it does not produce polluting emissions.

The lithium-ion battery of 17.6 Kw / h and 96 cells that gives it an autonomy of about 130 km which, although it can be reduced more quickly if the air conditioner or other equipment is turned on, also has a good braking recovery capacity . To the left of the driver, on the dashboard, there is a clock that indicates the point consumption and energy recovery. It is estimated that Spanish drivers circulate a daily average of 41.6 km, so the autonomy of the Smart is enough for three days without having to recharge.

In the test we did in Valencia, the autonomy indicator was practically unchanged, despite the fact that we had the heating on. The air conditioning is much more 'spending' so in summer the autonomy is reduced. It can be recharged in just 40 minutes up to 80% with a 22 kw charger, it needs 3.5 hours with a Wallbox and 6 hours in a domestic outlet.

Inside, the new Smart has some practical design and style changes. For example, the new center console is very striking, it is made of two contrasting materials (similar to wood, carbon fiber or colored plastics), it also has a recess behind the gear lever with a blind so that it is closed and hidden, Example, the telephone.

On the standard termination, which includes extensive equipment from automatic windshield wipers or heated rear window to adjustable leather steering wheel, you can opt for three levels of terminations. Passion includes a new design of seats and upholstery with contrast stitching, in addition to multifunction steering wheel; Pulse is characterized by 16 "alloy wheels in black and silver and sports pedals with rubber studs, while Prime, the top finish, includes heated leather seats.

Smart also offers three packages to complete the equipment that can be included from a panoramic roof to the windshield for the cabrio, reversing camera, LED lights, interior lighting or interior rearview mirror with anti-glare function. The Smart is small, but allows maximum customization, choice of colors including bitone and up to four new types of tires. In addition, from March it will offer the option of a new 8-inch screen that will allow the integration of carplay, the phone inside the car.

But the biggest innovation in the Smart of the 20s is its maximum connectivity through the mobile phone and even the Apple watch. Different applications allow you to check the status of the battery and the location of a charging point, pre-heating the car, identify its location, locate a car park and even open or close it by remote control.

Other more complex and innovative services allow to share the use of the vehicle, including its expenses through an app, a service that has insurance coverage and is limited to prevent the main use from being the rental. You can even use the Smart boot to receive packages with an application.

The base price of the new Smart is 24,450 euros for the fortwo, from 27,465 the cabriolet body and from 25,150 the four-seater.

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