Smart Fortwo and Forfour eq version view in design sketch

2020 Smart Fortwo EQ design sketch Smart will find updated versions of its all-electric cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Clever is preparing a facelift for its cars and cars, and has released an updated design ahead of the city car's Frankfurt Motor Show debut.

While the drawing showcases wide fenders, bigger wheels and a more rounded cabin than is likely to be the case with the production model, we see how smart is intent on modernizing its styling as it turns into an electric-only manufacturer.

Among the most significant changes are a redesigned hood and new front and rear bumpers. The front grille looks enlarged, but has the same COTA-style vent layout as the outgoing electric models.

The German manufacturer is expected to be through an update, likely to go on sale towards the end of the year to remove all of its petrol engine options. This stems from a statement last year that the brand would become “the all-electric brand of urban mobility” under new management.

With combustion engine options gone, the smart ones will look to improve on the weaknesses of the EQ models, namely uncompetitive on electric power. Under the New WLTM system, current models promise only 70 miles on their 22kWh battery, well below any of the recent crop of small electric vehicles.

Expect changes in battery technology, plus more capacity so you can take that up to and above 124 miles. Charging speed should hopefully improve as well, as current models are only capable of up to 7kW. It's not yet clear if the 82bhp electric motor will get a power boost though.

Along with this expect changes in the look of the cars to include new headlights and bumper designs. Expect updates to the infotainment and interior; ForFour's console at the prototype center is being broadcast, so features such as wireless smartphone charging can be expected.

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The updated Fortwo and Forfour will be the last Daimler-only Smarts before Geely, now 50% of the stakeholders, takes over the tech for the next generation. Mercedes-Benz will continue to develop visual effects vehicles, with all-new models expected in 2022.

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