Used 2019 smart fortwo EQ coupe

The 2019 Smart EQ Fortwo is a slightly different name for an existing car. Parent company Mercedes-Benz now attaches the “EQ” moniker to any of its products that have some degree of electrification. In the Fortwo’s case, it’s completely electric. This is a 2-seater vehicle that makes cars classified as “subcompact” look expansive. It’s small enough to fit into a regular parking spot at a 90-degree angle and appeals to a similarly constrained niche. If work and home are quite close, and the usual grocery store is somewhere in between, then the Fortwo’s meager range of 58 miles could do the trick. This is the least expensive new electric car on the market, while the Cabrio (short for cabriolet, or convertible) is the least expensive new open-topped car and the only all-electric convertible.

Electric vehicles have this endearing quality of offering virtually all their torque right off the line, so the 2019 Fortwo is pleasantly zippy in the cut and thrust of city traffic, while also being small enough to dart through gaps that might be calamitous for larger cars. Top speed, however, is only 81 mph and getting to 60 mph from standstill takes more than 11 seconds. Driving past 18-wheelers is at least made more reassuring with the knowledge that crosswind assistance is standard, since the Fortwo is quite a high-sided little thing. Greater speed also depletes the battery faster, so that’s another argument for sticking to city duty. The center of gravity is quite low, though, thanks to the location of the battery (in the floor) and general construction. Despite such a short wheelbase, the ride quality is more than bearable. And the 22.8-foot turning circle allows the Fortwo to make U-turns in 2-lane roads.

It’s not as cramped as it might appear from the outside. The Fortwo’s 2-seater cabin doesn’t feel at all claustrophobic and even a couple of tall types would fit and remain comfortable until recharge time. The driving position is set on the high side, which many people prefer, but the steering wheel doesn’t adjust for height or reach. In general, the interior design is simple yet modern and slightly quirky, while materials are borderline classy. There are a few stowage spaces, but they’re not particularly generous. The fold-flat passenger seat could be useful on occasion, though. The main thing to get used to is that there’s almost nothing behind you. The Fortwo keeps its electric motor in the back, with a small parcel shelf/luggage area just above.

Charming, cute perhaps, the 2019 Fortwo has large headlights flanking a wide-mouthed grille. Coupled with its modest dimensions (about the same length as a motorcycle), this is far from an intimidating-looking car. And the wheels are pushed into the corners as far as they can go, which helps with stability as well as giving a “ready to roll” character even when stationary. The Fortwo Cabrio has a clever cutout in the rear tailgate to stow the roof bars when the top is down and the bars removed for the full convertible experience.

TRIDION CELL
This is the Fortwo’s exoskeleton of sorts, made of high-strength steel and able to withstand appreciable impacts. We’ve seen actual crash-tested Smart cars and were impressed when we could still open the doors after a rear-end collision.

TINY TURNING CIRCLE
That perfect parking spot on the other side of the narrow street doesn’t have to be snagged by someone else while you perform a 3-point turn. When it’s safe, just twirl the steering wheel and that 22.8-foot turning radius will be your secret weapon.

In entry-level Pure trim, the 2019 EQ Fortwo Coupe comes with LED daytime running lights, crosswind assist, cruise control, power windows, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, smartphone voice recognition, automatic climate control, and a 7.2-kW charger and cable. The Cabrio version also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 3-stage retractable soft top. The Passion model brings 15-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver’s seat, power-adjustable/heated side mirrors, and a retractable cargo cover. The range-topping Prime enjoys a panoramic roof with sunshade, leather upholstery, fog lights, and ambient cabin lighting.

Some standard features in the higher trims are available as options in the lower models. Other extras include parking sensors, heated seats, heated steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch infotainment touch screen with navigation and Android Auto smartphone integration (but not Apple CarPlay), smartphone cradle, 240-watt/8-speaker JBL audio upgrade (with a removable subwoofer; you can’t be all about that bass on shopping days), and an armrest.

Driving just the rear wheels is an 80-horsepower electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery. Like most electric vehicles, the Smart EQ Fortwo has a single-speed transmission. Just put it in Drive, Reverse or Park as required and think no more about it. The battery is, naturally, rather small at 17.8 kWh. An 80-percent charge takes 2.5 hours when connected to a 240-volt supply. The full juice would be about three hours. Or 21 hours from a domestic 120-volt outlet.

3-phase synchronous electric motor
80 horsepower
118 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 124 MPGe city/94 MPGe highway/108 MPGe combined (Coupe), 112 MPGe city/91 MPGe highway/102 MPGe combined (Cabrio)
Range on a full charge: 58 miles (Coupe)/57 miles (Cabrio)