Smart Crossover Rumored for 2016
Smart is rumored to be working on its first ever crossover model, which could launch by 2016.
According to a new report out of Germany, the crossover would be based on an all-new platform that will also underpin the next-generation fortwo. With a higher ride-height and more aggressive off-road style it is also expected to be the first Smart to offer all-wheel drive.
While a seemingly far-fetched idea, it’s really not. After all, MINI now offers a crossover (the Countryman) and recently launched its new Paceman model, which is essentially a crossover coupe. As for Smart, it’s not yet known if they plan to offer a two-door or four-door model… or both. The move makes sense with sub-compact crossovers starting to become a popular segment, with cars like the Nissan Juke, while Honda plans its own soft-roader based of the Fit.
SEE ALSO: 2013 MINI Paceman Review – Video
Over the past few years Smart has showcased numerous crossover-style concept cars, including the ForStars concept (above). A more realistic concept is expected to be revealed next year.
GALLERY: Smart ForStars Concept
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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I don't consider my 08 dorky! It's adorable!!! And very distinctive in design. The new model looks like many already on the road. I'm sorry SMART felt the need to conform to others' styles. I guess I'll have to take extra care with mine, since it will probably be the last car I ever buy, I'm certainly not going to buya new designedSMART!
Oh, for heaven's sake ... why does anything original have to go whimpering back to looking like all the others? Larger in no way means better. First, there is nothing dorky about the "city-car look" of the Smart, whatever "city-car look" means. The Smart is well designed, spunky looking, and makes efficient use of space. No way can it be described as dorky! In fact, I don't know why it keeps being called a "city car" since it does beautifully on the interstates, highways and mountains, as I can personally attest.Second, the Forstars looks like many other cars, including the volkswagen, according to these photos. This is new?! If you want to do 4-wheel driving, you need a longer wheelbase, larger tires and making it sit higher from the roadbed. That makes it a larger car. That makes it another car, not a Smart.