According to Smart, Concept #2 is a “reinvention” of the Fortwo with a “fresh identity.” It’ll be a similar size with the same two-door, two-seater configuration, despite being developed by Geely and Mercedes this time around. The goal is the same: to be a practical, city-focused car. But the Fortwo had just 89 horsepower and about 58 miles of range. It was meant to be convenient and cute. It would squeeze into a parking spot with a mischievous, playful smile. I don’t get why this car would look like it’s ready to run someone over and take their wallet.<\/p>\n I’ve noticed that many cars have gone the aggressive route in the past few years.<\/p>\n Most cars look angular, sharp, and aggressive. Even the commuters and family SUVs. This is probably because most new vehicles are EVs, which feature a very boxy design and very narrow headlights that are often one, single strip rather than individual eyes. They aren’t just lifeless due to their lack of engine sounds and driving feel \u2014 they look more like a corporate drone in a sci-fi movie than a friendly, personable individual.<\/p>\n Said one study<\/a>: “Car ‘faces’ can express neutral, positive, or aggressive facial emotions, and can reveal many facets of emotion processing. The differences between electric and gasoline power lead to many changes in the shape and design of electric and gasoline vehicles. Designers have removed the air grill from the front faces of electric cars, a necessary component on gasoline cars, potentially affecting the perception of electric cars. Indeed, since humans are sensitive to emotional expression, minor changes may lead to adverse perceptions.”<\/p>\n On top of missing components making them less persoanble, these designs are probably born out of the vehicles’ overall design and purpose: to get as much range and horsepower as possible. Get to 60 miles per hour as fast as possible<\/a>. It’s like an emotionless and passionless race. It’s all about just breaking records, being at the top, and undercutting the competition. It makes sense: most automakers have their backs against the wall as Chinese EVs take over almost every market, unable to keep up with the shocking pace of production or rapid innovation. The car designs emulate automakers’ feelings: frustration, anger, fear. Desperation.<\/p>\n But that’s what made the quirky guys stand out. In a sea of sharp, angry, and lifeless EVs, you had the Smart Fortwo’s silly smile. And you’d smile back. Every time my boyfriend or I see a Fortwo, we will point at it. Look at that happy little guy! Look at that cheeky grin, what a prankster! It evoked emotion: joy, happiness, hope, silliness. The Fortwo wasn’t meant to be serious. It’s not trying to beat out the competition. It’s going against it. You don’t need a massive, expensive SUV in Los Angeles. You can just have this little guy and park anywhere. Just have some fun. Live a little!<\/p>\n Of course, this is just a sketch. Maybe the revealed Concept #2 won’t look as enraged. The third generation has a similar eye shape but still looks more like a cheeky, fun-seeking NC Miata<\/a> than a pissed-off American that just filed their taxes. I’m holding out some hope. Still, I wish Concept #2 would go back to that fully happy design. We need some hope and whimsy these days.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Car design matters more than people think. It’s more complex than thinking a car’s design is cool. Studies have shown … <\/p>\n![\"smart](\"https:\/\/www.autonocion.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/smart-ev-design-1024x678.jpg\")
EVs are largely going aggressive, but we need Smart to stand out<\/h2>\n