Smart could have become the trendsetter in the urban SUV segment, as it announced its plans to build such a vehicle 11 years ago.
However, for unknown reasons, the project never materialized, despite coming up with the ForMore and ForStars studies over the years.
The increased demand these days in subcompact crossovers and SUVs, however, has made the company rethink its next steps. Talking to AutoExpress during the launch of the new Smart Brabus, Katharina Beck, Daimler’s Product Manager, hinted towards a potential contender in the segment.
“Never say never. Let’s see what the future brings“, she answered when asked about such a model. “Our philosophy is to provide urban agility and comfort in the city. These features leave room for different interpretations. Of course, on one hand you need the small turning circle. But if there are different solutions and different requirements from urban drivers then we are always open for new things.”
A Smart SUV will probably ride on the same rear-wheel drive architecture as the latest ForTwo and ForFour, which is shared with the new Renault Twingo, but unlike its main rivals, such as the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008, it will focus on urban practicality rather than outright cabin space and luggage capacity. It will reportedly benefit from the same range of 3-cylinder engines and could even gain an all-electric variant.
Note: Smart ForStars Concept pictured
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