Smart Fortwo Cabriolet Electric Drive 2017 first drive

The second-generation Smart Fortwo Cabriolet Electric Drive completes a trio of pure-electric models from Mercedes-Benz’s increasingly relevant EV city car sub-brand, following on from the earlier Fortwo ED and Forfour ED, with which this new open-top shares its zero-emissions drivetrain.

With a claimed range of just 96 miles, the compact two-seater will require you to forget about extended journeys or simple once-a-week recharging. But what it lacks in overall range, it more than makes up for in its sprightly performance and outright manoeuvrability in congested city streets.

Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor produced by Mercedes-Benz alliance partner Renault, which also uses it in the Renault Zoe.

In the Fortwo Cabriolet ED, the three-phase synchronous unit is tuned to deliver 81bhp and 118lb ft of torque. That's 5bhp and 22lb ft more than the Bosch motor used by the old Fortwo Cabriolet ED, but 7bhp and 44lb ft shy of the larger and heavier Zoe.

The new motor is allied to an upgraded version of the lithium ion battery used by the first-generation Fortwo Cabriolet ED. It sits underneath the seats in a position that keeps the crucial centre of gravity low and ensures there is no loss of luggage space at the rear.

Despite having the same 17.6kWh capacity as before, an improvement in energy density allows it to deliver an additional 10 miles of range. Smart also claims the recharging time of the revised battery has been halved, allowing you to charge it enough for nearly 100 miles of range in just 2.5 hours using the available fast-charge software.

The Fortwo Cabriolet ED is a much more pleasant car to drive and spend time in than its predecessor. It’s also a more engaging proposition than its regular petrol-powered sister.

Its larger dimensions give it a roomier interior - in fact, it's a considerable 110mm wider than before. The design of the dashboard is easier on the eye and the materials used inside are also of a higher quality. There’s also a fully integrated TomTom infotainment system with a 7.0in touchscreen, as well as larger door pockets and cubbyholes for better oddment storage.

There’s a straightforward jump-in-and-go simplicity to driving the Fortwo Cabriolet Electric Drive that should win it appeal, both as private transport and on short-term lease schemes such as Mercedes-Benz’s own Car2Go.

A new electronic management system provides finer throttle adjustment than with the old model. A good portion of torque is never far away; an earnest nudge on the accelerator gets the rear end settled on its springs and the nose raised, as the new electric motor propels the car down the road with a good turn of speed.

The operation of the electric motor is terrifically smooth, quiet and seamless. While not packed with power, it manages to provide the Fortwo Cabriolet ED with great response and strong acceleration from a standstill, making if a far more engaging choice than the petrol-powered version of the Smart open-top.

The way it flings itself up to 40mph with all the vigour of a high-powered hot hatch is part-and-parcel of its appeal, providing it with nippy qualities, both away from the lights and on the run. Subjectively, it feels quicker than its official 0-62mph time of 11.8sec suggests.