Smart may be considering a return to its performance roots with a potential revival of the iconic Roadster, as the brand evaluates expanding its all-electric lineup beyond SUVs and an upcoming sedan.
Once known for its tiny city cars like the ForTwo and ForFour, Smart has undergone a major transformation, now producing electric SUVs in China through its joint venture with Geely.
In an interview with Auto Express, Smart UK boss Jason Allbutt hinted that a new Roadster could be on the table. “We used to have one of those in the family, and [it was] particularly good fun,” Allbutt said, while also acknowledging the UK’s famously wet climate. Despite the rain, he added, there’s a “possibility” the car could return, at least for the British market. However, he stopped short of confirming any production plans, emphasizing the brand’s current priority on high-volume vehicles.
Smart currently sells three SUV models and is preparing to launch its first sedan, the #6, aimed squarely at the Tesla Model 3. That model is expected to use the PMA2+ platform shared with the Zeekr 007 and be available in both single- and dual-motor versions.
As Smart works to establish itself in the electric volume segment, the prospect of a niche Roadster revival may depend on the market’s appetite for electric sports cars.
Should a new Roadster enter the pipeline, it would be entirely electric—lightweight and compact, in line with the spirit of the original. Allbutt, however, expressed uncertainty about how well the essence of a traditional roadster could translate to the EV era. “Part of the joy of having the roof down… is also to hear the sound of the engine,” he noted. “Maybe there’s a new audience that would be looking at [an electric roadster] in a different way.” With Alpine, Porsche, and MG already developing electric sports cars, Smart may eventually follow—if consumer demand supports it.
