Aznom Transforms Original Smart ForTwo Into a $25K Electric Vehicle for 14-Year-Olds | Carscoops

      The small city vehicle from the early 2000s has been updated with an electric powertrain providing 20 hp and a range of 87 miles.

      Aznom has unveiled a new version of the classic Smart ForTwo featuring an electric powertrain.

      The Smart 4Teen can be operated by 14-year-olds when registered in the L6e category.

      Aznom provides customization options for both the exterior and interior, utilizing high-quality materials.

      Italian firm Aznom is introducing a new project that is considerably smaller than the Palladium, which is a lavish sedan variant of the Ram 1500 truck. Named the Smart 4Teen “Bespoke Edition,” it is a modified version of the original, first-generation Smart ForTwo, now fully electrified with an updated interior.

      What distinguishes this electric city car is its classification as an L6e or L7e heavy quadricycle, allowing teenagers as young as 14 to drive it legally in certain European regions. Essentially, Aznom has strategically positioned the Smart 4Teen as competition for models like the Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, Opel Rocks Electric, and Renault Mobilize Duo.

      The initial models of the Smart 4Teen “Bespoke Edition” derive from the facelifted first-generation ForTwo, specifically the version produced between 2002 and 2006. Despite measuring a compact 2,540 mm (100 inches) in length, this model is easily identifiable with its Mercedes SLR-style headlights, reminiscent of the unique appeal of early Smart vehicles.

      Aznom’s “Bespoke Edition” enhances the exterior with new color and wheel selections, giving the city car a nearly new look. The most substantial upgrades, however, are found inside the two-seater cabin, where high-end materials such as leather, carbon fiber, and Alcantara enrich the interior. The company claims that each Smart 4Teen will be “fully customizable” to match the owner's tastes.

      Beneath the stylish bodywork, the petrol engine has been replaced by a single electric motor generating 20 hp (15 kW). For reference, the original rear-mounted turbocharged 698cc three-cylinder engine produced 50 hp (37 kW), so this isn't exactly an enhancement in performance.

      The electric conversion brings in a LiFePO4 battery pack with an 11.4 kWh capacity, providing a range of up to 140 km (87 miles) between charges. The charging port is situated beneath the fuel cap, ensuring that the exterior design remains unchanged aside from the removal of the exhaust pipe.

      Speed is restricted in accordance with European quadricycle regulations: the L6e model for 14-year-olds is limited to a maximum speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), while the L7e variant for those 16 and older can reach 90 km/h (56 mph).

      Aznom asserts that the 4Teen offers “superior protection” compared to traditional light and heavy quadricycles due to its Smart ForTwo foundation. It retains features like the Tridion safety cell, airbags, ABS, ESP, and seatbelt pretensioners, making it one of the safer options in this category.

      In addition to its zero-emission powertrain, the company highlights the reduced environmental impact of the model stemming from the “recovery and remanufacturing of used cars.”

      The Price Problem

      However, there is a significant downside. The Smart 4Teen has a starting price of €24,339 ($25,500). For that amount, one could easily purchase a used, newer Smart EQ ForTwo for about €10,000 ($10,500), although it does necessitate a standard driver's license. Meanwhile, its closest rival, the Citroen Ami, starts at just €6,025 ($6,300) in Italy, making the Aznom model nearly four times as pricey. This raises the question: is bespoke craftsmanship truly worth the cost for a vehicle aimed at teenagers?