Today is impartiality day here at DCB HQ. We’ll let you decide if the Smart EQ is worth it by presenting the facts. The Smart EQ electric car… £20,000 for 70 miles of electric range. The new smart EQ range is now on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £16,850 for the smart ForTwo coupé (including PICG grant of £3,500; total price £20,350 excluding grant). The forfour is priced from £17,285 (£20,785 excluding grant), and the unique ForTwo cabriolet starts at £20,420 (£23,920 excluding grant).

The smart electric drivetrain features an 82 hp electric motor powering the rear wheels via a single-speed gearbox. All smart EQ models have a range of around 70 miles, while maximum speed is electronically limited to 81 mph.

The 96-cell lithium-ion battery is coupled with a – now standard – 22 kW on-board charger, meaning that charging can take less than 40 minutes (from 10 to 80% charge) using a rapid charger, and can be charged in less than six hours using a home wall box.

The exterior receives a number of exterior upgrades with new front bumper and grille painted in body panel colour. And new halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights and new halogen taillights. There are four model lines available; passion advanced, pulse premium, prime exclusive and the edition 1.

Standard specification on all models includes a multifunction leather steering wheel, rear parking sensors, smart media system (navigation, seven-inch touchscreen, charging station finder, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, DAB, Android Auto and Mirrorlink), acoustic presence indicator and comfort package.

EQ edition 1 comes with a specially selected colour package in asphalt grey; radiator trim in black; black high-gloss decals; BRABUS spoiler and side sills; and 16-inch BRABUS alloy wheels in high-gloss black with a red accent. The fortwo edition 1 coupé is on sale for £23,790, and the cabriolet is £26,210 (incl. PICG).