December 16, 2024
Smart ForTwo alternative: ARI 902 with 766 l load volume!
Are you looking for a compact city runabout that allows you to effortlessly get through crowds and find a parking space anywhere? And are you wondering whether there is an alternative to the Smart ForTwo, which has unfortunately been discontinued without replacement? Then this article is for you. Because yes, there is an alternative. The ARI 902 electric vehicle! Read on to find out what the electric mini from ARI Motors has in common with a Smart and how it differs from it. And find out which of the two is clearly ahead in terms of cost and trunk space!
1) Dimensions, payload and trunk space
In terms of dimensions, the Smart ForTwo and the ARI 902 differ only slightly. At 2.69 meters in length, the Smart is slightly shorter than the ARI at 2.95 meters, but in terms of width and height, the two small cars are not much different. The Smart is 1.54 meters high and 1.56 meters wide. This makes it a mere two centimetres taller than the ARI 902 and a whole 7 centimetres wider than the latter. So both have typical mini dimensions and are therefore perfect for urban meandering and jostling.
BUT: they differ enormously in one respect. And that is in terms of payload! While the Smart ForTwo makes do with 260 liters of load volume, which is just enough for a shopping bag and a crate of mineral water, the ARI 902 scores with an astonishing 766 liters of load volume. In other words, it offers plenty of space for boxes, crates, tools and goods of all kinds in the smallest of spaces. One of the reasons for this is that it has a space-saving front-wheel drive and a wide-opening tailgate. This makes it easy to load the unobstructed load compartment and provides a view of an optional trunk roller blind, extra storage compartments on the rear of the seats and the cable for the additional battery.
The Smart's trunk, on the other hand, is not only smaller, but also divided into two sections and is limited in terms of equipment to a trunk roller blind. But still, it's enough for the bare essentials.
2) Interior and equipment
Both the Smart ForTwo and the ARI 902 offer space for two people and impress with comfortable and robust seats. However, while tall people might have a little trouble with their long legs in the Smart, they can stretch them out in the spacious footwell of the ARI 902. And they don't have to tuck their heads in either, as the electric runabout from ARI Motors also offers plenty of space at the top.
As far as the cockpit is concerned, both minis adhere to the maxim "Keep it simple". Superfluous bells and whistles are therefore nowhere to be found. Instead, both vehicles feature functional tools, such as clearly arranged controls for heating & co. as well as a radio for entertainment while driving. Both have a speedometer with speed display, which is digital in the ARI 902 and still has a classic needle in the Smart. The ARI 902 also scores points with a stylish center console with gear selector, a cup holder, a 12V charging connection, a storage tray for cell phones and a hands-free system.
In the Smart, the center console is reserved for the ignition lock, which initially seems a little strange, but has no effect on the practicality of the vehicle.
3) Sound, turning circle and costs
While the Smart chugs along quite audibly due to its 3-stroke diesel engine, the ARI 902 with its brushless 15 kW motor is almost as quiet as a whisper. So quiet, in fact, that it even emits a warning beep when it is reversing or has not yet reached the 20 km/h mark.
Compared to the ARI 902, the Smart ForTwo is almost like a brother on a bike ;)
But that's not all. It also doesn't cut a very good figure compared to the ARI 902 when it comes to costs. With a fuel consumption of 6.5 l/100 km and a liter price of 1.90 euros, it takes a whole 12.35 euros per 100 kilometers out of its owner's pocket. Added to this are taxes of around 54 euros and insurance costs of up to 400 euros per year. That's around 146 euros a month in maintenance costs, which is quite a lot. However, you have to give it credit for the fact that with a turning circle of just 7.30 m and easy handling, it at least ensures that the money spent is reflected in a certain amount of driving pleasure.
Although the ARI 902 takes a little longer to turn the corner (turning circle 7.90 m), it is a real money saver. With a consumption of 8 kW, it costs just 2.48 euros per 100 kilometers to operate, almost 10 euros less than the Smart. It is also tax-exempt and can be insured through the Gothaer insurance company for as little as 365 euros per year. With insurance costs of one euro per day and its low fuel consumption, it therefore only costs around 51 euros per month, just a third of what the Smart costs (146 euros).
And without compromising on driving pleasure! Because the ARI 902 is also effortless to handle and makes driving child's play thanks to its automatic transmission. And because - depending on the battery - it has a range of between 120 and 200 kilometers, it has nothing to hide in this respect either.
Conclusion:
Both the Smart ForTwo and the ARI 902 are ideal as city vehicles thanks to their compact dimensions and small turning circle. While the trunk capacity of the Smart Fortwo is limited to 260 liters and therefore only the bare essentials, the load compartment of the ARI 902 impresses with an impressive 766 liters. This means that it offers considerably more space than the Smart Fortwo and can also be used as a delivery vehicle. Both vehicles are characterized by easy handling and a functional interior, although the ARI 902 has a little more to offer in terms of comfort, such as a cup holder and a cell phone holder.
There are also significant differences between the Smart ForTwo and the ARI 902 in terms of noise emissions and costs. While the Smart Fortwo runs quite loudly due to its 3-stroke engine, the electric motor of the ARI 902 is extremely quiet and therefore barely audible. At 2.48 euros per 100 km, the ARI 902 is also significantly more economical in terms of fuel consumption than a Smart, which costs 12.35 euros per 100 kilo/en/electric-cars/ari-902meters. This makes it a very good alternative to the Smart ForTwo, both in terms of trunk space and maintenance. What's more, it's as environmentally friendly as it is affordable!
