Smart Forease+ Concept Will Be The Smallest Cabrio In Geneva

If the name "Forease" seems a bit familiar and the design reminds you of another concept, there's a logical explanation. Smart's Geneva-bound showcar takes after the Forease (pictured at the end) introduced last October at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, but it swaps the speedster body style for a convertible by adopting a fabric roof.

With the car being so small, there's obviously no place to stow the bright orange top when not in use, so you can simply remove it altogether and effectively turn the Forease+ concept into a speedster like its predecessor. Underneath the textile soft top is a fabric hard shell developed to boost the roof's durability in all kinds of weather while remaining easy to maneuver thanks to a lightweight construction.

The styling obviously takes after the concept before it, but Smart was also inspired by the 2012 Forstars and Fourjoy concepts when designing the new Forease+. Up front, those swanky LED headlights are exposed, without a glass in front of them, while the taillights mimic those of the production model but look more high-tech as a result of a 3D effect.

Those wheels not only look good, but they're also aerodynamic to maximize efficiency and extend range between charges. You have probably noticed by now the concept doesn't have any side windows or a rear glass, while the windscreen is substantially smaller than the one installed on the road-going model. Speaking of which, the latest showcar from Smart is based on the EQ fortwo cabrio to further signal the company's decision of entirely switching to electric powertrains by 2020.

The Daimler-owned company points out it will be the first automaker to completely ditch combustion engines to fully embrace EVs, but with only two models on sale, it's easier for Smart than it is for Mercedes or any other major automaker.

We'll get to check out the Smart Forease+ concept beginning March 5 at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.