Auto China 2026

smart: big comeback for the little one

The term "retro" originally comes from Latin and means "back" or "backwards". Today, it describes things that are newly produced or modernised, but are stylistically oriented towards past times. The example of smart at Auto China in Beijing shows what this can look like in concrete terms.

Text
Verena Stuhlinger
Cover photo
smart

Since its market launch in 1998, the smart fortwo has been a car that has polarised opinion: for many it is a radically different mobility concept, for others it is a toy car with no real benefits. Its function as an urban hero is undisputed. Because let's be honest, how often have you stood in front of a far too narrow parking space and thought: Now a smart would be really practical? Exactly.

The Chinese manufacturer Geely – the brand's equal owner since 2020 – probably thought the same thing and is rethinking the legendary urban two-seater. With Chinese technology, the smart returns as Concept #2 – and has grown to an impressive 2.80 metres. The all-electric model also has a range of around 300 kilometres and a fast-charging capability of up to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes. The world premiere of the series model is planned for October in Paris.

→ smart.com

1/5

At Auto China 2026, smart is the only retro novelty. Of course, this is also due to the fact that many of the exhibitors in Beijing are still young. Historical role models? You'll look in vain for Leapmotor, BYD, Xiaomi and co. But fortunately there are other brands that are living this concept in their models. Much to our delight, as our favourite retro models show.

©MINI

MINI Cooper

MINI also consistently focuses on recognisability and nostalgia: the new MINI Cooper carefully translates its iconic design from the 1960s into the present. The characteristic round headlights, the compact proportions and the typical go-kart handling are still there – MINI remains MINI, at first glance – also thanks to the combination of British design DNA and German engineering expertise.

More digital, reduced and technically significantly advanced – this is how the the MINI Cooper both as a classic combustion engine and as an all-electric version. Things get even sportier in the JCW variant – with significantly more power and noticeably more dynamic.

→ mini.de

©Renault

Renault 4

Over eight million models sold in more than 100 countries around the world: this is the success story of the R4, which was launched in 1961 and produced until 1994. Around 30 years later, the cult car returns – as the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric. The all-electric vehicle has 150 hp, a range of more than 400 kilometres and a quick-charging function. And just in time for the coming summer, Renault has now also presented the new "Plein Sud" version: with a fabric folding roof for an open-air experience.

Another homage to earlier models is the new electric Renault 5 E-Tech and the new electric Twingo E-Tech, which celebrated its market premiere last weekend.

→ renault.de

Fiat

Fiat also consistently focuses on nostalgia - and has long since made it an integral part of its brand identity. At the centre of this is the Fiat 500, which has carried the spirit of the iconic original from the 1950s into the present since its relaunch in 2007. Round shapes and proportions as well as a deliberately playful design ensure that the Cinquecento remains instantly recognisable to this day.

New to the portfolio is the Fiat 500 Hybrid, which, with a length of 3.6 metres, combines the classic appearance with modern, efficient drive technology. A 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive come as standard, paired with an output of 65 hp and 92 Nm of torque. So the Fiat probably doesn't harbour any sporting ambitions – but it remains charming as usual. And that's worth a lot.

→ fiat.de

1/2

©DeLorean

DeLorean Alpha 5

With the DeLorean Alpha5, a reinterpretation of the cult brand was presented back in 2022, which is still not in production but is still attracting attention today. The original DeLorean DMC-12 from the 1980s became a pop culture icon thanks to its role in "Back to the Future".

The Alpha5 picks up on central design elements such as the characteristic gullwing doors, but interprets them in a noticeably more modern and aerodynamic way. At just under five metres long and around 2.04 metres wide, the new DeLorean has grown significantly and uses a completely new language of proportions.

The iconic doors are the main thing the original and the new edition have in common. In addition, the Alpha5 clearly focuses on the future instead of retro in the classic sense. in the classic sense. Although we do have to grumble at one point: The drive is fully electric and therefore in keeping with the times. However, the flux compensator from the film series is still a long way off – and with it, of course, journeys into the future.

→ delorean.com

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