First test of Smart #1: trend change

Looking back, you will certainly fondly remember that first Smart, with its short 2.5m length that could be parked at right angles in major cities. Times have changed and not just because the German company announced in 2020 that it would only be available
with electric motors.

More signs of change: Smart is no longer a 100% German manufacturer of the Daimler group to become a shareholder of the Chinese giant Geely, which already has part of the ownership of Volvo, Lotus, Polestar or Lynk & Co and with
this Smart #1 debuts on its new platform modularly designed for 100% emission-free vehicles.

By design and size, this Smart #1 is fully engaged in one of today’s most competitive segments: B-SUVs. In fact, its rivals models such as the DS3 Crossback, the Hyundai Kona, the KIA Soul or the Opel Mokka, all make sense in their zero-emission versions. We have
an SUV of 4.27 meters long with a modern, sleek and highly aerodynamic design based on excellent aerodynamics (it has a Cx of 0.28).

Some of the details include the LED strip on the front, the 19-inch wheels or the floating roof that can be colored in four shades. The Brabus versions emphasize their sportiness with exclusive elements such as the more robust bumpers, the more prominent air intakes or simulated louvers on the hood, as well as different red finishes.

From doors to the inside, it is distinguished by both quality and habitability. It uses noble materials, both in the upper part of the dashboard and in the door panels. In terms of space, the wheelbase is a whopping 2.75 metres, which, according to the brand, results in exceptional space in the rear “comparable to that of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class”.
The trunk cubic 323 liters that can go up to 411 liters thanks to the longitudinal displacement of the rear seats. In addition, there is a small 15 liter hole in the front, ideal for storing charging cables.

But if this interior stands out anywhere, it is undoubtedly due to digitization. On the one hand, it offers a minimalistic 9.2-inch instrument panel with just the right information. Above this is a 10-inch Head-up display that perfectly displays the main menus. All this because the brain and attention go directly to the 12.8-inch floating central monitor. From there you can manage all the vehicle’s functions, including the air conditioning, the driving assistants, the
driving programs and even the different levels of brake regeneration.

Fortunately, it offers the fastest and most intuitive controls and has a pretty eye-catching interface, with very young menus that are ultimately easy to use. Some features include real-time connected navigation,
Spotify or the ability to interact with the personal assistant whose avatar is in the shape of a fox, in the style of the 1997 Word clip, and who responds to the “Hey Smart” command.

In the mechanical part, there are two versions. A powered with
a 200 kW (272 hp) rear engine that meets the remark for the average driver. It offers stable handling with precise steering, a firm suspension and three drive modes that modify the mechanical response: Eco, Normal and Sport. Above is the huge Smart #1 Brabus which adds a 115 kW electric motor up front to add no less than 315 kW or the same, 422 hp of power, which is 14 more than say a Porsche Taycan. It has a maximum torque of 543 Nm and thanks to those two engines (it is a four-wheel drive car).

During contact with Lisboa, we were able to verify its strength, both under acceleration, a 0 to 100 km/h figure of just 3.9 seconds, and on winding roads. It is true that through steering and suspension
does not offer too many changes compared to the ‘normal’ Smart #1, but simply opting for the Brabus program is worth it. In addition, it has brakes with a larger diameter.

Where there is no variation between the two is the battery. It has a new chemistry consisting of an alloy of nickel, cobalt and manganese developed by Smart himself. It has a gross capacity of 66 kWh, which allows it to be homologated
an official autonomy of 440 km for the 200 kW and 400 km for the Brabus. During contact, we averaged 17 and 20.2 kWh/100 km each. In terms of load, it allows sockets of 22 kW in alternating current (AC) and 150 kW in direct current (DC), which in the first case take less than 3 hours and in the second less than 30 minutes, both to change from 10 to 80%.

After these first kilometers traveled, Smart will open the reservations for its Smart #1 from October 18 to deliver the first units from the first quarter of 2023. There will be two versions:
Premium and Brabus which will be joined for a limited time by the Launch Edition, priced at €41,500, €49,500 and €46,500 each.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.