MOTORS: Iconic smart car is bigger and pretty dramatic
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The modern iconic smart car has become even smarter.
It’s now got the latest electric power, it’s pretty dramatic on the styling front and it’s a whole lot bigger.
The original version caused a stir when it first appeared here almost a quarter of a century ago.
It was small, about half a metre shorter than the original Mini, and with a vertical back end, it could fit into a standard parking space with the nose into the kerb.
It was ahead of its time with automated manual transmission, low CO2 emissions from its rear engine, automatic start-stop and interchangeable plastic body panels which could be easily replaced if they got damaged or if you simply wanted a change of colour.
The latest version to bear the name reflects a change in the brand and the advances in technology.
The new car, called the smart#1, signals the start of a new era, with Mercedes now in a joint venture with the Chinese giant Geely, who have expertise in electric power seen in their Volvo and Polestar models.
It’s the first to be available online through smart’s direct-to-customer service as well as its dealer network, of which there are three in Scotland – in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.
It’s a completely new design but the eagle-eyed will spot some clues to what went before.
It’s classed as a compact SUV, with five seats and useful luggage space, especially when the sliding rear seats are folded down.
It has some of the aerodynamic trademarks of an EV, such as flat front end and concealed door handles built into a sculpted body, with around the same dimensions but taller than a VW Golf.
The interior is simple, clean and futuristic and dominated by the now EV standard 12.8-inch high-definition central control screen. A hint of the Mercedes heritage comes from the gearshift on the right-hand steering wheel stalk and the Chinese influence extends to what seems to be the compulsory quirky cartoonish graphics.
Another Chinese-built car I drove recently featured fish swimming across the screen. In the smart, we’re entertained by a dancing or juggling fox which is very clever at the first or second time of seeing, but quickly becomes an irritant or worse, a distraction.
Only about 4000 models are due to come to the UK in its first year and there are three versions – Pro+, Premium with a higher spec and longer range and a sporty Brabus, with more aggressive styling and increased power to hit 62mph in under four seconds.
There will also be 100 versions of an exclusive Launch edition but they’re likely to disappear quickly to buyers who’ll happily hand over almost £40,000 for what will be a rare example.
On the road, the car has the signature smooth and almost silent EV delivery of power and while you couldn’t describe the performance as breathtaking, it is characteristically instant through the rear wheels.
There’s a feel of plenty of power and the 1600kgs towing capacity is quite remarkable for an EV of this size which means that a slightly larger caravan shouldn’t be beyond its capability.
On the road, the smart#1 requires little effort on the part of the driver with excellent all-round visibility and comfortable ride with the suspension well adapted to deal with the sorry state of some of our roads.
There are three settings for the regeneration from standard and strong to e-pedal which means the brake pedal spends much of its time unused while the battery gets topped up.
The car has already been given a Five-Star Euro NCAP safety accreditation and comes with a three-year service package while the high-voltage battery is covered by eight years or 125,000 miles warranty.
For the moment, the smart#1 is the only model in the revised range but a larger smart#3 should be with us next year following on from the huge interest generated by its wee brother.
smart#1 Pro+
PRICE: £35,950
ENGINE: Single electric motor RWD
BATTERY: 62 kW
POWER: 200 kW
TOP SPEED: 120mph
0-62mph: 6.7 secs
CHARGING TIME: 7.5 hours (7.4 kW AC) 30 mins ((150 kW DC)
RANGE: 260 miles
TOWING CAPACITY: 1600kgs
