Smart #1 – Back to Basics

Smart #1 Pro+ – €42,395

The Smart #1 is the first of three new EVs on Geely’s SEA2 platform. This makes it related to the Volvo EX30, but as we concluded earlier, the Smart is longer and more expensive than the Volvo. Who would have thought that. The new Smart is currently available in three versions, where we ignore the temporary Launch Edition. The top version is the super-fast Brabus, which is of course mainly distinguished by its four-wheel drive and 438 hp. The two remaining versions are both powered by a single electric motor, delivering 272 horsepower to the rear wheels. The battery pack is the same in all cases and measures 66 kWh (net 62). Neat!

Even when we look at the equipment, the simplest Smart #1 lacks very little at first glance. The entry-level version is therefore called ‘Pro+’, which in any case creates space for (amateurish or not) versions without ‘+’. The Pro+ doesn’t actually come across as a basic version at all. For example, all safety systems and driving aids, a panoramic roof, 19-inch alloy, an electrically operated tailgate, keyless entry, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a sliding rear seat, ambient lighting in 64 colors and two-zone climate control are all standard, making the Pro + simply a luxury car.

Moreover, there seems to be a lot to choose from when it comes to colors. For the exterior you can select all available paint colors at no extra cost, with the artificial leather-trimmed interior depending on the exterior color in dark ‘After Dark’ or light ‘Lightning’. That limits the choice somewhat, because a blue copy with a light interior – still a classically beautiful combination – does not seem possible, for example.

Smart #1 interior ‘Lightning’

Smart #1 interior ‘After Dark’

Still disadvantages

As a Pro+, the Smart #1 is therefore excellent in its stuff and has the same battery and electric motor as the Premium. Is there still a reason to opt for the €2,500 more expensive version? Perhaps unexpectedly, yes. That already starts – at least – in the field of equipment. For example, the Premium has real leather instead of artificial leather, stands on 20 instead of 19-inch alloy, has more speakers and parking sensors and something like a ‘foot kick’ function for the tailgate, which can be opened with a kick under the bumper. On the outside, the matrix LED headlights also stand out. They not only shine around oncoming and preceding vehicles, but also look a bit more ‘premium’ with their somewhat darker housing and piercing lenses.

The Pro+ on the left, the Premium on the right. Note the headlights

3-phase, no heat pump

According to the price list, there is another very important difference between the Smart #1 Pro+ and the Premium, namely the much faster three-phase charger of the latter. However, Smart previously announced that the 22 kW charger will be standard on all #1s delivered to customers in the Netherlands, so that difference will no longer apply. This choice also explains why the Smart is 1,000 euros more expensive than previously announced, but there is also something in return. However, the Smart #1 Pro+ does without a heat pump, a feature that the more expensive versions do have. In the winter that can make quite a difference when it comes to range and that effect can already be seen on paper. Despite its larger wheels, the Premium travels 440 instead of 420 kilometers according to the WLTP test cycle. That, together with the even better equipment, can be a reason to go for the Premium, although you will have to get used to the idea of ​​spending 45 grand on a Smart.