Making a smart choice for a compact SUV
For many, smart conjures up the image of the quirky, slightly boxy two-seater Fortwo, very much a Marmite type of car for many.
However, the Forfour offered a more conventional alternative.The latest rear-wheel drive models are a world away, embracing the electric revolution with, yes, smart looking vehicles that deliver decent range and interesting technology and the modern tech lingo with the hashtag moniker.
Following smart #1, the #3 is what the firm describes as the brand’s first-ever sports utility coupé. It is available with five specifications – Pro, Pro+, Premium, driven here, 25th Anniversary Edition and the rapid BRABUS.
The range starts with the base model with 49kWh battery at £32,950.It is a pleasing design with a prominent 'shark nose' on the wide grille, flanked by elliptical LED matrix headlights and a deep grille.
The rear is defined by a continuous lightbar giving access to a roomy boot. Sitting on smart 19-inch alloys, the aerodynamic coupe styling is unmistakable, but it is clear that this is a compact SUV, offering space and practicality. The full panoramic 'halo' glass roof adds to the feeling of roominess.
With the glass roof, the cabin feels light and airy and multicoloured ambient lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere. The cockpit is a bit less is more, unless you are looking at the 12.3 inch central touchscreen that features some unique graphics.
These include a graphic of an animated cheetah, amusing for some but potentially distracting, but the screen is easy enough to use, eventually, as some controls like heating and door mirror adjustment are embedded. But you get used to it.The screen is the brain of the car, it features smartphone connectivity, navigation and a 13-speaker Beats infotainment system.
This is supplemented by a 9.2-inch driver display with real time info and colour heads-up display. The systems can now be constantly updated via the car's over-the-air capability, allowing updates to be implemented directly by the user without a visit to the service centre.
All are well equipped and this Premium model has goodies like an all round view camera, wireless device charging, powered heated seats and tailgate and assisted parking system.
Performance is, well, electric thanks to the 66kW battery delivering nearly 270bhp for neck-wrenching acceleration. It hits 60mph in just over five seconds and on to a top speed of 112mph.
However, even this is eclipsed by the mighty Brabus version, hitting 60mph in around 3.5 seconds.It handles pretty well, feeling stable, although flooring the throttle can snatch at the steering wheel, otherwise, it's a smooth operator, particularly on motorway journeys.
Plenty of performance and with a range of 283 miles WLTP, longer journeys can be planned more easily and with less anxiety. The car can then be charged from 18 to 90 per cent in just 30 minutes with the 150 kW/h chargers. In practical terms, the boot offers a spacious 370 litres rising to 1160 with the rear seats folded, in addition, there is a central console for storage of other odds and ends. Any vehicle associated with Mercedes will be packed with advanced safety equipment and the smart is no different with a five-star safety rating.
Technology includes smart pilot assist, which combines a variety of systems, plus autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.
The #3 is a fine car and not that expensive given the Mercedes link. Not so quirky as its predecessors, although strangely named, but still a class act.
Factfile
Smart #3 Premium
Price: £39,950
Mechanical: 268bhp, 200kW electric motor driving rear wheels via single speed transmission.
Max speed: 112mph
0-60mph: 5 seconds
Combined range: 283
Insurance group: 34 (tbc)
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles
