Smart #1 Premium Review:
The electric SUV segment is booming, and with it comes a wave of stylish and innovative new models. One of the most intriguing contenders is the Smart Hastag1 Premium EV SUV, a small but feature-packed electric SUV that promises to turn heads and deliver an engaging driving experience. Discover the Smart Hashtag1 Premium EV SUV’s design, technology, performance, practicality, safety, and value to help you determine if this groovy electric SUV is the right fit for you.
Design and Features
From the outside, the Smart #1 Premium is undeniably eye-catching. Its compact yet sleek crossover design is characterized by smooth curves and a modern aesthetic. Measuring 4270mm in length, 1822mm in width, and 1636mm in height, the Smart #1 Premium is easy to maneuver in tight urban environments. Notable exterior features include a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, and stylish 19-inch alloy wheels.
Stepping inside the Smart #1 Premium, you’re greeted by an interior with a definite wow factor. High-quality materials and cool finishes create a premium ambiance. The cabin is surprisingly spacious, especially in the rear seats, where even taller passengers will find ample headroom and legroom. The 60:40-split second-row seats can slide forward, allowing you to prioritize either boot space or passenger comfort.
The Smart #1 Premium comes loaded with features, including:
- A large 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- A 10-inch head-up display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Plush leather upholstery
- A thumping Beats 640W 13-speaker sound system
- Ambient lighting
- A panoramic glass roof with a shade
In terms of practicality, the Smart #1 Premium offers a decent amount of storage space. The boot capacity is 421 liters, which can be expanded to 986 liters with the rear seats folded flat. There are also door pockets, a center console with a wireless phone charger and USB-C ports, and under-floor storage in the boot. However, there is no spare tire, only a tire repair kit. Additionally, the frunk (front trunk) is quite small.
Technology and Infotainment
The 12.8-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard and serves as the central control hub for most of the car’s functions. While the touchscreen boasts responsive performance, colorful graphics, and powerful hardware thanks to a Snapdragon processor, it is not without its drawbacks. The menu structure can be confusing, and the reliance on the screen for basic functions, like adjusting the volume or wing mirrors, can be frustrating. Some may find the cutesy design elements, like the fox avatar, to be gimmicky. Whether this overreliance on the touchscreen is a dealbreaker will depend on individual preferences.
Other technology features in the Smart #1 Premium include a 9.2-inch digital driver display and a head-up display. The car also comes with a suite of advanced safety systems, such as:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist
- Driver monitoring camera
- Speed sign recognition
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
While these safety features are intended to enhance safety, some have been criticized for being overly sensitive and intrusive. For example, the driver monitoring camera has been reported to issue frequent warnings even for minor glances away from the road. The speed sign recognition system has also been known to misread speed limit signs. It’s essential to consider whether these potential annoyances outweigh the safety benefits.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Smart #1 Premium is powered by a single electric motor located between the rear wheels, producing 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque. This rear-wheel-drive setup allows the Smart #1 Premium to sprint from 0-100km/h in a brisk 6.7 seconds, making it surprisingly quick for a small SUV. Reviewers have described the driving experience as “zippy” and “fun,” highlighting the car’s rear-drive dynamics.
The Smart #1 Premium handles well, with predictable responses at high speeds and easy maneuverability at parking speeds. Despite its relatively heavy weight of 1800kg, the car feels composed through corners. The steering is well-weighted, providing a good balance of feedback and ease of use. The ride is generally comfortable, but tire roar can be noticeable on rough surfaces.
As with most EVs, the Smart #1 Premium offers a quiet and smooth driving experience. The absence of engine noise and vibrations makes for a serene cabin environment, particularly in urban settings.
Battery and Range
The Smart #1 Premium is equipped with a 66kWh lithium-ion battery that provides an official WLTP range of 440km. However, real-world driving range is likely to be closer to 400km, depending on driving conditions and usage patterns.
When it comes to charging, the Smart #1 Premium supports a maximum DC fast charging rate of 150kW. This allows you to charge the battery from 15% to 80% in about 30 minutes, which is competitive with other EVs in its class. For home charging, the Smart #1 Premium comes with a 22kW AC charger, which can fully charge the battery in about three hours. A 7.4kW AC charger is also available, but it will take longer to charge the battery. The Smart #1 Premium also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing you to use the car’s battery to power external devices.
Safety and Reliability
The Smart #1 Premium has received a five-star safety rating from both ANCAP and Euro NCAP, reflecting its strong performance in crash tests and its comprehensive suite of safety features. These features include:
- Seven airbags, including dual front, front center, front side, and full-length curtain airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction detection
- Lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear auto braking (not available on the base model)
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Surround-view camera
While the Smart #1 Premium’s safety credentials are impressive, it’s worth noting that some of the advanced safety systems have been criticized for being overly sensitive. This can be a minor annoyance for some drivers.
In terms of reliability, the Smart #1 Premium comes with a five-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/150,000km battery warranty. The battery warranty guarantees 70% capacity by the end of the warranty period. However, as the Smart #1 is a relatively new model, it’s too early to assess its long-term reliability.
Pricing and Value
The Smart #1 Premium is priced at $58,900 before on-road costs, which translates to an approximate drive-away price of $63,000. This places it in the premium segment of the small electric SUV market.
Servicing costs for the Smart #1 Premium are relatively high, with a four-year/80,000km servicing plan costing $2495. However, there may be opportunities to negotiate free servicing deals at Smart dealerships. Information on insurance costs and resale value is not available in the provided sources.
The Smart #1 Premium is a stylish and compelling entry into the small electric SUV market. Its key strengths include:
- Groovy and original design, both inside and out
- Spacious and luxurious cabin with ample room for four adults
- Fun and engaging driving experience with zippy acceleration and responsive handling
- Decent driving range and relatively fast charging capabilities
- Comprehensive suite of safety features and a five-star safety rating
However, there are also some weaknesses to consider:
- The infotainment system, while technologically advanced, can be confusing and overly reliant on the touchscreen for basic functions
- Some of the advanced safety systems are prone to being overly sensitive and intrusive
- Servicing costs are relatively high
- There is no spare tire, only a tire repair kit
- The frunk is quite small
- The price is fairly steep
Overall, the Smart #1 Premium is a compelling choice for urban dwellers, tech-savvy individuals, and those seeking a stylish and practical electric vehicle. However, potential buyers should carefully consider the usability of the infotainment system and the intrusiveness of some safety systems before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call to Action
To learn more about the Smart #1 Premium, visit the official Smart website, contact your local dealership for a test drive, and read other reviews and comparisons.
