“Not just another EV brand”, smart blends Western design with Eastern technology through funky styling as it departs from its microcar heritage. Two models are currently offered in NZ, the #1 small SUV and the #3 medium-sized SUV.
It’s easy to see that the larger #3 can draw parallels with the fashion world. Blending motoring with that of a style accessory, it offers a platform for the owner to create something that stands out, be it an individual or a brand.
The #3 makes use of a flowing design, with a bubble-like roof sitting atop a rounded body. Customisation options are available through choices of body colours, roof colours and interior themes, amounting to 50 different combinations across the range! However, my review model was rather timelessly specified. A white body against a black roof added a premium look to the #3, it is of course the brand’s flagship in New Zealand!
Coupled with the wheels and you have a ‘baby Maybach’ of sorts, a likeness strengthened by its Mercedes-Benz design. Though smart wants to establish itself as can be seen through the branding around the car. Rather pronounced smart badging puts those curious minds at ease while hidden Easter eggs exist for those wanting a close encounter.
On closer inspection, the #3 hides its dimensions well with credit going to the curved roof. Measuring in at 4.4m long, 1.84m wide and a height of 1.55m. With the wheels pushed out to all four corners and the battery sitting low, space is aplenty on the inside.
It isn’t just spacious with technology in abundance as well. As seen from the photos, the vast LED ambient lighting ensures that the cabin has a different feel depending on time of day. What you can’t see from the photos is a massive panoramic glass roof that floods the cabin with light. The glass roof does have excellent UV protection of 90% plus, it might sound like overkill but is much needed in summer. The heat becomes a bit much when you’ve left the car outside on a sunny day and the seats turn scalding so the option of a blind would have been nice.
Something that you can’t shut out is your interaction with technology as most functions are controlled through the large touchscreen. A rather busy home screen and extensive driver safety suite almost automatically limit the smart’s appeal to a younger demographic!
Hopefully smart’s youthful appeal was already apparent but things like the lower case brand name make it more approachable, using ‘#’ for its nomenclature keeps it trendy whilst also featuring a Beats audio system and a Cheetah-esque AI assistant!
While I do enjoy a sporty drive, the Premium doesn’t prompt you to push it to the limit. It’s far more comfortable on a motorway or navigating the city centre than it is tackling a twisty back road. Be warned though because the safety systems are intrusive, the speed warning beeps at you from 2kph over and I found the lane keep assist to also be overzealous at times just like the forward collision warning.Those are all of my criticisms of the #3 Premium as a sporty car but it does well as a cruising vehicle for your city’s high street.
While not a fashion expert myself, this is the parallel that I drew when trying to liken my experience with the smart #3. It looks distinctive whilst using more traditional colour schemes and materials. One thing’s for sure, it will catch the eyes of youthful, style conscious buyers and with the array of customisation options available, can fit a multitude of brands across industries who like smart, are bucking the trend.