9-11 AUGUST 2024
MELBOURNE EXHIBITION CENTRE
MELBOURNE EXHIBITION CENTRE
Events
Melbourne International EV AutoShow
Light Commercial Motor Show
Sydney International EV AutoShow
Quick Notes
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In August 2024, Smart - the brand best known for its iconic ForTwo city car - officially entered the Australian market. The Driven team was among the first to test-drive the new Smart #1 and #3 models.
Now that hundreds of #3s have been delivered to owners nationwide, we spent more time with the mid-sized electric SUV in its mid-range Premium trim to see how it’s holding up, and whether it’s still the standout of the lineup.
The Smart #3 offers impressive value for a vehicle in the premium small SUV segment. Pricing starts at $57,900 before on-road costs for the entry-level Pro+ variant, while the Premium model we tested is priced at $61,900 plus on-roads.
Under the floor sits a 66 kWh Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese (NCM) battery pack, capable of delivering up to 455 km (WLTP) on a single charge. In real-world conditions, we achieved close to 400 km, which is more than enough for typical city and suburban driving.
Charging speeds are another highlight. Using DC fast charging, the #3 can reach speeds of up to 150 kW, making it great for quick top-ups on road trips. Smart claims a 10–80% charge in 30 minutes, and in our testing, we achieved a similar result- about 32 minutes from 15–80%.
Where the Premium variant really shines is with its 22 kW AC onboard charger- a rare feature at this price point. For those with access to a 3-phase charger, a full charge from empty takes roughly three hours, making it ideal for home or kerbside charging setups.
There’s a clear Mercedes-Benz influence in the Smart #3’s design, both inside and out. The sleek LED lighting signature gives it a distinctly premium presence that wouldn’t look out of place on a much more expensive vehicle.
Inside, the cabin feels spacious and refined, helped by the panoramic sunroof that enhances the sense of openness. The 12.8-inch central display controls most of the car’s functions and infotainment. It’s sharp, responsive, and among the best systems we’ve seen in recently launched EVs.
Connectivity is excellent, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and work flawlessly. Built-in apps like Spotify can also be accessed using the included mobile data pack.
In front of the driver, there’s a 9.2-inch digital cluster and a 10-inch head-up display, both easy to read in varying light conditions.
Seating comfort is another strong point. The driver’s seat is supportive for both short commutes and long drives, and rear passengers have more legroom and headroom than expected for a compact SUV.
The Smart #3 Premium uses a single rear-wheel-drive electric motor producing 200 kW and 343 Nm of torque. It’s quick, the 0–100 km/h sprint takes just 5.4 seconds, making it one of the sportier EVs in its class.
On winding roads through the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Ranges, the #3 proved genuinely fun to drive. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, if not quite as sharp as a Tesla or BMW, but still offers good feedback in city and suburban conditions.
The driver monitoring system can be overly sensitive at times, but otherwise, the suite of driver-assistance tech is smooth and effective. Parking is effortless thanks to the 360-degree camera system, which makes navigating tight carparks and drive-thrus a breeze.
The Smart #3 Premium combines head-turning style, a high-quality interior, strong performance, and impressive charging capability. Its blend of 22 kW AC and 150 kW DC charging, combined with a smooth and zippy drive, makes it one of the most well-rounded compact electric SUVs available in Australia today.
It’s stylish, packed with tech, easy to live with, and genuinely enjoyable to drive.
Original Article Source - The Driven
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