2024 Smart #1 Pro Review

As the competition in the local B-Segment EV market intensifies, family users' demand for "balanced practicality and high cost-performance" electric vehicles is becoming increasingly evident—they need stable daily commuting range without compromising on space and features. The 2024 Smart #1 Pro, as the entry-level all-electric SUV of the brand, has garnered significant attention upon launch with its rear-wheel-drive layout, seven airbag safety configuration, and a pricing of RM 169,000. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether its actual range, practicality of space, and dynamic performance truly meet the daily needs of Malaysian family users.

The exterior of the Smart #1 Pro continues the family’s iconic rounded design style, with smooth and understated overall lines. The front features a closed grille design, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The daytime running lights form "C"-shaped surrounds within the lamp housing, providing high recognizability. The hidden door handles on the side of the body and 19-inch multi-spoke wheels make the profile look more streamlined. At the rear, the through-type LED taillights are a design highlight, visually extending the width when lit. The diffuser-like styling of the lower bumper adds a hint of sportiness. The lighting system is fully equipped with LEDs, and the addition of automatic headlights and rear fog lights enhances convenience for daily use.

Inside, the interior focuses on simplicity and practicality. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials and embellished with silver trim, providing a texture that meets the standards of this price range. The 12.8-inch touchscreen control panel is the visual centerpiece, offering decent operational smoothness, while the air conditioning controls retain physical buttons, making them easier to use without looking. The fully digital instrument cluster displays information clearly and provides real-time data on range, speed, and other key metrics. Regarding the seats, the driver’s seat supports electric adjustments. The front seats are slightly soft but provide adequate support. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, complementing the 411L trunk space, which is sufficient to fit a stroller or suitcase. In terms of space, the 2750mm wheelbase ensures ample rear legroom, as a 175cm passenger sitting in the back has about two fists of knee space from the front seats. The storage space is designed thoughtfully; the door panel compartments can hold two bottles of mineral water, and the central armrest box is spacious enough to accommodate everyday small items.

For performance, the Smart #1 Pro is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 200kW (272PS) and a maximum torque of 343N·m, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds. During actual driving, the startup response is rapid, and a gentle press on the accelerator provides noticeable thrust, making city overtaking very easy. Switching to sport mode renders the power output more direct, though the economy mode is already smooth enough for day-to-day use. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup, tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively absorbs shocks without causing harsh impacts. When cornering at high speed, the body roll is maintained within a reasonable range, showing good stability. As for range, during our mixed road condition test (50% city + 50% highway), the fully charged 49kWh battery provided an actual range of about 280km, achieving 89% of the claimed range. The energy consumption was approximately 17.5kWh per 100 kilometers, which aligns with the characteristics of LFP batteries, making it suitable for daily commutes and short weekend trips.

In terms of comfort details, the in-car noise control is well managed. At a highway speed of 110km/h, both wind noise and tire noise are within acceptable levels; the energy recovery system offers two adjustable modes. In the low mode, it simulates the coasting feel of a fuel car without noticeable drag, making it friendly for beginners. The safety features are a highlight, coming standard with 7 airbags, ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree surround-view cameras, lane-change assist, and forward collision warning, which give it a significant advantage among vehicles in the same price range.

In summary, the core advantage of the Smart #1 Pro lies in its balanced performance: powerful rear-wheel drive, spacious interior, practical range, and abundant safety features. With a price of 169,000 MYR, compared with competitors in the same class (such as BYD Atto 3 Standard Range Edition), it has a competitive edge in terms of power and safety features. It is suitable for users looking for strong driving performance, reliable safety features, and family space—whether it’s for daily commuting or weekend family outings, it can meet the needs. If you want a pure electric SUV for family use without compromising driving pleasure, the Smart #1 Pro is worth considering.