2024 Smart #3 Pro Review

As Malaysia's pure electric vehicle market continues to heat up, the competition in the C-segment electric vehicle field is becoming increasingly fierce—many brands are striving to find a balance between comfort, performance, and cost-effectiveness. The 2024 Smart #3 Pro enters the market in this context. As a brand-new model created after the transformation of the Smart brand, it directly targets user groups seeking youthful designs and practical configurations. Its core selling points include the driving pleasure brought by its rear-wheel drive layout, full-fledged 7 airbags safety features, and a power output close to 270PS, which piques our curiosity about its actual performance. The main goal of this test drive is to verify whether these on-paper specifications can be translated into real-world advantages in daily use and to see if it has enough competitiveness among rivals in the same price range.

Looking at the exterior, the overall style of the 2024 Smart #3 Pro leans towards sporty crossover. Although categorized as a C-segment vehicle, its 4400mm length combined with its 1844mm width makes it compact yet not cramped. The front adopts a closed design with the Smart brand logo embedded in the center. The sharp-shaped LED headlamp units on both sides incorporate daytime running lights, which are highly recognizable when lit. The body side features smooth lines, and the waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear creates a forward-leaning posture. This is complemented by 19-inch wheels, further enhancing its sporty vibe. At the rear, the highlight is the through-type LED taillight, mirroring the design at the front, while black decorative elements at the lower part of the rear bumper add depth to the layers.

Stepping inside, the interior design is minimalist with a strong sense of technology. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feel fine to the touch, further accentuated by silver decorative trims without overly complex physical buttons. The 12.8-inch central touchscreen serves as the visual centerpiece, offering smooth system operation and supporting functionalities like multimedia and navigation. The fully digital instrument cluster clearly displays vehicle information. The steering wheel is electrically adjustable, and the multi-function button layout is user-friendly for daily operations. For the seats, both the driver and front passenger seats are equipped with electric adjustment capabilities, with good wrapping and support performance. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding function, which can expand the trunk space. In terms of spatial performance, the 2785mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom in the rear. A passenger with a height of 175cm sitting in the back has two fist-widths of space between their knees and the front seat. For storage, the door storage slots, central armrest box, and other compartments provide sufficient space for daily use. With rear air vents and power outlets added, practicality is maximized.

In terms of power, the Smart #3 Pro is equipped with a rear-mounted single motor delivering a maximum power of 197kW (268PS) and a peak torque of 343N·m, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.8 seconds. During actual driving, the power response in the initial phase is rapid, and light throttle input can produce a pronounced push-back sensation. Mid-to-late acceleration also maintains robust output, allowing easy overtaking without heavily pressing the pedal. The driving modes offer various options. When switched to Sport mode, the power output is more aggressive, suitable for users who seek driving pleasure. In contrast, the Eco mode provides smoother power delivery to reduce power consumption.

In terms of handling, the combination of front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension performs steadily. During daily driving on smooth roads, the suspension filters out most of the small bumps; when encountering speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension rebounds quickly without noticeable residual vibrations. The steering feels precise with minimal dead zone, and the body roll is well-controlled during cornering, providing high overall stability. As a rear-wheel-drive model, its handling agility is superior to front-wheel-drive models, offering the driver a certain level of confidence when driving on mountain roads.

In terms of range, the vehicle is equipped with a 49kWh LFP battery, with an official pure electric range of 325km. In actual tests, the range achievement rate is about 85% on urban roads and about 75% on highways. Overall, with a full charge, it can handle a week of city commuting without needing a recharge. The energy consumption is moderate, with an average daily usage of about 15kWh/100km. Regarding braking performance, the brake pedal feels linear, the braking distance is short, and it provides sufficient safety assurance.

For driving comfort, the vehicle’s noise control is commendable. At low speeds, the motor noise is nearly inaudible, and at high speeds, wind and tire noise remain within acceptable limits. The energy recovery system offers adjustable intensity levels, and even at the highest level, the drag feeling is not overly abrupt, ensuring passenger comfort. The seat comfort is particularly evident during long drives, with no fatigue felt even after driving for two consecutive hours.

Overall, the 2024 Smart #3 Pro has standout core advantages: powerful performance, agile handling, and rich configurations (such as 7 airbags, 360-degree panoramic cameras, and automatic parking all as standard), along with sufficient space to meet the needs of family users. Compared to competitors in the same price range, it has a significant edge in safety features and driving enjoyment, offering excellent value for money.

This vehicle has a wide target user group: if you are a young user who prioritizes performance and handling, its rear-wheel-drive layout and acceleration capabilities will meet your needs; if you are a family user, its space, safety features, and practicality will cater well to daily use. Overall, the Smart #3 Pro is a well-balanced and distinctive model in the C-segment electric vehicle market, making it worth considering.