Smart #3 2024 Review

As competition intensifies in Malaysia's C-segment pure electric SUV market, consumers increasingly demand value-for-money and a balanced configuration in car models. Launched in July 2024, the Smart #3 Pro, with a starting price of RM175,000, includes mainstream features such as seven airbags, 360-degree parking cameras, and full-speed ACC as standard, while retaining the driving quality brought by a rear-wheel-drive layout. Upon its launch, it quickly attracted the attention of many young families and first-time electric vehicle upgrade buyers. In this test drive, we focus on assessing its practicality for daily commuting, whether its power response meets expectations, and if its range can satisfy urban usage scenarios.

The exterior of the Smart #3 Pro continues the family's coupe-like SUV design, with sleek yet robust overall lines. The front grille adopts a closed design, paired with smoked LED headlight clusters on both sides. The daytime running lights feature a through-type design, enhancing visual width and recognition. The side profile includes 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R19 tires, and slightly protruding lines near the wheel arches, adding to its sporty appearance. At the rear, the LED taillights also incorporate a through-type design to echo the front, while the diffuser-style rear bumper further reinforces its youthful positioning. The overall design aligns with the minimalist style of electric vehicles while avoiding monotony through detailed touches.

Inside, the #3 Pro features a predominantly dark-toned interior, with a layered design for the dashboard. The upper part is wrapped in soft materials, while the lower part uses plastic, placing its overall texture at a mid-to-upper level within its price range. The 12.8-inch floating touchscreen serves as the visual centerpiece, with a clear layout and smooth operation, supporting CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The fully digital instrument cluster is adequately sized and displays essential information such as range, speed, and driver assistance status. In terms of features, the front seats support electric adjustment. The rear row comes with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, while the 60:40 split-fold rear seats can be folded down to further expand the trunk's space. It's worth noting that keyless entry, electrically folding side mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers are all standard features, making daily use highly convenient.

In terms of space, the #3 Pro has a wheelbase of 2,785mm, providing sufficient space in the front row. With a 180cm tall passenger adjusting the seat, there is still a fist's width of headroom left. The rear legroom offers around two fists of space, though headroom is slightly compromised due to the sloping roof design, it still comfortably accommodates average adult passengers. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 411L, which can be expanded to 1,285L by folding down the rear seats, allowing for storage of strollers or large suitcases with ease. For additional storage, there is an open storage compartment below the center console, front cup holders with a cover, and door panel storage slots capable of holding regular water bottles, meeting the practical needs of families.

In terms of performance, the #3 Pro features a rear-mounted single permanent magnet synchronous motor producing a maximum power of 197kW (268PS) and a peak torque of 343N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.8 seconds. In daily driving, the vehicle responds quickly and smoothly during takeoff. In Eco mode, the power output is mild, suitable for urban commuting. Switching to Sport mode enhances the throttle response sensitivity, providing a noticeable push-back sensation during acceleration and ample confidence for overtaking. The chassis utilizes a combination of front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It effectively absorbs most small impacts when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, keeping the body stable. During high-speed cornering, body roll is well-controlled within reasonable limits, and the precision offered by the rear-wheel-drive layout is commendable.

In terms of range and energy consumption, the #3 Pro is equipped with a 49kWh LFP battery, officially offering a range of 325km. During our test, conducted with 70% urban roads and 30% highway driving, with the air conditioner set to 24°C in automatic mode, the actual range achieved was approximately 280km, about 86% of the claimed range. Energy consumption was maintained between 16-18kWh/100km. Considering that the test included some congested road sections, this performance is basically in line with expectations, and should present no problem for a weekly charging need in daily commutes.

In terms of comfort details, the front seats of the #3 Pro offer moderate wrapping and are comfortable enough for extended durations without causing fatigue. Noise control inside the car is well-handled; tire and wind noise are not noticeable during low-speed city driving, while wind noise slightly increases at higher speeds but remains acceptable. The energy recovery system provides three adjustable levels: the lowest setting closely resembles the coasting feel of a combustion engine car, while the highest level delivers a significant deceleration effect, reducing brake usage. Once adapted, it can enhance driving convenience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 Smart #3 Pro lie in its balanced configuration and driving experience. Compared to the similarly priced BYD Atto 3, the #3 Pro's rear-wheel-drive layout offers better handling potential, and safety features such as 7 airbags and full-speed ACC are standard. When compared to the MG ZS EV, it delivers better acceleration performance and slightly superior interior quality. However, its 49kWh battery limits its range performance, making it less competitive against rivals with larger batteries. It is best suited for city-focused use and users with convenient charging conditions.

In summary, the Smart #3 Pro is a C-segment pure electric SUV that strikes a balance between practicality and driving enjoyment. If you are a young family prioritizing safety features, enjoy the driving dynamics of rear-wheel drive, or are a first-time EV buyer with a daily commute of less than 50km, the #3 Pro is a worthy option to consider. It has no particularly significant shortcomings, and its performance aligns well with its pricing position, making it one of the more balanced options in its price segment.