Smart #3 Review

The C-segment electric vehicle market has been heating up in recent years locally. Users want the urban maneuverability of a compact body but are unwilling to compromise on space and features. The 2024 Smart #3 Pro is designed to meet this demand. As the entry-level version of the series, it is priced at 175,000 MYR and offers 268PS rear-wheel drive, a full safety configuration with 7 airbags, and a 12.8-inch central control screen, making it highly cost-effective. This test drive focuses on verifying whether the entry-level model retains the core experience of the Smart #3 and assessing its practicality for daily commuting and family use.

At first glance, the Smart #3 Pro's overall design continues the series' coupe-style fastback aesthetics. The front features a closed grille paired with a full-width LED daytime running light, offering high recognition. The headlights are dark-colored, complementing the honeycomb-shaped air intake below, enhancing the sporty feel. The side profile features smooth lines, and the fastback design extending from the A-pillar to the rear does not appear bulky. The 19-inch wheels paired with 245/45 R19 tires maintain a visually balanced proportion. At the rear, the full-width LED taillight is a design highlight, displaying a unique light strip effect when illuminated. The diffuser styling of the lower rear bumper also enhances the sporty characteristics. The lighting system is equipped with LEDs across the range; whether daytime running lights or taillights, the brightness and response speed meet daily requirements.

Inside the car, the interior adopts a minimalist style, with the 12.8-inch touch screen as the centerpiece of the dashboard, minimizing physical buttons as most functionalities are controlled via the screen. The steering wheel is a three-spoke multifunctional design with electric adjustment and provides a moderate grip feel. The seats are made of leather material; the front seats are electrically adjustable, with decent support for both the backrest and cushions, making long drives comfortable. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split configuration, offering potential for expanding the trunk space. Regarding features, a full-LCD instrument cluster, keyless entry/start, 360-degree panoramic cameras, and automatic parking are all standard. Particularly noteworthy are the 7 airbags (including knee airbags) and the complete set of advanced safety systems (lane change assist, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, etc.), which are rare at this price point.

In terms of space, the Smart #3 Pro's wheelbase is 2,785mm, providing ample legroom in both the front and rear. When a 175cm tall front passenger adjusts their seat, there are still two fist-widths of legroom left in the rear, though headroom is slightly limited due to the fastback design, but passengers up to 170cm tall will not feel cramped. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 411L, which can be expanded to 1,261L with the rear seats folded, providing enough space for a baby stroller or suitcases. Storage details are also well-thought-out, with a reasonably sized central armrest box, door panel storage compartments that accommodate large water bottles, and front-row wireless charging pads and USB ports. The rear row is also equipped with independent air conditioning vents and charging ports.

In terms of driving dynamics, the Smart #3 Pro is equipped with a single rear permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power output of 197kW (268PS) and maximum torque of 343N·m, enabling an official 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.8 seconds. In real-world driving, the initial response is quick, and a gentle press on the accelerator delivers noticeable thrust, making city overtaking easy. When switched to sport mode, power delivery becomes more direct, and the acceleration experience is more aggressive. But for daily commuting, the comfort mode is already smooth enough. The rear-wheel-drive setup provides good handling agility, with precise and responsive steering and minimal play in the steering wheel. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled. The suspension system features front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It effectively absorbs bumps when driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, with no significant stiffness. However, during fast cornering, there is a slight lack of suspension support, leading to minor body roll. Nonetheless, this is entirely acceptable for a family vehicle.

In terms of range, the Smart #3 Pro is equipped with a 49kWh LFP battery, with an official range of 325km. During our urban road tests, with the air conditioning set to 24°C and the energy recovery set to medium, the actual range was approximately 280-300km, achieving over 85% of the official range, which meets daily commuting needs. Fast charging from 30% to 80% takes about 40 minutes, while slow charging takes 6 hours. Noise control is well-managed, with almost no wind or tire noise below 60km/h. At highway speeds of 110km/h, wind noise slightly increases but does not affect normal conversations.

Compared with models in the same class, such as the Volkswagen ID.3 or Hyundai Kona Electric, the Smart #3 Pro has clear advantages: stronger power, more comprehensive configurations, larger space, and more competitive pricing. Especially in terms of safety features, with 7 airbags and a full suite of active safety systems as standard even on the base model, which is something many competitors cannot match.

Overall, the 2024 Smart #3 Pro is a well-balanced C-segment electric vehicle. It meets the flexibility needs for urban commuting while offering enough space and features to cater to family demands. The power and range are sufficient for daily usage scenarios. If you are a family-oriented user who values cost-effectiveness and safety features, or a young professional entering the workforce seeking a vehicle that balances sportiness and practicality, the Smart #3 Pro is a great choice. As the entry-level version of the series, it does not sacrifice core experiences for the price, making it one of the models worth serious consideration in the C-segment EV market.