Smart #1 Debuts In Malaysia With Up To 440km Of Range

This 5-door electric Smart might just be the best-looking hatchback on the market. Finally debuting in Malaysia, the all-new 2023 Smart #1 arrives on our shores in three variants – Pro, Premium, and Brabus, with prices starting from RM189,000.

Sitting on the same Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform as the Volvo EX30, the Smart #1 Pro and Premium measure 4,270 mm long, 1,822 mm wide, and 1,636 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase.

Available in ten body colour options, all Malaysian versions of the Smart #1 come with 19-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate and LED headlights. Meanwhile, the bespoke aero package gives the Smart #1 Brabus a more aggressive exterior appearance, a look that will appeal to those wanting a sportier cosmetic finish. Additionally, the illuminated side emblems on the more expensive Premium and Brabus models pulse while the vehicle is charging. As we reported earlier this year, the Smart #1 will finally land in local showrooms by the end of 2023.

In terms of performance, the Smart #1 Pro and Premium in Malaysia are equipped with a single motor setup that produces up to 272 hp and 343 Nm supplied to the rear wheels. Three drive modes—Eco, Comfort, and Sport—are included in Smart’s new electric vehicle to better meet driver needs.

Conversely, the 4WD flagship Brabus model packs a beefy 428 hp and 543 Nm thanks to a dual-motor setup. The Brabus has the same drive modes as its more reasonably priced Pro and Premium siblings, plus an additional Brabus mode that generates a synthetic engine note resembling the sound of an Italian V6 engine.

Smart #1 boasts between 315 to 440 kms in range

The manufacturer claims that the 49 kWh LFP battery of the entry-level Smart #1 Pro in Malaysia delivers up to 315 km (WLTP) but in reality, we feel a figure closer to 280-ish is more likely. In contrast, the Premium variant’s 66 kWh ternary (NCM) battery, according to Smart, permits range of up to 440 km (WLTP), which translated into the real world would equate to around 380km.

Because of its more potent dual motors, the Brabus has a shorter range of 400 km (more like 350km) even though it has the same battery capacity as the Premium variant.

Moving inside, the 2023 Smart #1 in Malaysia comes as standard with equipment such as a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen head unit with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, rear air-con vents, and a panoramic halo roof with electric sunblind. Safety features include ACC, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot detection and 360 visual park assist among others. 

OUR THOUGHTS

This Smart #1 is definitely a looker and for the price should appeal to those wanting to get into a compact EV with loads of standard features and plenty of street cred. With the Brabus version as its flagship, the Smart #1 offers a rich variety of specs and colours to choose from with two or four-wheel drive and single or dual-electric motors. 

More Articles for You

China’s Chery Debuts Robot That’s Scarily Real

Robots have come a long way since Honda’s cute Asimo and Toyota’s trumpet playing robots of a decade ago. The …

Zeekr 9X Appears To Borrow Design Hints From Rolls Royce 

Zeekr is so eager to show off its next flagship SUV that it has just posted official images of the …

New Zeekr 009 Grand Collector’s Edition Boasts Gold-Plated Hubcaps

If you thought the Lexus LM was luxurious, wait till you get a load of the latest fully electric Zeekr …

Porsche 911 GT3 Smashes Nurburgring Lap Record

Porsche has just smashed another Nürburgring record, this time winning the title of fastest production car to lap the Green …

New Nissan Leaf Delivers Competitive Range Of Over 300 Miles

When the Leaf debuted in 2010, it took home the North American and World Car of the Year awards. That’s …

New Leapmotor B10 And C10 To Debut In Malaysia

According to local media reports, Stellantis Malaysia intends to debut several Leapmotor models in Malaysia shortly, including the B10 and …