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Smart #1

Our unique Expert Rating Index combines scores from 35 of the top UK motoring websites to give you a definitive rating on every new car

Expert Rating

Smart #1

(2023 - present)

    Summary


    The Smart #1 is an all-electric five-door crossover and Smart’s first all-new model in eight years, which mark’s the brand’s pivot away from pint-sized city cars towards larger family car models.

    Designed by joint Smart owners Geely and Mercedes-Benz, the #1 is similar in size to the Kia Niro EV and Volkswagen ID.3. This represents a significant shift away from Smart’s traditional focus on tiny city cars that prioritise urban mobility over everything else.

    As a result of Smart’s change of direction, the #1 name reflects its place as the first new model in the newly reorganised company. A second new model will follow a few months later, which will be called #3. No, we don’t get it either.

    Oh, and #1 is meant to be pronounced as ‘Hashtag One’. Yes, seriously.

    Beyond the standard models, the range is topped by a sporty ‘Brabus’ model, that provides a considerable performance boost.

    “The city car maker is back with a bang”, the What Car? team explains, “delivering an impressive electric SUV with a nice interior, good rear seat space and, in the Brabus version, outrageously quick acceleration.”

    “It marks a turning point for the brand and there’s lots to like about it, but a poor infotainment system could be what undoes the #1”, says Driving Electric. Many reviewers agree, explaining that while the infotainment screen is very responsive, it can be quite distracting, and the lack of physical control buttons makes the system harder to use.

    After receiving a set of rather mediocre review scores before the car’s official UK arrival, British motoring outlets have collectively given a much more positive outlook for the #1 since it started arriving on UK roads, as the car has been consistently commended for its high-quality interior and its excellent Euro NCAP safety rating in recent months.

    As of November 2023, the Smart #1 holds an Expert Rating of 68%, based on 19 reviews published by the British motoring media.

    #1 highlights

    • Plenty of on-board tech as standard
    • Practical and refined interior
    • Strong performance, particularly top-spec Brabus
    • Attractive exterior styling
    • Cheaper than its key rivals

    #1 lowlights

    • Infotainment is touchscreen only
    • Small boot
    • Standard models are not that exciting to drive

    Key specifications


    Body style: Medium hatchback
    Engines:
    electric, battery-powered
    Price:
    From £35,950 on-road

    Launched: Summer 2023
    Last updated: N/A
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Driving Electric

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    Electrifying.com

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: November 2022
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 96%
    Child protection: 89%
    Vulnerable road users: 71%
    Safety assist: 88%

    Eco rating


    No eco rating

    As of November 2023, the Smart #1 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    No reliability rating

    As of November 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Smart #1 to generate a reliability rating.

    The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the #1, we’ll publish the score here.

    Running cost rating

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    No data yet

    As of November 2023, we don’t have independently verified data available for the Smart #1. Check back again soon.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Smart #1 has received

    2023

    • What Car? Awards – Safety Award
    • What Car? EV Awards – Best Small SUV

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Smart #1, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    BMW iX1 | Citroën ë-C4 | Cupra Born | DS 3 E-Tense | Honda e:Ny1 | Jeep AvengerKia Niro EV | Kia Soul EV | Mazda MX-30 | MG ZS EV | Peugeot e-2008Renault Mégane E-Tech | Vauxhall Mokka Electric | Volkswagen ID.3


    More news, reviews and information about the Smart #1 at The Car Expert

    Smart #1 pricing and specs announced

    Smart #1 pricing and specs announced

    Five-star crash test results for 15 new cars

    Five-star crash test results for 15 new cars

    Sporty Brabus model to top new Smart #1 range

    Sporty Brabus model to top new Smart #1 range

    Smart reveals the all-electric #1 SUV

    Smart reveals the all-electric #1 SUV

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    Reviewers agree that the Smart #1 is a practical and refined compact family car, but its infotainment could deter some buyers.Smart #1