Is the #3 the best electric coupe that you can buy?
Exterior – Front
So, to start with we get a very familiar design that closely resembles the #1. The lower grill is identical to that car, but the rest of the front-end design is actually different. The headlights for example have the same design elements in as the #1 but the daytime running lights have a slightly different graphic in them and they are also slightly thinner giving them a sportier look. The bonnet is also sportier looking too and you also get this light bar still connecting the headlights together. Finally, the side vents are also different as on this car they are slimmer and more aggressive looking.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side of the #3 and straight away we can again see the differences over the #1. It is about 10 cm longer and lower down by 8cm. To start with the smart badge has been moved from the c pilar to the front wing giving it a sporty Ferrari style look. We also get flush door handles to aid aerodynamics and mat black plastic to give it an off-roader style look. We also get some chrome too. what I really like about the #3 though is the coupe design. It gives it a premium and expensive feel and the overall design makes it better than the BMW X2.
Exterior – Rear
So, moving round to the back of the #3 and whereas the #1 was more of a cute baby bubbly rear end design, the #3 moves away from that having a sporty almost Cupra Leon type of design. We get these very slim triangle style taillights that are connected together with a light bar. We also get the smart logo and lettering too. the bumper is also sportier than the #1 with having a fake effect central air vent made up with the silver strip on the back. We also get some gloss black back here too as well as mat black plastic. Overall, then not a bad design. Let’s have a look at what battery and motor options you can have with the new Smart #3.
Car and engine specs and price
So, the battery and motor lineup of the Smart #3 is slightly different to what other car brands do. To start with every smart apart from the Brabus gets a 268 bhp motor on the rear axle. The battery options are 47 kWh for the base model and 62kWh for the higher end and Brabus model. Lets start with the 47kWh battery model. This gives a range of about 200 miles and a 0-62 time of 5.9 seconds which is quite quick for it being the base model. The bigger battery gets a range of between 270 miles and 280 miles depending on the trim level. This gives a 0-62 time of again about 5.9 seconds. Now for the Brabus model you get the 62kWh battery pack but you get a dual motor setup giving you 4 wheel drive and 422 bhp. 0-62 time is delt within a blistering 3.7 seconds which is quicker than an Audi RS3. The range is also decent at 255 miles. The price of the new Smart #3 starts at £32,950 which isn’t bad for the type of car. Lets have a look at what the interior is like.
Interior – Design
So, climbing inside the new #3 and you know you are in a smart as it is very similar to the #1. We get the same infotainment system as before with the 12.8 inch screen. The graphics heavy infotainment system isn’t the best, but it isn’t the worst on the market. The switches, instrument cluster and steering wheel controls are also the same as the #1. The overall dashboard layout is mostly the same though. The side vents are the same as the #1 but the central air vents have 3 pod design like what Mercedes has. The centre console trim also stretches further down the centre console this time again giving it a more premium feel. The overall design then of the #3 interior isn’t that bad and it does feel quite premium the seats are also sporty, supportive and comfy too and we also get this glass panel roof on some models. Lets have a look in the back and see how practical it is.
Practicality
So, getting in the back of the #3 and you will be pleasantly surprised how roomy it is in the back. Now compared to other coupe SUV’s the headroom is usually the downside for practicality but on this model, it is very good and so is legroom. Now I’m just over 6 foot and I can fit in there comfortably for long distance journeys. You also get an arm rest as well as some air vents and the material quality in the back is the same as the front which is rare to find on this price point of car. You also get a little smart logo on the rear seats. Lets have a look at the boot.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot by pressing the middle of the a in the Smart logo and you are welcomed with an electric tailgate and 370 litres of space which is decent for its size. You also get underfloor storage which is also handy. You also get a front boot albeit it is a small one so cables wont fit in there but there is enough room for your tyre repair kit and locking wheel nut.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think of the new Smart #3. Well it is a better car than the #1 and it really shows where Smart wants to go with their new lineup as a brand and I am all for that. Lets hope we can see more cars in the future like this one from smart.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 4/5
Practicality 4/5
Total 13/15
Model | Smart #3 Pro+ |
Engine | 62kWh Battery Pack, Single Motor, 268bhp, 0-62 = 5.9 Seconds, 280 Mile Range, Rear Wheel Drive |
Transmission | Automatic Single Speed |
Price | £36,950 |
On Sale | Now |
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