Car Buyer's Guide

smart #3 vs smart #1

smart #3

smart #3

smart #1

smart #1

Verdict

At RM175,000, the smart #3 costs RM6,000 more than the RM169,000 smart #1, but brings a useful 22 kW AC charging ceiling against 7.2 kW, plus 325 km of range versus 315 km. Its 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time also cuts 0.9 seconds from the #1’s. The #1 fights back with a 411-litre boot, 41 litres more than the #3, and is 130 mm shorter for tighter Malaysian car parks. Both retain 268 hp, 343 Nm, rear-wheel drive and 150 kW DC charging.

#3

Pick the smart #3 if faster 5.8-second acceleration, 22 kW AC charging and the extra 10 km of stated range matter more than boot space and RM6,000.

#1

Pick the smart #1 if you want to spend less, carry more in its 411-litre boot and have the shorter body for urban parking.

Key differences

  • Price: smart #3 RM175,000; smart #1 RM169,000.
  • EV range: smart #3 325 km; smart #1 315 km.
  • AC charging rate: smart #3 22 kW; smart #1 7.2 kW.
  • 0-100 km/h: smart #3 5.8 seconds; smart #1 6.7 seconds.
  • Length and boot space: smart #3 4,400 mm and 370 litres; smart #1 4,270 mm and 411 litres.
  • Height: smart #3 1,556 mm; smart #1 1,636 mm.

#3

  • 22 kW AC charging rate.
  • 325 km stated EV range.
  • 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time and front parking sensors.
  • Costs RM6,000 more.
  • 370-litre boot is 41 litres smaller.
  • Misses the #1’s dual-zone climate control and rear-seat sliding adjustment.

#1

  • RM169,000 price saves RM6,000.
  • 411-litre boot and 4,270 mm length.
  • Dual-zone climate control, rear-seat sliding adjustment and 64-colour ambient lighting.
  • 7.2 kW AC charging is far below the #3’s 22 kW.
  • 315 km stated range is 10 km shorter.
  • 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time is 0.9 seconds slower and it lacks front parking sensors.
Price & overview
PriceRM175,000RM169,000
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentC-SegmentC-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM260RM260
Powertrain
Engine Tech400V architecture400V architecture
FuelElectricElectric
Number of Motors11
Motor Horsepower268 hp268 hp
Motor Torque343 Nm343 Nm
Battery Capacity49 kWh49 kWh
EV Range325 km315 km
Charging Rate (AC)22 kW7.2 kW
Charging Rate (DC)150 kW150 kW
V2L3.3 kW3.3 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticSingle Ratio Automatic
DrivelineRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h5.8 seconds6.7 seconds
Top Speed180 km/h180 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,400 mm4,270 mm
Width1,844 mm1,822 mm
Height1,556 mm1,636 mm
Wheelbase2,785 mm2,750 mm
Weight1,780 kg
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space370 litres411 litres
Front Tyre245/45R19235/45R19
Rear Tyre245/45R19235/45R19
Factory TyresDunlop SP Sport Maxx 060Continental EcoContact 6 Q
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)China (CBU)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutsMacPherson Struts
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkMulti-link
Front Wheels19" Flux Alloy Wheels19" Amps Alloy Wheels
Rear Wheels19" Flux Alloy Wheels19" Amps Alloy Wheels
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Chassis NotesComfort Suspension
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP5 stars
Safety
AirbagsDriver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee AirbagDriver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Child Safety LockManual for Rear DoorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable On Front Passenger Seat, Rear Outer SeatsAvailable On Front Passenger Seat, Rear Outer Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes, Front and RearYes, Front and Rear
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsAll Seats
Safety NotesDoor Opening Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High Beam,
Lighting
HeadlampsLED Reflector with Manual LevellingLED Reflector with Manual Levelling
TaillampsLEDLED
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsDriver and Passenger Powered Seats10-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat with Memory Function, Powered Front Passenger's Seat
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding60:40 Split-fold with Sliding Adjustment
Front Air-conSingle-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear AC VentsRear AC Vents
SunroofPanoramic Glass RoofPanoramic Glass Roof
Power Sockets1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear, 1 Wireless Charger1 Front, 3 USB-C, 1 USB-A, Qi Wireless Charger
Interior LightingMap Lights & Ambient LightingMap Lights, 64-colour Ambient Lighting
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun ShadeManual Sunshade for Glass RoofYes
Audio12.8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto12.8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch
Engine StartKeyless (Depress Brake Pedal)Keyless (Depress Brake Pedal)
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control with Highway & Traffic Jam Assist
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationYes, PoweredYes, Powered
Parking Sensor Front4 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, With 360-degree CameraYes, With 360-degree Camera
Auto ParkingYesYes
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer4 years4 years
Warranty Notes8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

#3 vs #1 FAQ

Is the smart #3 or smart #1 better?

The smart #3 is better for faster acceleration, 22 kW AC charging and 325 km of stated range. The smart #1 is the better practical buy if its RM6,000 lower price, 411-litre boot and shorter 4,270 mm body suit your needs.

What is the price difference?

The smart #3 costs RM175,000 and the smart #1 costs RM169,000, so the difference is RM6,000.

Which smart charges faster at home or AC public chargers?

The smart #3 does, with 22 kW AC charging versus 7.2 kW for the smart #1. Both have the same 150 kW DC charging rate.

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