Smart introduces new, cheaper base model #1 in UK

If you are in the UK and always wanted to buy the new all-electric Smart #1 but it always felt out of reach - this may be your lucky day. Smart has been paying close attention to the busy EV market and decided it is time to undercut rivals from Hyundai and Jeep.

The drop in price is not a token cut - it’s a serious reduction of $6,900 compared to the current entry-level Smart #1 Pro+. That’s enough to keep the Smart #1 juiced up for a few years. Together with the new $43,880 price, the small crossover got a new name, and it’s called Smart #1 Pro. Jeep Avenger and Hyundai Kona Electric are now in its rearview mirror and the Kia Niro EV and even MG4 SR are in its sights.

Before the arrival of the new Pro version, the lineup started with Pro+ and despite the chunk of money being lobbed off the price, the equipment list remains impressive. We have the smaller 49 kWh battery pack promising 193 miles of range and supporting 130 kW of fast charging. We have a single electric motor powering rear wheels with 200 kW and 252 lb-ft of torque, propelling this little crossover from 0 to 62 mph in an impressive 6.7 seconds, albeit 1 second slower than the Volvo EX30 which shares the same powertrain.

The cruise control, LED headlights, heated seats, panoramic sunroof, 12.8” screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 360-degree parking camera system, and even powered tailgate are on the list of standard equipment. That’s not bad for an entry-level EV.

The reinvented Smart brand has been on an offensive of sorts. Powered by Geely’s SEA platform, which underpins Volvo and Zeekr vehicles among a few others, the Smart #1 debuted in Europe last year and has become quite a hit. Very well designed, with a surprising amount of room inside, and with great performance, this little crossover punches well above its weight. The classy interior wouldn’t look out of place in a much pricier vehicle - we have to thank Mercedes for that since they are responsible for the design.

Via