With the discontinuation of the Forfour, Smart only had one model left in its range: the Fortwo. Great hopes are therefore based on an unprecedented city SUV called #1 and prefigured by the concept of the same name. The 100% electric novelty, still camouflaged, nevertheless reveals itself a little during its tests.
No surprises but reassuring news for the future flagship of Smart. The #1, official name of the German brand’s new SUV, launches a new generation of vehicles at Smart with modern styling and features. It starts with this very simple name composed of the famous hashtag (#), often attached to social networks, as well as the number one. We can easily imagine other cars continuing this series of figures as we find at Mazda, Lynk & Co or BMW for example, the competing group…
![smart suv #1 snow](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/winter-013-1.jpg)
![smart concept #1 before](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/smartconcept1014-1.jpg)
TO READ. SmartConcept #1 (2021). A taste of the 1st electric Smart SUV
A camouflage that does not deceive
Daniel Lescow, vice president of global sales, marketing and aftersales at Smart, wants to be very confident about the final shape of the city SUV. ” I am convinced that the Smart #1 will be a great success with its future customers in China and Europe, bringing out new trends in urban mobility and enhancing the brand image. “, he expressed. And we can understand it, since the design displayed on the three shots is really very close to what we found on the concept car. Prototypes had also been surprised in China a little earlier in the year. The overall silhouette, shapes and dimensions are retained on the production car (about 4.30 m long).
![smart suv #1 aerodynamic profile](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/wind-tunnel-4769-1.jpg)
Among the subtle details, there is the addition of side vents on the front bumper. The headlights and mirrors are also enlarged compared to the concept, perhaps following the model’s finish for the light signature. The floating roof, as well as the rear light strip and the plastic protections keep Conversely their proportions. In profile, we notice the appearance of flush door handles and the abandonment of doors with antagonistic opening. The manufacturer’s technical team is also proud of the aerodynamic work carried out: the #1’s drag coefficient is only 0.29. This will benefit the occupants with better soundproofing and range.
Tests down to -40°C
![smart concept #1 interior](https://www.largus.fr/images/images/smart-concept-1interior-1.jpg)
We observe the #1, still camouflaged, rolling on snow and ice in a test center in China hit by gusts of wind which bring temperatures down to -40°C. The opportunity to highlight thee temperature control system of the battery, which constantly optimizes its operating conditions. The latter is quite similar to what is found at Tesla or on the latest electric Renault Mégane E-Tech. Thanks to the app on your smartphone or directly on the dashboard, you can set your driving times in advance. The preheated battery is optimized to charge as quickly as possible with the best performance.
As a reminder, the SUV will be based on the new SEA modular platform. The same which should equip many Volvo models, since the two manufacturers are now attached to the global group Geely. The presentation of the SUV will take place in the second half of 2022, ahead of production in early 2023 in China.