Smart a prototype crossed in the Far North

 At the Munich Motor Show in October 2021, Smart unveiled an SUV concept called Concept #1. After 25 years of micro-city cars and a few aborted or unsuccessful range expansion projects, the manufacturer is launching this new model, a far cry from the original ForTwo. In a few weeks, Smart will unveil the production version of its SUV, called #1. While waiting for the presentation, photographers were able to come across a slightly camouflaged prototype, which gives some indications of the exterior and interior changes. The Smart #1 should be around 4.30 m long, which would put it in front of a Mini Countryman in particular. The newcomer will be exclusively electric, as has been the Smart range since 2019. The overall design of the #1 is known, with fairly smooth surfaces and some curves. The optics stretch over large light bands at the front and rear. On the profile, there are retractable handles, while the floating roof offers a style effect on the quarter panel.

The passenger compartment has almost no more secrets  

The photographers were able to take advantage of a quiet moment, when charging the vehicle on a terminal, to slip in and capture the passenger compartment under their lens. We thus discover a relatively massive dashboard, with a high central console which seems to contain several storage spaces. The dashboard has a beautiful 12.8-inch touchscreen, like the concept, which is integrated above oblong air vents. A three-spoke steering wheel completes the equipment. In a second photo, new seats are revealed, with a clear separation between the backrest and the headrest.  For the moment, no technical data has filtered concerning the mechanical part. We only know that Smart's SUV will only be electric, since it will be based on a platform shared with the Chinese Geely, which owns the manufacturer with Mercedes. The production plant will also be located in China and no longer in Hambach (Moselle), the place now being the property of Ineos for its 4×4 Grenadier. According to some colleagues, the vehicle could benefit from a single rear engine of 200 hp, and a battery with a capacity greater than 60 kWh. What offer up to 430 km of autonomy? Answer in the next few weeks.