Expect to see a lot more of these fun little smart #1 EVs on Malaysian roads in the near future.
When smart Malaysia finally announced the rather attractive pricing of its #1 back at its official launch a fortnight ago, it was already assumed that this new EV will sell like cold ice cream on a hot summer’s day over here. And lo and behold, news has just recently broke that there have already been 1,000 bookings placed by excited Malaysians for this compact e-crossover already.
Growing twofold from the 500 bookings that its local distributor announced during the launch, this new order figure has incidentally already surpassed the initial annual sales target that has been set for the #1 locally for the whole of next year. And while smart Malaysia has not officially announced which variant has been piquing the most interest of Malaysians, there is whispers on the grapevine for the hot BRABUS and plush Premium trims to account for nearly all orders of this e-crossover.
Now commenting on this milestone achievement, Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of smart Malaysia, states: ”The success of smart #1 reflects not only the excellence of our product but also our dedication to providing a seamless and enjoyable ownership experience. The comprehensive warranty coverage, complimentary packages, and the smartCharge Home Charger offer are a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction. Delivery is also a pivotal aspect, and our team is diligently working to ensure timely delivery of cars to our valued customers.”
On the enjoyable ownership experience front, smart Malaysia is currently touting for its commitment to a customer-centric approach to be epitomised by its Hello smart App. This app streamlines the ownership experience, providing smart #1 owners with end-to-end solutions – from booking the car, making payments, to charging and monitoring charging status.
Backing this commitment meanwhile are its 10 dealers strategically located across 6 states in Malaysia. These 10 smart locations have been promoted by smart Malaysia themselves ‘to not only facilitate the purchasing process but also ensure top-notch post-purchase service, offering expert guidance to customers’.
And just to put any buyer’s mind completely at ease in switching to an ev, smart has also actually thrown in nearly everything that anyone could ask for when buying a car with their newly-launched #1. The included All-Inclusive Premium Ownership with any purchase of the #1 brings with it:
· 8-Year 200,000km High-Voltage Battery Warranty
· 8-Year 150,000km High-Voltage Component Warranty
· 4-Year Unlimited Mileage Vehicle Warranty
· 2-Year Unlimited Mileage Spare Parts Warranty
· 24/7 Roadside Service Assistance
· Complimentary smartCharge Home Charger worth RM 3,200 with 2-Year Warranty
· Vehicle to Load (V2L) Adaptor worth RM 800 with 2-Year Warranty
· Complimentary Accessories Package worth RM 2,000
· Complimentary 5-Year Internet Data of total 60 GB
· Comprehensive smartPlus Insurance Coverage
It is worth highlighting though that the free smartCharge Home Charger offer is only valid till the 31st of December 2023, and does not include the installation cost which is priced from RM 2,488.
Three variants of the smart #1 are currently available locally, with the base Pro trim level priced directly to compete with the Tesla Model 3 at RM 189,000. The higher-tier Premium variant on the other hand comes in at a slightly higher RM 219,000, while the full-fat dual-motor BRABUS is a sub-4.0 second pocket rocket BRABUS that could be yours for just RM 249,000.
The lowest-tier Pro variant only features a 49 kWh LFP battery pack that is capable of a WLTP-claimed range of 315 km, while jumping up to the higher-end Premium trim instead nets a larger range on a single charge of 440 km, courtesy of a larger 66 kWh NMC battery pack. Both variants nevertheless feature the same rear-wheel drive layout, with the sole rear mounted motor developing 220 kW and 343 Nm of torque.
As for the BRABUS spec, its dual motor powertrain churns out a total of 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque. This pocket rocket also has a maximum range of 400 km from its 66 kWh battery pack, which can then be topped up either by way of 22kW AC charging (0 – 80% in 3 hours) or 150kW DC fast charging (0 – 80% in 30 minutes).
In terms of kit now, the Pro trim features a set of low-drag 19-inch alloys and a panoramic sunroof with power blind on its outside, while a 12.8-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen, 9.2-inch digital driver’s cluster, a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and dual-zone auto air-conditioning with rear vents being among the highlights in its cabin. The Premium trim then adds to it CyberSparksLED+ matrix headlights and an illuminated front grille, in addition to leather upholstery and ventilated front seats, a 13-speaker 640 W Beats sound system, illuminated door sills and a 10-inch colour head-up display.
Differentiating the BRABUS trim from the rest of the lineup meanwhile are red exterior accent pieces, which accompany the decorative letter-box vents on its bonnet and rear tailgate spoiler to emphasise its performance pedigree. Stiffer dampers and wide 19-inch dual tone alloy wheels also make an appearance on this sporty variant, as do a similarly crimson-accented cabin.
