This year, Smart will present its first model developed under the control of a joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz, an electric SUV set to compete against the DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE and the future electric MINI Countryman. Based on the SEA modular platform, this vehicle will offer a range of approximately 430 km WLTP.
A few months ago, the German firm gave us the first preview through the Concept #1 prototype, whose main lines (front identity “Shark Nose”, floating roof, pilots attached to the width of the gate, etc.) will remain in the version of the production. However, what we did not know is that the concept car was also giving us a clue about the commercial name of the vehicle.
Smart has officially confirmed that its latest creation will simply be called #1, a name that represents the beginning of a new era for the company and reflects its modern character, as the symbol # is often used in social networks to identify the most popular topics of conversation. hot of the moment.
Smart wants to stand up to MINI
Yang Jun, vice president of research and development at Smart, added: “Thanks to the seamless cooperation between Smart and the Mercedes-Benz design team, Smart #1 is an engineering masterpiece. Pre-market test results also demonstrate Smart #1’s excellent quality, performance, and reliability. These developments make us confident that it will be well received by customers following its launch later this year.”
Smart #1 recently completed a series of aerodynamic tests at the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute (Chongqing), one of the most advanced centers of its kind. The company has confirmed that the small SUV has achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.29, a fairly good figure for a model of its size.
Winter tests have also been carried out in China. At -40º C, engineers were able to test the battery’s temperature control system, as well as other technologies such as retractable door handles with icebreaker functions.
