Smart #1 long-term test: report 4

The #1 is the first offering from the reborn Smart brand. We’ve already given it a five-star rating, but what’s it like to live with day-to-day? We're running one to find out...

Published05 December 2023

The car Smart #1 Premium Run by Mark Pearson, used cars editor

Why it’s here To see if the trendy #1 cuts it in everyday use and how it stacks up against its many polished competitors in this growing class

Needs to It’ll need to dispatch commuting, work and family life without any range anxiety issues and cope with a wide variety of duties

Miles covered 2805 Price £38,950 Target price £38,950 Price as tested £38,950 Official range 273 miles Test range 245 miles

16 November 2023 – Sound and vision

Silence is golden, but not if it’s unexpected. A blown fuse has left my Smart #1 without any radio, phone or parking sensor sounds. Even the tick-tick of the indicators fell silent, though I’m pleased to report the fox avatar which monitors my driving has emerged unscathed. So a quick trip to a Smart dealer is in order. I’m told that so far they have only come across one other #1 that has had a similar problem.

Never mind. If I am temporarily without sound I can at least enjoy splendid vision. With winter’s gathering gloom now firmly upon us, I can share the good news that the Smart’s LED headlights are terrific. Whether illuminating an unlit country lane or lighting my urban way in murky or dusky conditions the #1’s wide spread of light and impressive clarity more than compensate for the dim light. I am now driving in full HD. And with vision this good, who needs sound anyway?