THE the new model that should embody the rebirth of the Smart is it: the Smart #1 ! This small crossover with a successful style gives a special place to the volume of the cabin, communication and premium attributes. Its design is pleasant, although a little far from what Smart has accustomed us to. Because you have to make a decision the German brand prefers to refocus on SUVs, even giving up his mythical Fortwo.

On a technical level, it includes an entry-level engine 272 horsepower. It can reach 428 horsepower on the Brabus version. The autonomy of this first version reaches a peak of 440 kilometers in a charging time of less than 30 minutes at a fast 150 kW terminal. Expect less than 3 hours on the 22 kW household Wallbox sockets. In France, this is the first Smart SUV with this name traded from €39,990 in the Pro+ version with one engine. Count 47,490 euros for the Brabus twin-engine version.

A more powerful, but falsely sporty version of Brabus

Let’s get back to this Brabus version in more detail, sure. THE german coach, which covers the most sporty and radical versions of Mercedes-Benz models, took on Smart back in 2002. For Mercedes-Benz’s own brand, this was quite normal. This Brabus version has more power, hence, thanks to the addition of a motor on the rear axle. You’d expect it to benefit from the new, sportier chassis setup, but alas, that’s not the case.

Brabus has however redesigned brakes, with thicker discs than on civilian versions. For the rest, the changes are aesthetic. The grille and hood were slightly retouched, and Brabus placed its logo where it could. Brake calipers, belts, seat seams are now red. Connecting rods are lined with aluminum. That’s it for this “sporty” version of the Smart #1.

Difficulty in the impulse test

But if it’s been in the news lately, it’s not because of its leap forward compared to the standard Smart #. This version of the Brabus became infamous for its poor results in the moose test. This stability test, carried out in Scandinavian countries, reproduces, as the name suggests, a evasive maneuver if a moose appears on the road. Of course, it could be a child or a car rolling backwards. Cars should be checked like this likely to maintain its trajectory after two sudden sharp steering changes at 75 km/h (ideally) to simulate impulse avoidance. It is also a full-scale test for checking the effectiveness of electronic stability systems (ESP).

In the case of Smart Brabus #1, the crossover is not couldn’t keep his line, knocking over several cones on his way. It seems that ESP intervenes too late, the car rolls too much. She had to settle for it 65 km/h to pass the test. We will remind, a Citroën Xantia Activa without ESP passed the test at a speed of 73 km/h. The model dates back to… 1997!