Smart Guide

Smart made its name with tiny city cars, but today’s range is considerably broader. The business is now a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, combining Mercedes design input with Geely’s electric-vehicle engineering. Its current UK cars are all electric and sold through an established network of retail and service partners.

The emphasis is on distinctive styling, colourful interiors and generous equipment, with rapid Brabus versions alongside the more everyday choices. The #1 covers compact crossover territory, the lower #3 adds a sleeker, more sporting take on the formula, while the #5 is a full-size family proposition by Smart standards. The original two-seat formula is also set to return with the forthcoming #2.

Current Models

#1 (23-) Photo: Smart

RRP From: £29,960 Pre Reg From: c. £23,500 Used Price From: c. £20,000 Powertrains: EV Dimensions: 4270 × 1822 × 1636 mm Boot: 323L Key rivals: Alfa Romeo Junior Electric, BYD Dolphin, Jaecoo 5 EV, Peugeot E-2008, Volvo EX30

The #1 brings a playful cabin and rounded styling to the compact electric crossover class. Its sliding rear bench makes it more adaptable than the exterior suggests, while the range stretches from sensible everyday versions to the very quick Brabus. It suits buyers who want a small family car with some personality and a more distinctive interior than most.

#3 (24-) Photo: Smart

RRP From: £33,960 Pre Reg From: c. £24,000 Used Price From: c. £20,000 Powertrains: EV Dimensions: 4400 × 1844 × 1556 mm Boot: 370L Key rivals: Kia Niro EV, Mercedes-Benz EQA, MINI Countryman E, Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo EC40

The #3 gives Smart’s electric-car formula a lower, sleeker body and a more sporting feel. It will appeal to buyers who like the brand’s colourful cabin design but prefer a hatchback-like stance to the taller #1. There is still useful everyday practicality, although anyone regularly carrying taller passengers should try the rear seats before choosing style over headroom.

#5 (25-) Photo: Smart

RRP From: £39,800 Pre Reg From: c. £38,000 Used Price From: c. £28,000 Powertrains: EV Dimensions: 4695 × 1920 × 1705 mm Boot: 630L Key rivals: BMW iX3, Jeep Compass Electric, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV5, Tesla Model Y

The #5 takes Smart firmly into family-SUV territory, with a broad, upright body and a generous cabin. It is aimed at people who need space for holidays as well as the school run, rather than those looking for a tiny urban car. Higher versions bring particularly rapid charging capability, while the entry model keeps the purchase price more approachable.

Specifications, dimensions and prices were correct at the time of the latest update. Recommended retail prices are official UK list prices, while pre-registered and used values are approximate UK market figures and may vary depending on specification, mileage, condition and location. Recommended retail prices include any applicable UK Government electric vehicle grant where available but exclude dealer discounts, manufacturer incentives and other retail offers.

Dimensions quote vehicle width excluding exterior mirrors unless otherwise stated. Boot capacities are measured or quoted up to the parcel shelf/load cover where applicable, rather than to the roof. For seven-seat vehicles, the listed boot capacity refers to space behind the third row with all seats in use unless otherwise stated.

Power outputs are quoted in bhp, with manufacturers' kW, PS or CV figures converted where necessary. Electric driving ranges use WLTP combined figures where available.

Unless otherwise stated, vehicle images are manufacturer press photographs provided by Smart and remain the copyright of their respective owners.