After the successful launch of the smart #1, smart Malaysia continues its momentum by launching the smart #3. Building on the same platform, the #3 is a sportier and larger version of the #1. Similar to the #1, the #3 comes in three different variants: the Pro, Premium, and, of course, the Brabus edition. This time around, I’ll be checking out the entry-level smart #3 Pro to see if it’s better to buy this variant over the higher-spec version.
While the #3 carries a design language similar to that of the #1, it is actually lower and longer. This gives the #3 a sportier profile, making it look less awkward than the #1. As this is the entry-level version of the #3, it comes with reflector-style LED headlights instead of projector-style headlights. Despite being reflector-style, these headlights provide decent illumination at night. Additionally, the signature light bar has been removed on the base #3. While this does not affect the driving experience, it takes away some of the vehicle’s distinctive characteristics. 
Moving to the rear, the #3 still features full-width taillights, just like all the other #3 variants. From this angle, it can be a bit difficult to differentiate between the various #3 models. At the very least, this design choice helps maintain the vehicle’s premium appearance. As for this base-model #3, it comes with smaller 19-inch rims wrapped in 245/45 R19 tires. To be fair, these rims actually look better compared to those on the higher-spec variant. 
Stepping inside, the design language of the #3 carries an air of similarity to the #1. However, Smart has introduced some differences to set this interior apart. The most obvious change is the center AC vents—while the #1 has two horizontal vents, the #3 features three circular ones. Additionally, while the #1 comes with a white dashboard, the #3 gets a more upmarket gunmetal grey finish, giving it a more elegant look. This color choice is also much easier to maintain compared to the #1. In this base-spec variant, the ambient lighting has been removed, making it look less refined than the higher-spec #3.
But when it comes to the instrument cluster and infotainment screen, the #3 shares the same screens as the #1. The instrument cluster still measures 9.2 inches, and the infotainment screen remains 12.8 inches. Since the instrument cluster is similar to the one in the #1, it’s easy to get used to. The graphics are also similar, so all the information is located exactly where you expect it to be. However, this base-spec variant misses out on the head-up display. At least the instrument cluster is present, making it less distracting than models that integrate the instrument cluster into the infotainment screen. 
As for the infotainment screen, it is essentially the same as in the #1. However, in the #3, the graphics have been slightly altered—the fox in the #1 has been replaced by a cheetah in the #3. Otherwise, the system remains largely unchanged, making it easy for me to adapt to. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available. However, in this base-spec variant, the Beats premium audio system has been omitted from the #3. That said, the sound quality is still quite decent for enjoying your favorite tunes. 
Sitting in the driver’s seat, it feels really comfortable. I like that the driver’s section provides a cockpit-like snugness, yet you still get a commanding view of the road. The seats offer a good amount of support, especially on the sides. However, the seat bottom is on the shorter side, which reduces some thigh support for me as a driver. At least it’s not uncomfortable at all, even over long distances. As for the rear seats, the #3 comes with a rear seat that’s significantly better than the EX30’s. You get a more ergonomic seating position, along with plenty of legroom and headroom for tall passengers. As of now, the #3 has the best rear seats compared to its siblings built on the same platform. 
Behind the rear seats, the #3 offers 370 liters of boot space, which is 100 liters more than the smart #1. This isn’t particularly large for a vehicle of this size, but it’s sufficient for most small families. The rear seats can also be folded down to expand the cargo space to 1,160 liters if needed. Under the hood, there is an additional 15-liter frunk, providing extra storage for items you may not want to keep inside the cabin. As the #3 Pro is the entry-level model, it comes with a single rear-mounted electric motor. The battery size has been reduced to 49 kWh, offering a theoretical range of 343 km. The single electric motor produces 268 hp and 343 Nm of torque. This allows the #3 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h. 
Even with this single-motor setup, I don’t think you’d call the #3 Pro a slouch at all. The vehicle is quite powerful, thanks to the high torque from the electric motor. The single-motor setup makes the #3 Pro an easy vehicle to drive, as it doesn’t aggressively push you into the seat when accelerating. This really helps with applying power to the road. Being rear-wheel drive, the car experiences minimal wheel spin when accelerating from a standstill. Additionally, the single-motor setup is very efficient, as the battery only needs to power one electric motor. However, for this Pro variant, the battery size is rather small, so the range is limited. Despite its claimed 320 km range, I frequently needed to stop at a fast charger. In real-world tests, I suspect the #3 Pro is only good for about 290 km of range.
When you compare the ride of the #3 to the #1, I can really tell that the #3 comes with a much-improved suspension setup. In fact, I would say that the #3 rides more like the EX30 than the #1. The #3 handles bumps in a much more sophisticated manner, settling down quickly yet smoothly. This is not just the result of the retuned suspension; I believe the extended wheelbase of the #3 also contributes. The #3 also demonstrated a composed demeanor when taken through corners. The steering feels direct and provides adequate feedback on the front wheels. However, I think Smart could refine the steering feel, as it felt a tad artificial for my liking. That said, I do think the #3 handles twisty sections quite well for a vehicle of its size.
And to slow the #3 down, it comes with very well-tuned brakes. I like the fact that I can tell when the regenerative brakes end and the physical brakes begin. This allows me to modulate the brakes much better, and I can use the regenerative brakes to their full potential. I also like that the #3 allows me to coast when I lift off the throttle pedal, making driving more efficient. Additionally, I have more control over when I want the brakes to engage.
In true Smart tradition, all #3 models come with a full suite of driver assistance systems. However, just like the #1, they can feel a bit intrusive, as all systems are on by default every time you enter the vehicle. That said, I discovered a way to disable some of the more intrusive ADAS features, making the experience more enjoyable. The #3 comes standard with Automatic Parking Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Mitigation (FCM), Highway Assist (HWA), and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA). 
With an entry-level price tag of RM 175,000, the smart #3 is actually a much better vehicle than the regular #1. With the #3, you’ll definitely get more space while maintaining similar performance to the #1. For me, this entry-level variant may not be the best choice, as it lacks many features. I think the Premium variant would be a much better option since you get most of the nice features that the Brabus version has. And of course, the Premium variant also offers a much better range than the entry-level model. The base #3 does feel a little underwhelming when you start noticing what you’re missing out on in the higher-spec variants. But as an EV itself, I think I like it way more than the #1 or the EX30, even though they share many similar components.
Check out the full photo album here. 
