The smart showroom is designed with a minimalist aesthetic, enhanced by natural lighting that creates an open and welcoming environment. Visitors can explore various features of the vehicles and view paint swatches, as well as browse a range of official smart-branded merchandise.

At the grand opening event, guests were given an exclusive first look at the smart #3, smart’s inaugural SUV coupé. This model distinguishes itself with a sportier appearance, a spacious interior, a halo roof, and an AI-integrated infotainment system. The smart #3 offers an impressive range of 415 to 435 km per charge (WLTP Combined).

Wilfrid Foo, Managing Director of Cycle & Carriage Singapore, expressed his enthusiasm for the brand’s future in Singapore, stating, “With smart’s commitment to exploring the best solutions for future urban mobility, we are confident that the smart brand will continuously surprise the Singapore market with a variety of cars that will suit different customer groups and lifestyles. The opening of the smart showroom at the Mercedes-Benz Center also widens our premium product offerings, putting them under ‘one house’, providing more options for consumers.”

The smart #3 represents a sportier evolution of the “Sensual Producty” design philosophy, crafted by the Mercedes-Benz Global Design Team. Its exterior is defined by sleek lines and athletic curves, optimised for aerodynamic performance. With a longer wheelbase, the smart #3 provides more rear-seat space, comparable to that of a luxury saloon.

The 12.8-inch central display offers ambient lighting options, allowing for a personalised in-car experience. Awarded a 5-star rating in the 2023 Euro NCAP tests, the smart #3 is equipped with smart Pilot Assist, which includes 18 intelligent driving assistance features for enhanced safety in urban traffic scenarios.

Cycle & Carriage Singapore will offer the smart #3 in two versions: the Pro+ and the BRABUS. The smart #3 Pro+ delivers impressive performance with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, while the BRABUS variant achieves the same in a mere 3.7 seconds. The battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes, providing a range of 415 to 435 km on a full charge (WLTP Combined).

In addition to viewing the cars up close, customers visiting the showroom on the weekend of September 14th and 15th can enjoy various activities and take advantage of exclusive, limited-time deals offering added value worth up to $10,000.

The showroom is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, except on Sundays, when it operates from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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Smart, for most of us, means the ForTwo, that tiny urban two-seater that was supposed to revolutionise city mobility. It had a quirky charm, and some people thought it represented the future. 

Unfortunately, not enough people thought that way, and it never really became the success story Mercedes hoped for. Yet, for reasons best known to them, they couldn’t let it go, despite losing money on it pretty much the whole time.

A new chapter begins

Then, in June 2020, Smart Europe GmbH was reborn, this time as a 50:50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Chinese giant Geely. This is the same Geely that owns Lotus and Volvo, so you can bet this Smart is going to have some shared DNA embedded in it.

And their plan was to bid farewell to the ForTwo, abandon the original idea of radical city cars, and jump into the booming crossover market just like everyone else.

It sure looks unique

The Smart #1 Brabus is a carefully targeted car from a carefully targeted brand. In many ways, Smart has looked at what BMW did with MINI and gone for a similar vibe.

MINI was once all about clever small cars but shifted to retro coolness. Mercedes has taken a page from that playbook, and they have even gone a step further with this Brabus edition.

Yes, this is an official Brabus product, but it’s not quite what you’d expect. No longer just about performance, Brabus is now positioned as the flagship variant. You’ll recognise it by its aero-spec 19-inch wheels, sporty body kit with an extended spoiler, and signature red accents. It even has fake vents in front of the bonnet.

And loaded with tech

There’s quite a lot going on inside the cabin of the Smart #1, even if at first glance it might look a tad minimalist. Nearly everything is controlled through a central 12.8-inch infotainment screen, which comes standard regardless of trim level.

It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chipset, the kind of hardware usually reserved for gaming systems. Fancy. But the home screen is also a bit overloaded with information, and the graphics can feel a little overwhelming.

On the plus side, the screen is incredibly responsive, and Smart has wisely placed shortcuts to climate controls along the bottom. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available if you so wish, and Smart’s over-the-air updates should make it easy to patch in new features down the line.

But here’s where things get tricky. Some essential functions are buried deep within the system’s submenus. For instance, if you want to silence the enthusiastic fake engine noise, you’ll have to embark on a digital treasure hunt.

And adjusting the side mirrors requires a tap on the screen and a few button presses on the steering wheel; similar to Tesla, and more convoluted than necessary.

The Brabus trim treats you to a quality Beats audio system, and the cabin materials are generally pleasant to the touch. It even gets swathes of Alcantara. 

One thing we did appreciate was the high centre console, which hides two cupholders, a large storage bin, and a thoughtfully angled induction charging pad. And in terms of driving position and seat comfort, there’s very little to grumble about.

Is it practical? Sort of.

If you’re planning to ferry passengers around, the Smart #1 Brabus is a surprisingly good choice. There’s generous head and legroom in the rear seats, and getting in is easy thanks to wide door openings. Plus, you can slide your feet comfortably under the front seats, even when they’re set low.

The rear bench is a 60:40 split and can slide forward to increase boot space at the expense of legroom. But, while the boot offers a claimed 411 litres of space, the actual usable area isn’t great.

The floor is high, and the parcel shelf sits low, making it awkward for cargo ingress. And when you slide the seats forward, there’s an awkward gap between them and the raised boot floor.

There’s a tiny 15-litre frunk, but that’s really only useful for stashing the charging cables. Not much else is going to fit in there.

But what annoyed us the most?

Ah, the driver alert system. You can turn it off via the menus, but it has a stubborn habit of defaulting back to “on” each time the car power cycles.

There’s a camera on the steering wheel that monitors your face, and if it thinks you’re not paying attention, it bongs loudly and flashes the message “Distractive. Drive carefully.” Smart says it’s working on fixing the grammar. We say they should also dial back the sensitivity.

Even if you’re at a junction glancing right to check for traffic (as you do), the car decides you’re distracted. You get scolded for simply trying to drive safely. It’s ironic, really. So many of the car’s functions are buried within that centre screen, and yet if you look at it for too long, it yells at you. After a few rounds of this, you’ll be ready to tear your hair out.

All in all, the Smart #1 has a lot to offer but also has a few quirks that might test your patience.

Where’s the fun Brabus bit

Brabus and Smart have history, though it’s mostly been Brabus dressing up the Smart models with sporty touches while staying hands-off under the hood. This time, however, the Brabus version packs 422bhp, which feels a bit over-the-top for a small family crossover.

This translates to a century sprint time of 3.9 seconds. In a crossover. It’s bonkers, yes, but do you need all that speed? Probably not.

Yet, in this case, the extra power does give the car added character.

The Smart #1 Brabus doesn’t just go faster, it feels more composed. Thanks to the AWD system, it has better traction and body control, which translates into more confident handling, especially in the wet.

Sure, it’s not a hardcore sports car, but it’s more stable than its Pro+ rear-drive sibling. And if you do push it, the rear motor will give you a playful little kick before the traction control reins things in. It’s not bad at all, especially considering the 1,900kg kerbweight.

So it drives well then?

Surprisingly well, actually. The suspension is soft, but the damping is well-judged, meaning the #1 hides its weight better than you’d expect. The wheels are pushed out to the corners, keeping the heft within the wheelbase, so it feels stable and predictable in corners.

There’s no steering feel to speak of (welcome to the world of electric cars) but it’s quiet, composed, and generally well-mannered at higher speeds. 

The suspension is tuned on the softer side, and there’s enough tyre sidewall to absorb the bumps, which keeps things relatively cushy on uneven roads. It’s also quiet, with little noise from the tyres or wind, so you can enjoy a peaceful ride.

There’s one annoyance though: the regenerative braking. It’s smooth at higher speeds but becomes grabby and unpredictable at low speeds, making it tricky to drive smoothly in stop-start traffic. The adaptive cruise control doesn’t help either; jerky and not very intelligent. You’re better off just using your right foot.

In terms of drive modes, you’ve got Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Brabus. None of them really transforms the driving experience aside from throttle response, slight steering weight changes, and a more pronounced “faux engine note”.

There’s also a Standard and Strong regenerative braking option, but the difference is minimal. One-pedal driving? Not really. Even with the e-Pedal mode on, the regen isn’t strong enough to bring you to a quick stop, so you’ll still be using the brake pedal more often than not.

What about efficiency?

Smart claims 5.5 km/kWh for the Brabus, which is pretty average for an EV. In real-world conditions, expect around 4.4km/kWh in mixed driving. It’s not the most aerodynamic thing on the road, so efficiency takes a hit.

And I mean, you have the Brabus variant, why not stomp your right foot every now and then?

It’s got character

The Smart #1 Brabus manages to stand out from the crowd with its playful character and addictive power delivery. The funky styling might not be as bonkers as the Smarts of yesteryears, but the new generation is well-made and practical.

If you’re looking for something more whimsical and fun, the Brabus variant is something you should have on your shopping list.

Technical Specifications

Smart #1 electric Brabus

Powertrain: Two Electric Motor, All-Wheel Drive

Power: 315kW (422bhp)
Torque: 543Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 3.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: Unknown
Battery Capacity: 66 kWh
Drive Range: 400 km
Energy Consumption: 5.5 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$245,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Smart Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Cycle & Carriage Singapore announced the launch of local sales for the smart #1 Pro+ and the smart #1 BRABUS at VivoCity today.

The smart #1 Pro+ is priced at $207,000 (inclusive of COE), while the smart #1 BRABUS will start selling at $242,000 (inclusive of COE), for the first 20 units.

The two all-electric, intelligent, premium compact Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) will be Smart Automobile’s first electric vehicles (EVs) to be sold in Singapore, since Cycle & Carriage Singapore was appointed as their general distributor in January 2024.

Designed by Mercedes-Benz’s Global design team and engineered by Smart Automobile’s research and development team, smart’s all-EV portfolio will be riding on the crest of the green mobility wave in Singapore.

Mr Wilfrid Foo, Managing Director, Cycle & Carriage Singapore, said, “We are excited to bring the smart #1 to the Singapore market. smart represents a new definition of premium EVs, bringing together the best of the East and the West through its ingenious design language and innovative engineering.”

“We envision that the smart #1 will appeal to the discerning consumers who are familiar with the Cycle & Carriage ethos, and have a deep, refined appreciation of premium craftsmanship, thoughtful interior, and exterior composition, as well as cutting-edge technology.”

Taking place at Vivocity from now till 28 April 2024, the smart #1 roadshow goes beyond a traditional automotive pop-up at a shopping mall.

The inclusion of interactive lifestyle booths called Smart Active, smart Beats, and Smart Style, aims to showcase how this EV integrates seamlessly with urban culture and complements the spirit of co-creation.

These activities, including photo booths, workshops and silent disco, are organised in collaboration with brand partners, Beats by Dre and Puma Golf, as well as Smart’s renowned merchandise label, Smart Idea.

At the launch event, smart announced the first batch of ‘smart Inspiring Creators’, including actress Sheila Sim, Kiss92 radio host Daphne Khoo, entertainment industry veteran Paul Foster, and musician Daniel Sid.

These inspiring trend-setters will echo the vision of the smart by embodying the spirit of co-creation. The car will also be a feature at the Sunset Cinema event which will take place at Tanjong Beach, Sentosa from 25 April to 12 May 2024.

Check out our previous article for more information, or head down to Vivocity to see and experience the smart #1 up close.

Photo Credits: smart Singapore, Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Cycle & Carriage and smart Automobile officially unveiled the smart #1 Pro+ and the smart #1 BRABUS for the first time in Singapore on Thursday, 28 March 2024, during a media event at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore.

The smart #1 Pro+ and the smart #1 BRABUS will be the company’s first electric vehicles (EV) to be sold in Singapore since Cycle & Carriage was announced as their general distributor.

The smart #1 range of all-electric, intelligent, urban Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) has been developed with city drivers in mind, with its modern design recognised at the 2023 Red Dot Awards for Product Design and at iF Design Awards in the Product – Automobiles/Vehicles category.

Local sales of the smart #1 will start from the end of April 2024.

Representatives from Cycle & Carriage and smart Automobile commenced their partnership with an official signing of the distribution agreement between the two companies at the media event, as they look to establish a foothold in the fast-growing EV market in Singapore.

“Through this partnership, we hope to bring exciting automobile concepts that will engage and entice our community of car enthusiasts, as we look to reimagine the future of motoring,” said Mr Wilfrid Foo, Managing Director, Cycle & Carriage Singapore.

“Over the years, we have developed a robust electric mobility ecosystem in Singapore, including refinements in our aftersales services for EVs, investment in e-logistics and exploring collaborations to experiment with other forms of green mobility.”

“smart is not just an addition to this ecosystem but will become a key partner as we champion EVs.”

“Now is the right time for smart to expand into Singapore,” added Ms Mandy Zhang, Global Chief Marketing Officer, smart Automobile.

“With Cycle & Carriage’s strong and diversified presence in Southeast Asia, and its established position as the largest automotive group in Singapore, we have found the ideal trusted partner to quickly integrate and tap into the growing wave of car owners looking to transit to EVs.”

“This is part of our broader efforts to hold true to our vision of exploring the best solutions for future urban mobility.”

The smart #1 Pro+ has a range of over 400km and packs a punch, with the capability to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds for the base model.

In addition, the urban SUV’s interior is designed to maximise the sense of space, with frameless doors, a floating halo roof, ambient light and a floating centre console.

Moreover, the car is equipped with advanced, human-centric technology such as a customised infotainment user interface, AI-based voice control, and a dedicated app environment.

Automotive enthusiasts will be familiar with the brand name BRABUS.

BRABUS has a famed history of customisation and tuning, and have partnered with prominent automobile brands, especially Mercedes-Benz, to produce unique luxury supercars for thrill seekers.

In the same vein, the smart #1 BRABUS, has a peak power output of 428hp, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The car will also be kitted with specially-tuned chassis, BRABUS-designed seats, Alcantara-lined steering wheel, and plated pedals. This collaboration
highlights smart’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.

In the lead-up to the launch of the showroom at Level 3 of the Mercedes-Benz Centre in the second half of 2024, car enthusiasts can look forward to a “smart” series of events, which includes the official car launch at VivoCity shopping centre in April and pop-ups in popular shopping centres.

In addition, smart will partner with events such as Sunset Cinema at Tanjong Beach, Sentosa, as well as institutions like LASALLE College of the Arts, to showcase smart’s ethos of inspiring and recognising future talents, while exposing the brand to a diverse community of car enthusiasts.

More details of these initiatives will be announced via smart Singapore’s Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and website.

Photo Credits: smart Singapore, smart

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