While a wave of new manufacturers from China are due to launch cars in Ireland over the coming months, one already-established European brand, Smart, is also making its debut on these shores.
Smart has sold cars in Europe for decades, and a number of UK-spec right-hand-drive Smarts have been imported into Ireland during that time, it has never had a full official presence here (aside from an early trial period that came to nothing). But that changes with the arrival of the Smart #1, a compact electric crossover tasked with reinventing the brand.
Expansion plans take shape
As the name suggests, the #1 is the first car to be introduced as part of the company's revised line-up, and Smart itself is now a joint venture between Chinese firm Geely and original company founder Mercedes-Benz.
To help facilitate Smart's entry into the Irish market, imports will be handled by Motor Distributors Ltd (MDL), the company that has been the importer for Mercedes-Benz since the 1950s and also now for BYD. Smart will be allocated space within some existing Mercedes dealerships across the country, with four franchises - Ballsbridge, Cork and North and South Dublin - handling Smart enquiries at launch. The website smartelectric.ie has also been launched with details of the #1 and Smart's next model, the slightly larger #3 coupe-crossover.
All-electric line-up
The Smart #1 is an all-electric compact crossover that's bigger than any previous model sold by the company, measuring 4.2 metres long, 1.6 metres tall and 1.8 metres wide. It's based on an all-electric platform that's been developed by Geely and is shared with the recently revealed Volvo EX30. A four-model #1 range will be available from launch, with prices starting from €37,479 for the entry-level model.
Trim levels comprise Pro, Pro+, Premium and Brabus, and there are two powertrain options offered. As standard, there's a 66kWh battery and a single electric motor making 272hp, while the Brabus version has the same battery, but a second electric motor gives it four-wheel drive and a massive 428hp. That's good for a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds, while Smart claims a range of 440km under WLTP test conditions.
There's 22kW AC charging on board alongside 150kW DC capability, which means a 10-80-per-cent charge has the potential to take less than three hours from a fast enough AC source or under 30 minutes from a high-voltage public charger.
As part of a generally sporty look, the Smart #1 has frameless doors, a large glass area and 19-inch alloy wheels, while a panoramic roof enhances the sense of spaciousness inside. The Pro, Pro+ and Premium models can be augmented by a range of personalisation options, while the Brabus increases the aggression with a sportier body kit and racier details.
The interior of the #1 features a floating centre console, while the flat floor provided by the electric powertrain means there's plenty of space for everybody inside. Up front is a 12.8-inch high-resolution central touchscreen that features all the infotainment, vehicle and climate settings. The driver benefits from 9.2-inch digital instruments and a 10-inch head-up display to help keep their eyes on the road.
Other cabin highlights include 64-colour ambient lighting, a 13-speaker stereo and a 273-litre boot, which increases to 411 litres with the sliding rear seats moved forward. There's 15 litres of storage space under the bonnet, too. Safety equipment includes Matrix LED headlights, seven airbags and an extensive driver assistance package.
With the marketing tagline of 'All electric. Never silent', Smart is hoping to gain a foothold in the Irish market with the #1 as part of its 'global expansion plan that includes an objective to establish some 300 sales and service outlets across 13 European markets'. Later this year, the #1 will be joined by the #3, a coupe-crossover that uses the same platform as the #1, but with a larger body and a sportier looking body.