Summary
The Smart #3 is an all-electric five-door crossover that arrived in the UK in Autumn 2024. It’s basically the sleeker sibling of the Smart #1 that was launched a year previously.
The #3 (pronounced “Hashtag Three”, not “Number Three”) is the second model in Smart’s resurrection after the #1. No, we don’t know what happened to the #2. The next model to be launched will be called the #5, so maybe Smart just doesn’t like even numbers.
There are four trim levels – Pro, Pro+, Premium and the top-spec Brabus model, which produces about 430hp from two electric motors and will hit 62mph from a standing start in less than four seconds.
However, as with the #1, the touchscreen control unit has brought much criticism from critics. Honest John describes it as a “counter-intuitive infotainment system”, while Redfern agrees that the “multi-layered and confusing touchscreen media system lets the side down.”
Car summarises the #3 as “a perfectly-fine-if-not-amazing-in-any-area kind of car hampered by clunky tech”, while Sam Burnett at Top Gear concludes that “it’s all rather style led without being at all distinctive”.
As of November 2024, the Smart #3 holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 78%. It scores top marks for its excellent safety rating and zero tailpipe emissions, while running costs are also low. However, media review scores have been poor, which stops the #3 from rivalling the very top-rated cars in the Expert Rating Index.
Smart #3 highlights
- Plenty of on-board tech as standard
- More spacious inside than #1
- Strong performance, particularly top-spec Brabus
- Cheaper than its key rivals
Smart #3 lowlights
- Touchscreen system cops plenty of criticism
- Small boot
- Standard models are not that exciting to drive
- Silly naming system
Key specifications
Body style: Medium coupé-SUV/crossover
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £32,950 on-road
Launched: Spring 2024
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 84%
Safety assist: 85%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of November 2024, the Smart #3 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of November 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Smart #3 to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the #3, we’ll publish the results here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 259 miles | B | 202 – 283 miles | B – B |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.1 m/KWh | C | 3.9 – 4.3 m/KWh | B – C |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £303 | C |
| Year 2 | £623 | B |
| Year 3 | £988 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,251 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,568 | B |
| Overall | £4,733 | B |
The Smart #1 should be a fairly cheap car to own and run, according to exclusive data provided to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon in a petrol or diesel car) is only average, but a decent-sized battery provides plenty of range for local driving.
Insurance premiums and initial servicing costs are also fairly middling, but servicing should improve relative to other cars after the first year.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Smart #3, you might also be interested in these alternatives
BMW iX2 | Citroën ë-C4 X | Cupra Tavascan | DS 3 E-Tense | Honda e:Ny1 | Jeep Avenger | Kia Niro EV | Kia EV3 | Mazda MX-30 | Mini Aceman | Peugeot e-2008 | Renault Mégane E-Tech | Smart #1 | Vauxhall Mokka Electric | Volkswagen ID.3
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Smart #3 at The Car Expert
Buy a Smart #3
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Car subscriptions
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Credit : www.thecarexpert.co.uk
