11A new Smart #1 has been revealed in China with some major upgrades under the skin, all of which should be arriving on UK models in the next few months. Highlights include a massive upgrade to the car’s charging capability, plus next-gen infotainment software and some styling tweaks. The headline update for the new Smart #1 is the switch to an 800V electrical system that now facilitates much faster charging. This means the same 66kWh battery pack will top up from 10-80 per cent in just 12 minutes, down from more than 30 in the current generation. Smart has not confirmed a specific kW figure, but the new peak DC charging speed is around 360kW, based on Chinese documentation. However, while charging is much improved, the new car’s estimated range is similar to before, rated at 331 miles on the Chinese CLTC test. This equates to around 272 miles on the more stringent WLTP cycle we use here in Europe. Smart has also replaced the electric motor for a new unit developed by the brand’s part owner Geely. Peak power is rated at 328bhp with 320Nm of torque, which will get the new #1 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds. This represents an increase of 56bhp compared to the existing model in the UK, although torque is down by 23Nm. A new, more connected infotainment system has also been introduced, although the updates are specific to Chinese-market models, and it remains to be seen how much of the new car’s AI-assisted functionality will be applied to European variants. This is also true of the car’s new sensor suite, which in China includes a roof-mounted LiDAR system. Smart hasn’t fundamentally changed the #1’s styling, but there will be new colour and trim choices, fresh wheels and new LED headlights. The new variant in China is pivoting in a more luxurious direction, with softer shades and the option of a contrasting gold roof, rather than the brightly coloured options offered for today’s model. This is also reflected inside, where re-designed seats and more opulent materials have been added. 11The high-specification Brabus model will also feature some of these upgrades, but no official information on that has been revealed so far. We expect the new models to be available in the UK in the coming months. Pricing should stay at a similar level as it is currently, starting at just under £30,000 for the entry model and rising to around £44,000 or so for the Brabus.
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