Smart make a return and goes big with electric SUV

Smart has seemingly decided that enough is enough, revealing a new EV that is far bigger than what you expect from the German marque.

The Smart #1 is an all-electric crossover designed to rival the likes of the Hyundai Kona.

The #1 name, which we’re still not actually sure how you pronounce (do you say ‘hashtag?), emphasises a change in the tide for Smart.

No more tiny, two-seater go-karts; Smart is going big. The #1 is the first car to wear the Smart badge since 2014, and it symbolises the future direction of the brand.

A rear-mounted electric motor is powered by a 66kWh battery, giving the #1 a decent 200kW of power and 343Nm of torque.

According to international reports, the car can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just under seven seconds. Top speed is 180 km/h.

The range isn’t fantastic but still solid. You can expect between 420 and 440 km on a single charge.

The best part is that you can seat five people inside and have extra legroom. It’s slightly longer than a Kona, measuring 4270mm.

Much like the exterior, the inside is pretty basic. There’s the standard 12-inch touchscreen and a digital cluster behind the wheel. Hopefully, Smart offer different colour designs because the white and black option shown in their photographs aren’t the most attractive.

It’s not guaranteed to come to New Zealand, but you never know.

First, we want to know how you pronounce it.

The ‘Hashtag 1’ sure does have a catchy ring to it.